Amponsah, S, van Wyk, MM and Thomas, M (2024) Supporting visually impaired students in virtual learning environments in Ghana. E-Learning and Digital Media. ISSN 2042-7530 (Accepted)

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Abstract

Distance education (DE) has been in existence in Ghana for almost three decades guided by the philosophy of making quality education more accessible and relevant to all students. In line with best practices across the globe, Ghanaian institutions providing DE have been integrating digital technologies to augment traditional forms of delivery over the last decade. However, specific gaps have been identified in the provision for students with special educational needs (SEND). To address this, the current study involves a multi-site exploratory case study using Accessibility4Equity principles to explore the challenges that distance providers face when enrolling visually impaired students (VIS). Fourteen participants comprising eight DE administrators and six IT personnel from four DE public higher educational institutions in Ghana were selected for this study. Findings identified several key themes, including access and equity, participation and imperatives for the inclusion of VIS. Based on this novel research approach, several implications emerged to drive the agenda for strategies to admit VIS into DE programmes in Ghana. Arising from this, recommendations suggest that future research is needed to address the gaps in the Accessibility4Equity supportive framework for VIS in virtual learning spaces.

Item Type:	Article
Additional Information:	This is the Accepted Version accepted for publication in the Journal Title E-Learning and Digital Media. Amponsah, S., van Wyk, M. M., & Thomas, M. (2024). Supporting visually impaired students in virtual learning environments in Ghana. E-Learning and Digital Media, 0(0). https://doi.org/10.1177/20427530241262484 Reuse is restricted to non-commercial and no derivative uses
Uncontrolled Keywords:	1302 Curriculum and Pedagogy; 1303 Specialist Studies in Education
Subjects:	L Education > LC Special aspects of education T Technology > T Technology (General)
Divisions:	Education
Publisher:	SAGE Publications
SWORD Depositor:	A Symplectic
Date Deposited:	03 Jun 2024 12:35
Last Modified:	17 Jun 2024 15:15
DOI or ID number:	10.1177/20427530241262484
URI:	https://researchonline.ljmu.ac.uk/id/eprint/23410

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