The student access reports, available to both UDOIT users and Admins, are intended to provide insight into how students are engaging with alternative file formats. There are several reasons a user or institution may want to track this data.
What do these reports show us?
- Student File Generations: Use when you want to understand student-initiated accessibility demand - how often students generate alternate formats and which formats they choose. (Note: This feature must be enabled by users at the course level.)
- Student File Downloads: Use when you want to understand accessibility impact - how often students actually download and use the available alternate formats.
Here's When These Reports Help You Make a Difference
Below are just a handful of example scenarios for which these reports can be particularly useful in supporting the accessibility needs of your students.
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Understand Student Demand for Accessible Formats
"As an institutional accessibility coordinator, I want to track how often students request alternate file formats and which formats are most commonly used so I can support vendor negotiations, strategic planning, and resource prioritization."
Using the Student File Generations report (at the course or Admin level), filter for the last 30, 90, or 180 days. You'll see exactly which formats students are requesting most - like if MP3 or EPUB requests are climbing. This trend gives you solid data to bring to budget meetings or vendor talks.
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Measure Whether Accessible Content Is Actually Supporting Students
"As a UDOIT Admin, instructor, or accessibility coordinator, I want to track when a student downloads an alternate file format that has already been generated so I can measure actual usage and ensure that previously remediated content is still meeting students' needs."
Check the Student File Downloads report and compare to earlier generations. If downloads dropped off, it might be time for a quick Canvas announcement reminding students where to find those files. Steady or high downloads? That's your proof the accessible versions are still working well to meet student accommodation needs.
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Demonstrate Student-Initiated Accessibility Demand
"As a UDOIT Admin, instructor, or accessibility faculty, I want to generate reports that show how many alternate file requests were student-initiated, along with the type of format requested so I can demonstrate accessibility demand and justify resource allocation."
The Student File Generations report shows you student-initiated requests by format over 30-180 days. You can export that data as a CSV - say, showing MP3, HTML, or EPUB growth - and you've got clear data to share with leadership proving students actively need these accessible options.
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Demonstrate Impact of Improved Accessibility
"As a UDOIT Admin, instructor, or accessibility faculty, I want to generate reports that show how many alternate files were downloaded by students so I can demonstrate accessibility demand and justify resource allocation."
Use the Student File Downloads report at either the course or Admin level. High counts for EPUB or MP3? That's your evidence these formats are actively supporting students. Perfect for compliance reports, grant applications, or vendor conversations showing real accessibility impact.
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Guide Accessible Course Design
"As an instructor or instructional designer, I want to know which accessible formats students actually use in my course so I can design materials that convert well and reduce access barriers."
Look at the Student File Downloads report for your course over 30-180 days to spot patterns like heavy HTML or EPUB use. Then build pages with proper headings, lists, descriptive links, and alt text so they stay accessible for screen readers and users on mobile devices.
Additional Resources