Blackboard Unveils Accessibility Tool

Blackboard Ally

Blackboard Ally's accessibility scan

Blackboard is releasing an accessibility tool that it plans to make available for all major learning management systems. Blackboard Ally integrates with the LMS and automatically checks course materials for common accessibility issues.

The tool then generates various accessible formats for the instructional content, including Semantic HTML, audio, ePub and electronic Braille, and offers guidance for improving accessibility of the original materials. Data analytics report on overall content accessibility at the course and institutional levels.

"We recognize that providing access to accessible content can be a significant challenge for both instructors and institutions," said Nicolaas Matthijs, product manager of Blackboard Ally, in a statement. "The goal with Blackboard Ally is to increase awareness of course content accessibility and provide support for teaching students of all learning styles and abilities."

Blackboard Ally is already in use at more than 30 institutions across the country, according to the company. It is currently available in the latest release of Blackboard Learn (Original experience) and the Canvas LMS. It will also be part of the MoodleRooms 3.2 release later this year, with additional platforms planned in the future.

For more information, go to the Blackboard site.

About the Author

Rhea Kelly is editor in chief for Campus Technology, THE Journal, and Spaces4Learning. She can be reached at [email protected].

Featured

  • stylized illustration of an open guidebook with a glowing AI symbol hovering above

    ED Releases Toolkit for Intentional Use of AI in Education

    The United States Department of Education's Office of Educational Technology has released a new resource to help education leaders navigate AI adoption while ensuring student protection.

  • A child surrounded by glowing, fluid virtual patterns and holographic shapes, illuminated in a dark gradient environment of blue, purple, and pink.

    ClassVR Gets Expanded VR/AR Content Library

    Avantis Education has announced a new content library for its ClassVR virtual and augmented reality platform. Dubbed Eduverse+, the library features four content suites — EduverseAI, WildWorld, STEAM3D, and CareerHub — that can be tailored to suit a variety of educational levels.

  • Two figures, one male and one female, stand beside a transparent digital interface displaying AI symbols like neural networks, code, and a shield, against a clean blue gradient background.

    Microsoft-IDC Report Makes Business Case for Responsible AI

    A report commissioned by Microsoft and published last month by research firm IDC notes that 91% of organizations use AI tech and expect more than a 24% improvement in customer experience, business resilience, sustainability, and operational efficiency due to AI in 2024.

  • abstract geometric pattern of glowing interconnected triangles, hexagons, and circles in blue, gold, and white, spread across a dark navy-to-black gradient background

    OpenAI Introduces 'Operator' AI for Performing Web Tasks

    OpenAI has announced "Operator," an AI agent designed to perform web-based tasks autonomously using its own browser. Currently available as a research preview for Pro users in the United States, the tool aims to automate everyday activities such as filling out forms, ordering groceries, and even creating memes.