Challenges of visually impaired students in the use of virtual learning platforms at Wesley College of Education in Ghana

Abstract

The purpose of the study was to find out the challenges of visually impaired students in the use of virtual learning platforms at Wesley College of Education. The research design adopted was case study. The sample size was 4 where participants were selected using the purposive sampling technique. Semi-structured interview guide was used to collect data. The study revealed that the use of virtual platforms allows students with visual impairment learn at their own pace, reduce fear of talking in the classroom, have access to open learning. However, virtual learning does not cater for individual learning styles, clarify and explain concepts to meet the unique needs of students, inadequate materials to access the platforms, interfaces of web pages inaccessible, lack of braille version of online instructions to compensate for students who had problem virtually, and poor internet access. It was recommended that tutors provide braille version of their virtual instructions, vary their mode of delivery to meet the learning styles of learners virtually, adapt interfaces of virtual platforms for easy access by students with visual impairment.