A - Z Guide to Digital Tools

Sometimes launching a document can be quite daunting when you are met with lots to get through and there are times when the document might not suit your learning preference or you require a different format for your document. 

With documents placed on Blackboard, we aim to provide an inclusive learning environment where you learn in a way that fits you. To do, throughout your learning journey at the University of Staffordshire, when accessing a document, look out for the accessibility 'A' to access alternative formats for your documents! You can find this arrow on documents on the top right or when choosing a document to open. 

Several alternative formats can be accessed depending on the type of document, however, there is a core set of formats that will always be accessible. 

HTML

HTML allows you to download a blackboard onto your device. This can be handy to access if you need to work from a mobile device like phones or tablets as it formats the document to fit properly to your device.

E-Pub 

Converts the document into an offline version that allows you to access the document on the move, great for reading during commutes!

Audio Documents

Audio versions of documents offer users the advantage of convenient, on-the-go access to content, enhancing accessibility for individuals with visual impairments, those on the move, or anyone who prefers to listen rather than read.

Beeline Reader 

Beeline Reader is a great way to experiment to test your reading style as it highlights words. It is a visual aid tool designed to improve reading speed and comprehension, particularly for individuals (but not limited to) with dyslexia or other reading difficulties. It uses a colour-coding technique to guide the reader's eyes across the text, making it easier to track and follow lines of text.

Immersive Reader

Immersive reader is a visual and audio way to read through the material. You can adjust the size of the text and the speed of the audio by pressing the cog at the bottom. 

Additional Alternative Formats 

There can be the option to access other alternative formats as well like PDF OCR, PDF Tagged and Electronic Braille. Both of the PDF types will take either a hand-drawn/written document and convert it into standard text for screen reading.