Virtual learning for persons with visual impairment: an exploration of learning platform in a home environment from UTH special school in Lusaka, Zambia.
Loading...
Date
2022-06-08
Authors
Mwanza, Esnart
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
The University of Zambia
Abstract
The purpose of this study was to explore the accessibility of virtual learning platforms for
person with visual impairment in a home environment. The study was purely qualitative in
nature and took the form of a case study and interview guide and Focus Group Discussion were
used to generate data. Purposive sampling was used to sample fifteen participants who took
part in the study, who comprised of one head teacher, seven parents and seven learners with
visual impairment. The responses from semi-structured interviews and Focus Group
Discussion were analyzed qualitatively using thematic analysis.
Emergent from this study were a host of findings among which included: availability of
computers and smart phone with screen readers and installed WhatsApp, Zoom, Google Meet/
Classroom or Email used to access virtual learning. In addition, radio and television were used
by learners. Further, it was revealed that a child with visual impairment require computers with
JAWS, smart phones with speech reader and readily available internet facility, some radios and
TVs to access and benefit from the virtual learning environment at home. The study found
accessibility of virtual learning in a home environment depended on internet connectivity and
having rightful gadgets which were user-friendly to individual with visual impairment as well
as low socio-economic background as it determined the purchasing power. Furthermore,
challenges faced included: children lack of computers and phones with bundles to go online,
poor internet connectivity and unconducive home environment. Equally, it was revealed that
parents needed social-support and financial support from well-wishers and government to
support them with ICT gadgets specifically designed for children with visual impairment.
Besides, they needed internet services and with ITC gadgets instilled with speech readers or
JAWS. Thus, the study suggested that teacher could start using video and audio-conferencing
teaching, open up virtual resources Centre for learners to log-on and chat or download work,
to strength the collaboration between teacher and parents and lowering prices on ICT
equipment for the visually impaired. It is recommended that an awareness raising campaign on
parents to know the available user-friendly ICTs and assistive technology facilities for the
visually impaired children to access virtual learning at home. Parent should shoulder their
responsibilities of providing appropriate state-of-the-art ICT-based facilities like computer,
smart phones and access to internet connectivity to enable the children with visual impairment
access and use virtual learning at home.
Description
Thesis
Keywords
Children with disabilities--Zambia--Education. , Inclusive education--Zambia. , People with disabilities--Zambia--Education. , People with visual disabilities--Juvenile literature.