EasyConverter Case Study: Providing teaching and learning materials in alternative formats with EasyConverter

The Scottish North and East Regional Support Centre (RSC) have been making a real difference by promoting the use of alternative formats to its member organisations through the addition of its AltCollections web space.

AltCollections (external link) is a digital repository of alternative format learning and teaching materials, providing a one-stop shop for teaching staff and learners to gain access to a range of relevant learning and teaching materials in alternative formats from one centralised web space. AltCollections provides materials in large print, Braille, DAISY and MP3 alternative formats, and what's more, all of the materials available on the AltCollections website have been created using Dolphin EasyConverter.

"The benefits of using EasyConverter is that it's so much easier and less time consuming than my previous methods. The innovative interface makes it easy to convert to a range of formats."
(Craig Mill, RSC North and East)

The use of EasyConverter shows a marked improvement in the ease at which the RSC are able to create alternative format materials; Craig Mill, E-Learning Adviser at the RSC North and East comments:

"Before EasyConverter, it was difficult to create different formats, apart from basic text files and large print in Microsoft Word... Converting to DAISY was particularly difficult but EasyConverter makes the process accurate and simple."

The importance of structuring source files

The RSC's success in using EasyConverter is largely down to their considered approach to inputting well structured files for conversion. Because of this, the RSC can complete each conversion with absolute ease. Craig comments:

"I always try to ensure that the original materials have been appropriately formatted with headings and styles. I then use EasyConverter to convert the materials into alternative formats. Using EasyConverter is the most convenient and easiest way to convert materials - a simple but effective one click solution!"

Promoting the use of Alternative Formats

The RSC not only produces their own alternative format resources, but also encourage others to give alternative format production a go for themselves. Craig continues:

"I would recommend EasyConverter's use particularly as a way for colleges to convert material for learning and teaching purposes and also for marketing departments so they can make all the marketing resources, including prospectuses available to a diverse group of students. I would also recommend the use of MP3 and DAISY formats as a useful learning format for students with literacy difficulties, particularly dyslexia. I think that having access to a range of accessible formats benefits everyone, not just visually impaired people."

Building Alternative Format Resources for the Future

AltCollections has already received an array of interest from teachers and college lecturers, and Craig plans to increase the number of materials online to meet this demand:

"There are currently over 100 hundred different types of materials uploaded to AltCollections. The most recent set of uploads is a number of Scottish Colleges Learning and Teaching packs - this is the first time these materials have ever been made available in alternative formats. It is envisaged that the amount of materials will continue to grow."

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