If you need to have accessible tools to access MyBeckett while you are waiting for your DSA assessment or equipment, here are tips and tricks to help with MyBeckett using your personal devices.
Please note these features described in this FAQ (frequently asked questions) are for everybody to use and these tips are aimed to make learning accessible for all.
- Your devices have inbuilt accessibility tools and content on MyBeckett is built with accessibility in mind. All users of MyBeckett can access the File Transformer tool, described below in more detail but please take a look at it to explore it yourself.
- MyBeckett is powered by Blackboard Learn and is web adaptive to present to your devices screen size. Within your modules and communities there is also a tool that allows you to download content using the Alternative Formats tool (this tool is called Ally).
- We recommend using Google Chrome browser to access MyBeckett, you can also download the Blackboard Learn app (available via Apple store and Google Play), the push notifications are helpful to get alerts when new announcements and/or content.
File Transformer
Transform your files into formats that work for you, via File Transformer located under Assist on the Main menu of MyBeckett. It will transform these file types PDF, DOC, DOCX, PPT, PPTX, HTML.
These are the alternative formats to choose from:
Immersive Reader
This is a tool that makes text easier to read and understand by allowing users to customise the way text appears, including personalising the font, spacing, and background colour. Text-to-speech: Immersive Reader will also read text aloud, break words into syllables, and highlight different parts of speech, with options to change the accent, language and speed of the speech.
You can access Immersive Reader from any device via Edge Browser and you can download the Edge browser if you are not using Windows device: Microsoft Edge free download [opens in new window].
Beeline Reader
Enhanced version for faster and more focused on-screen reading.
OCRed PDF
Makes scanned documents searchable and more readable. Reduces file size.
Tagged PDF
Open DOC or PPT files without Microsoft ® Office. Improves use with assistive technology and helps reduce bandwith.
Audio
MP3 version for listening on personal devices, or when you want to take a break from reading.
- You prefer to listen than read.
- You’re an auditory learner.
- You want to read and listen to the content at the same time.
- You have a lot of material to read and find your eyes get tired.
- You read on your commute.
- You don’t want to, or can’t, carry print materials for any length of time.
- You have a visual impairment.
ePub
For reading and annotating as an e-book on an iPad and other e-book readers.
ePub is compatible with these mobile devices apps:
Apple store: EasyReader, iBooks, NaturalReader, Thorium Reader, and Voice Dream
Google Play: EasyReader, Lithium and Voice Aloud Reader
What are the benefits of ePub?
Readers can take notes, highlight content, adjust text and background, and in some cases use text-to-speech.
Maybe these sound like you. If so, ePub is a good option.
- You want to adjust font size and background colour.
- You want to highlight content, take notes, and bookmark important pages.
- You want to be able to copy, paste, and search text.
- You want to use text-to-speech and adjust the speed of the speech.
- You prefer to read.
- You read on your commute.
Electronic braille
BRF version for tactile reading on electronic braille displays.
HTML
Mobile-friendly responsive version for easier reading in browser and on mobile devices.
Visit this webpage to learn more about Alternative Formats [opens in new window] which also provides suggestions of apps that you can download to your devices.
Alternative Formats via MyBeckett within your Modules and Communities
Next to each content item there is the option called Alternative Downloads. The icon is a capital letter A and a down arrow - clicking on this icon to choose the best format for you to read the content.
The formats generated depend on the original content type.
Here is a break down of the formats based on your specific need:
Adjust audio playback speed
Audio MP3, Immersive Reader.
Adjust text, font, and background colour
ePub, HTML (Mobile), Immersive Reader.
Commuting / Driving Audio
MP3, Immersive Reader.
Commuting / learning on the go
Audio MP3, Beeline Reader, Immersive Reader, ePub, PDF (OCR, Tagged), Translated version.
Copy, paste, and search
ePub, PDF (OCR, Tagged), Translated version.
Different language
Immersive Reader, Translated version.
Format adapts to device, responsive
Beeline Reader, ePub, PDF (OCR, Tagged).
Highlighting, note taking, and bookmarking
ePub, PDF (OCR, Tagged).
Listening only
Audio MP3, Immersive Reader.
Mobile device
Audio MP3, Beeline Reader, ePub, HTML.
Offline
Audio MP3, Beeline Reader, ePub, PDF (OCR, Tagged), Translated version.
Electronic Braille, ePub, PDF (OCR, Tagged), Translated version.
Reading only
Audio MP3, Beeline Reader, ePub, PDF (OCR, Tagged), Translated version.
Text to speech with speed adjustment
Immersive Reader, ePub, PDF (OCR, Tagged), Translated version.
Also, see this FAQ on using Immersive Reader in Word, Outlook, OneNote and Teams.
NB: You might not see every alternative format in your list of choices to download.
The following video describes all of the format options (captions available)
Video length 2.45 minutes. Navigate to 0.25 seconds for the relevant start point.
Top Tips
- Keyboard shortcut Immersive Reader = F9 in Edge browser
- Keyboard shortcut Read Aloud = Ctrl + Shift + U in Edge browser
Read aloud
You can also add the prefix read:// to the beginning of the URL in the address bar and Enter.
Example URL to activate Immersive Reader:
read://https://libanswers.leedsbeckett.ac.uk/faq/243635
This will open the library FAQ: What is “Immersive Reader” and how do I use it? [opens in new window] in Immersive Reader.
If you use Chrome browser try adding read:// at the beginning of the URL and it will prompt to open in Edge browser on windows.
Reader mode for Mac OS
You can use Safari Reader to view a webpage article in one page, formatted for easy reading and presented without navigation or other distractions. You can adjust the background colour, font and font size. A table of contents and summary are shown for longer articles.
