Ally 2.11.0 and 2.11.1 Release Features

Download Original File is Now Available from the Alternative Formats Dialog

Release date: Production: Week of December 16th
Impact: Learners, Administrators 
Updated Topic: Alternative Formats and Usage Report

Learners

Learners now have the option to download the original file version of a file uploaded by their instructor directly from the Alternative Formats download dialog without having to navigate back to the course. Selecting the download icon next to the file name downloads the file.

Image 1: Download alternative formats dialog

Download icon next to originally uploaded file in the Download Alternative Formats modal

Administrators

Administrators can track the usage of this feature within the Usage Report Export, available in the Institutional Report. This counts in the total downloads and shows as Original File in the distribution as part of overall engagement. This data is useful for institutions that want to analyze how alternative formats are being used.

Image 2: Ally Usage Report

Ally Usage Report with Original File download data

Availability: This feature is now available for file content in Blackboard but does not apply to WYSIWYG/Rich Content items.

Activation: Activated by default.

Configuration: No configuration is needed.

Return to January 2025 – 3900.108.0 Release description

 

Alternative Formats for Video Studio Videos within Blackboard Documents

Release date: Production: Week of January 20th
Impact: Learners, Administrators 
Updated topic: Alternative Formats

Learners

Learners will have the ability to download Alternative Formats for Video Studio videos within Blackboard Documents when using the Ally Alternative Formats feature. When enabled by the administrator, students see the video as a valid file type to download a variety of Alternative Formats based on the transcript of the video when navigating through the Alternative Formats menu for Blackboard Documents.

Administrators

Administrators can configure this through the Ally Admin Configuration console to enable the ability to download alternative formats for Video Studio videos.

Availability: Available for Blackboard Video Studio videos only.

Activation: Not activated by default.

Configuration: Ally Admin Configuration console

Return to January 2025 – 3900.108.0 Release description