Assistive Technology In E-Learning for Differently Abled Learners
Technology has changed the way learning is created and consumed in the 21st century. It has also brought in tremendous possibilities to create ‘inclusive’ learning that takes into consideration the special needs of differently abled learners as well — in educational institutes as well as corporate organizations. Computer-based programs have been developed to help these learners access learning material as well as contribute actively to gain an immersive experience.
There are various challenges that learners with disabilities face. Some learners have physical disabilities or long-term illnesses that predominantly pose the challenge of accessibility where they are unable to travel to classrooms or other locations for training.
For others with sensory disabilities like vision or hearing impairment, it is a challenge to utilize regular classroom tools or learning material. Many learners also have cognitive impairments, and have to learn in a different manner. While these challenges are real, with Assistive Technology it is possible to provide avenues of immersive learning for learners who deal with these challenges every day.
Parallel to the e-learning experience, there are technologies developed and being developed for helping differently-abled students. These technologies have brought in tremendous opportunities and possibilities to aid the special needs of differently-abled learners. Zoondia understands that the Best End-to-End Development Solutions is the key to facilitating the customization of such technologies.
Some learners have physical disabilities where they are unable to travel to classrooms or other locations for training. Some others with sensory disabilities like vision or hearing impairment, will face challenges in utilizing the traditional classroom tools and study materials. Some might have cognitive impairments, Where they have to learn through a different technique.
- ext-to-speech software: With the help of this assistive technology, visually impaired learners can automatically ‘hear’ the text that appears on the computer screen. Once the software is installed on the learner’s computer, it can automatically ‘read’ anything onscreen — irrespective of the format. So be it learning material in Word or PDF, discussions on a forum or even emails or IMs — with text-to-speech converters, learners can access it all.
- Speech recognition software: For learners with physical challenges who cannot type, or for learners with visual impairments, typing on the computer keyboard can be a tedious job — and these learners may often require help from fellow learners. But with speech recognition software, learners can independently type out their notes or assignments. With increasing technological finesse, this software recognizes enunciation and modulations of the voice to include punctuation in text as well. This produces high quality text that is a fair reflection of the learners’ understanding and puts the differently abled learners at par with other learners in the peer group.
- Visual aids: Visual aids are of different kinds and can be utilized by learners with varied visual impairments. They include tools that convert on-screen text into Braille, magnify certain portions of the screen text, or even convert certain portions of the text into audio.
- Audio aids: This category of assistive technology includes different tools for the hearing impaired learners. Sound amplification tools heighten the audio element of the learning content. Other alerting tools use flashing lights or icons to signal users instead of the usual sounds — to catch the focus of the hearing impaired learners. Transcripts of learning videos are made available with close-captioning to make sure that all learners can utilize them well.
- Physical aids: For learners with difficulties of motor co-ordination, stability or other physical challenges, there are various assistive aids that can help them learn independently. These include audio books and adaptive keyboards that prevent mistypes from hand tremors.
Final Thoughts
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I hope you found this article insightful and that it helps you in driving employee engagement. If you have any questions, you can write to me directly at poorna.d@zoondia.com or contact us.
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