Moodle: Convert documents using Sensus Access

The Sensus Access Document Converter activity enables Moodle course participants to convert course files to formats that meet their accessibility needs. Once the Sensus activity is added to a course, students can use it for all files posted to the course Moodle page. If you have accessibility needs beyond what Sensus Access can provide, please contact the Accessibility Office.

Before you start, you will need:

  • To be enrolled in a Moodle course that contains a Sensus Access Document Converter activity.
If you do not see this activity in your course, you can do the following: 

Convert Documents

  1. Go to your Moodle course page.
  2. Click on the  Sensus Access Document Converter activity.
    How Sensus Access Document Converter icon and link look
  3. Sensus Access will open in an embedded window. 
  4. In this window, click File Selection and and select the document you want to convert from the drop-down menu that emerges.
Note: The File Selection menu should list every course document that Sensus Access can convert, including those attached to forum posts or assignments. If a file is missing, please contact your professor for access then upload it to Sensus Access outside of Moodle.
  1. Under Requested Conversion, click your desired format. This activity provides five options:
    • Accessibility conversion: converts image files or image-only PDFs into files with screen-readable text
    • MP3: uses text-to-speech software to create an audio file of text in a document
    • E-book: creates an e-book version of a file that can be used by multiple devices, e.g., Kindle, Nook, Apple Books, etc. 
    • BeeLine Reader: creates an eBook file that uses color gradients to become more readable.
    • Braille: creates a document that can be used by the visually impaired, in a range of formats.
  2. Depending on the format you chose, you may be prompted to set Conversion Parameters:
    • Accessibility conversion parameters
      • Target format: Select a file format for the converted file. Options include common files types such as DOCX and PDF. If you do not need to preserve visual formatting, choose a TXT file.
    • MP3 parameters
      • Language: Select the language the file is written in. For some languages, you may also have a choice of recording voices.
      • Speed: Choose one of seven options, from Slowest to Fastest.
    • E-book parameters
      • Format: Choose MOBI if you will read the e-book on a Kindle or Kindle app. Otherwise, choose EPUB3 with media overlay (for a e-book with a synchronized text-to-speech audio recording) or EPUB3 (for an e-book without audio).
      • Base font size: Choose between Normal, Large (16pt), XLarge (24 pt), and Huge (40 pt).
    • Braille parameters
      • Language: default is Unified English Braille, although there are a range of other options.
      • Contraction Level: choose between Grade2 (default) or Grade1.
      • Format: currently Sixdot is the only option.
      • Export: this determines the format for the electronic file. The default is Portable Embosser Format (PEF), although you may also select Unicode, UTF8, or North American Computer Braille.
  3. Under Delivery method, choose Campus email (recommended) or Download. 
Important: We STRONGLY recommend having files delivered to your campus email! The conversion and download process can take a while, especially for long or complex conversions. If a download does not complete, try repeating the steps above but use the campus email option instead.

Videos & Further Reading on Sensus Access

Questions?

If you have any additional questions or problems, don't hesitate to reach out to the Help Desk!

Phone: 610-526-7440 | Library and Help Desk hours
Email: help@brynmawr.eduService catalog
Location: Canaday Library 1st floor


{{snippet. }}