Impediments to accessing virtual education by learners with visual impairment in Kenyatta University
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Date
2015-10
Authors
Kiambati, Fridah Gatwiri
Muthee, Daniel Wambiri
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
Kenyatta University
Abstract
The study was aimed at exploring the challenges that learners with visual impairment face
in accessing virtual education. The specific objectives were: To find out the population of
learners with visual impairment participating in virtual education, to find out the successes
in using assistive technology in virtual education, to identify the challenges that learners
with visual impairment face in virtual education venture, and to describe possible solutions
towards achieving virtual education by learners with visual impairment. The study was
carried out at Kenyatta University, and the population comprised 80 learners and 5 staff
members. Descriptive survey design was adopted. Questionnaires were used to collect
data from the learners while personal interviews were conducted for the staff. Descriptive
statistics was used to analyze quantitative data while thematic analysis approach was
used for qualitative data. Tables and charts were used to present quantitative data while
qualitative data was presented in textual mode. The study established that: e-learning had
least enrolment of students with visual impairment, most of the students were not able
to retrieve and use e-resources though their own efforts, e-learning platforms were not
accessible to learners with visual impairment, more than half of the students found it difficult
to use e-resources. The study concluded that: Learners with visual impairment lacked
independence in using e-platforms; assistive technology is vital in accessing e-resources.
The study recommended: University management to encourage independence of learners
through provision of accessible e-learning platforms, information literacy and AT skills, and
provision of adequate AT devices.
Keywords: Impediments, virtual education, e-learning, visual impairment.
Description
2nd International Annual October Conference on Education and Lifelong Learning 2015
"Post 2015 Development Agenda: Moving·'Education Forward'