January 14, 2021

New BeeLine Reader Format Helps Students Learning Remotely

This content was previously published by Blackboard, now part of Anthology. Product and/or solution names may have changed.

The shift to distance learning due to COVID-19 has introduced many new challenges for learners, including increased screen fatigue due to more time spent reading digital texts. Students of all ages and background are affected by screen fatigue, and its impact is felt strongly by students with vision impairments, dyslexia and other learning differences. To help combat screen fatigue, we introduced a new alternative format designed to improve on-screen reading focus, speed, and comprehension.

As schools began their transition to distance learning in March 2020, we officially introduced BeeLine Reader as the 8th unique alternative format available through Ally. BeeLine Reader’s patented technology allows readers to choose a preferred color gradient, which is then applied to lines of text in a document for better reading focus and speed. Since the BeeLine Reader alternative format is available as responsive HTML, readers can take advantage of the tool on different devices and screen sizes. Feedback from students and instructors has been overwhelmingly positive since the release.

“BeeLine Reader is such a neat tool,” said Leigh Clay, Student Learning Coordinator at Indian River State College. She credits BeeLine with being able to help “diminish stress on the eyes and brains of readers.” Leigh also noted how easy BeeLine is to access within Ally: “Students, faculty and staff simply download the BeeLine format and from there they have the option to choose which gradient and background appeals to them the most.” 

Usage of the BeeLine format has increased dramatically in the first several months of availability as students have become more aware of the format and its benefits. To date, we have seen nearly 400,0000 BeeLine downloads. Users have reported less issues skipping lines when reading, improved reading in low-light environments using the “dark mode,” and faster, more focused reading on small screens.

“We have been thrilled with the level of engagement and positive reaction in response to the BeeLine Reader integration,” said Chris Aldin, Product Manager for Blackboard Ally. We felt BeeLine Reader was a great addition to our Alternative Formats roster as it underpins our goal of providing students with more choices in how they choose to engage with their content and helping institutions as they work to create more inclusive and equitable learning environments for all.” 

We remain steadfast in driving innovation to help improve accessibility and strategically partnering with pioneers such as BeeLine Reader to help improve equity, access, and success for all learners.  

Click here to read a BeeLine-formatted version of the press release to see the alternative format in action.

Chris Aldin