The role of educational technology in teaching reading to learners with visual impairment in inclusive primary schools in Kumi municipality, Kumi district

Abstract

Educational technology is considered to be playing a great role in the teaching of reading to learners with visual impairment in inclusive primary schools. This study investigates the role of educational technology in teaching reading to learners with visual impairment in inclusive primary schools. The study further sought to establish the types of educational technology teachers use in teaching reading to learners with visual impairment in inclusive primary schools, the relevancy of using educational technology and challenges teachers face when using educational technology. The study adopted a qualitative case study design in which three schools were investigated. They were eighteen (18) respondents in this study which included three (3) headteachers, six (6) teachers, and nine (9) learners with visual impairment. One on one semi structured interviews were administered to headteachers and teachers, focused group discussions were conducted for the learners. For purposes of corroboration, relevant documents related to educational technology in the schools were analyzed. The findings from this study indicate that, the types of educational technology teachers use include, Brailed educational materials, recorders and magnifying lenses. The study further reveals the relevance of educational technology as: Motivates learners to learn with high interest, builds confidence, promotes positive attitudes in learners, allows sharing, makes learning process real and increases learners’ interaction. The challenges experienced by teachers in using educational technology were inadequate knowledge and skills among teacher, high expectations among parents and inadequate parental involvement. The study concluded that the teachers use different types of educational technology which is relevant to the teaching of reading to learners with visual impairment. The study recommends that government should reduce the number of teacher pupil ratio and sensitize different and to give teachers refresher courses on how to teach reading to learners with visual impairment.