Student Use Cases of Alternative Formats
This section offers practical examples to help instructors and administrators demonstrate how alternative formats support diverse learning preferences, enhance flexibility, and improve access for all students—not just those with formal accommodations. These examples can be used to initiate classroom discussions or shared in announcements to encourage students to select the format that best suits their needs.
Mobile Device Users
Description: Students who frequently use smartphones or tablets to access course materials.
Recommended formats:
HTML: Adapts to screen size, eliminating the need to zoom or scroll. Can be downloaded for offline access.
Audio: Enables students to listen to content on the go.
Students with Vision Impairments
Description: Students who use assistive technologies such as screen readers, magnifiers, or Braille displays to access content.
Recommended formats:
Audio: Supports auditory learning.
ePub: Offers customizable display settings and text-to-speech functionality.
Braille Ready Format (BRF): Compatible with refreshable Braille displays.
Tagged PDF: Provides structured content for screen readers.
Microsoft Immersive Reader: Allows for text customization and read-aloud features.
BeeLine Reader: Applies color gradients to reduce visual fatigue.
Students with Active or Mobile Lifestyles
Description: Students who commute, balance caregiving or work responsibilities, or prefer to study while exercising.
Recommended formats:
Audio: Ideal for multitasking—can be used while commuting, exercising, or doing household tasks.
HTML: Optimized for mobile use and accessible offline.
ePub: Allows for highlighting and note-taking while reading or listening.
International Students
Description: Students whose primary language differs from the course language, or family members assisting with coursework.
Recommended formats:
Translated Version: Available in over 70 languages.
ePub + Audio: Enables simultaneous reading and listening to aid comprehension.
Immersive Reader: Enhances language understanding through visual cues like part-of-speech highlighting and syllable breakdown.
Students Experiencing Eye Strain
Description: Students who spend extended periods on screens and experience visual fatigue.
Recommended formats:
BeeLine Reader: Reduces eye strain with color gradient text.
Audio: Offers a screen-free way to engage with content.
ePub / Immersive Reader: Both support text-to-speech for auditory learning.
Students with Caregiving Responsibilities
Description: Students who care for children or family members and need flexible study options.
Recommended formats:
Audio: Enables learning during caregiving tasks such as cooking or driving.
HTML: Mobile-friendly and accessible offline—ideal for use during short breaks or while waiting.
Students Who Take Notes or Highlight Content
Description: Students who prefer to annotate or highlight content to reinforce learning or for future reference.
Recommended formats:
ePub: Supports highlighting and note-taking.
HTML: Allows for split-screen use with note-taking apps.
Tagged/OCR PDFs: Compatible with annotation tools like Adobe Acrobat for adding notes, highlights, and comments.