May 29, 2025 (2:00 PM - 3:00 PM)
**Date**: 29 May 2025 10:00 EDT / 15:00 EST\
**Location:** [https://tinyurl.com/AllyUG](https://tinyurl.com/AllyUG)\
[Register for the session](https://learn.anthology.com/ally-user-group)
## Understanding Students' Use of Alternative File Formats
Stuart Hepplestone, Digital Education & Service Development Manager, Sheffield Hallam University
This session reports findings from a research project undertaken at Sheffield Hallam University that evaluated how students used Ally alternative file formats and their perceived benefits of the overall service.
The study explored what alternative file formats students chose to use, and which formats did not prove popular. It also looked at whether students were familiar with the full range of alternative formats available, the benefits of these different formats, and if they understood the best formats for their individual needs, devices, and learning preferences. The study questioned whether the information that Ally provides alongside each possible alternative format is helpful and meaningful in enabling students to choose the most appropriate format, whether students would like to see an expanded choice in alternative file formats, and if it might be beneficial to their learning needs to have the option to download alternative file formats when accessing other types of content in Blackboard.
The outcomes of the project include communication and rollout strategies for the use of alternative file formats, best practice recommendations for academics providing content to their students, and product improvements and enhancement ideas.