Technologies employed included
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Upgrading a Leading Edtech Platform
Alinea Online is a learning support platform that assists individuals with reading and spelling difficulties. Sensotec, who owns the brand, approached Sigli to build a web app and expand the platform’s functionality. Sigli developed a web app with an array of new features, including text-to-speech (TTS) and speech-to-text (STT) technology, and a special mode for taking exams. Sigli also built a supporting browser extension.
Built a complete web app with the same functionality as the desktop software
Added Exam Mode to allow educators to perform assessments
Improved overall user satisfaction and engagement
Educational technology (edtech)
Mid-market enterprise
Belgium
Sensotec is an edtech provider dedicated to promoting literacy and numeracy among students with additional learning needs. Sensotec’s products help users become more self-reliant and fulfil their academic potential.
Alinea Online, one of Sensotec’s brands, is a learning enablement platform for individuals with reading and spelling difficulties. These difficulties include dyslexia, DLD (developmental language disorder), ASD (autism spectrum disorder, and ADHD (attention deficit hyperactivity disorder), and others. Non-native speakers are also supported.
Alinea Online is accessible on any device with an internet connection, compatible with various third-party content types, and suitable for all educational environments. It offers Exam Mode for secure digital testing.
As an assistive technology provider, helping as many students as possible is a core part of Sensotec’s mission. Offering the most inclusive and accessible software is an ongoing commitment.
Remaining at the forefront of accessibility is also important from a business stance. Failure to innovate creates a risk that educators will opt for more inclusive, feature-rich edtech platforms.
With this in mind, Sensotec wanted to improve Alinea Online in two ways. First, by transitioning from a desktop to a cloud-based web app. Second, by implementing new features like text-to-speech (TTS) and speech-to-text (STT) technology and a dedicated mode for performing exams and assessments.
Sensotec asked Sigli to update and enhance Alinea Online, its platform for students with spelling and reading difficulties.
Sensotec’s brief centered around transitioning the application from a desktop to a web platform and creating a browser plugin to increase accessibility. In addition, new features, such as TTS and STT translation, would support text comprehension. A dedicated “Exam Mode” was proposed to allow schools to perform secure digital tests and exams.
Create a web application with the same features as the existing desktop version.
Integrate a smart word predictor, spellchecker and dictionary for verb spelling.
Add support for various document types, including PDF, PPTX, DOCX, and RTF.
Extend the software with Exam Mode for secure digital tests and exams.
Develop a browser extension for reading computer text aloud.
Create a parsing engine for the browser extension to interpret web pages.
The project ran from November 2019 to December 2023, and between five and eight developers were assigned at different stages.
Because Alinea Online’s interface is a crucial part of its value proposition as an accessibility platform, Sigli began by collaborating with UI/UX designers to ensure new designs met accessibility standards.
Sigli set up the system architecture, cloud environments and CI/CD pipelines needed for development, testing and deployment.
The main part of the project consisted of the development of the web app and integration of new features, including TTS and STT technologies and an exam mode.
Sigli developed a separate browser extension and web parsing engine to make TTS functionality and text highlighting available for web pages.
Prior to full deployment, the QA team performed both manual and automated testing.
Sigli provided ongoing support and stabilisation after deployment, implementing user requests and fixing bugs
Communication was via regular monthly virtual meetings. Email and messaging apps were the primary communication channels between meetings.
Sigli used the scrum methodology, with a Product Owner (PO) as the project manager and main point of contact with Sensotec. Regular daily meetings, sprint planning and retrospectives ensured team cohesiveness and adherence to timelines.
Sigli delivered a web app with several powerful new features. This had tangible benefits for Alinea Online’s user base, securing Sensotec as a market leader and furthering its mission of helping learners with additional needs reach their potential.
Transitioned from a desktop to a web-based app available across devices anywhere with an internet connection.
Successful implementation of secure digital testing with Exam Mode.
Simplified access to web content, making it easier for users with disabilities to navigate and consume information.
Increased user engagement and positive feedback on new features.
Greater web accessibility for users with visual impairments and reading difficulties.
Sigli made extensive upgrades to our platform, adding important assistive features and a much-needed assessment mode. It was like having an extension of our own team, and there was perfect alignment from the beginning. We’re looking forward to working with Sigli on future projects.
Are you eager to see the benefits of AI and ML in your own company? Get in touch today to learn how Sigli’s developers and AI specialists can enhance and upgrade your tech infrastructure.
Managing Director, Benelux
Chief Business Development Officer
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