Challenges and prospects of online education in the context of barrier-free access

Abstract

Given the trends of barrier-free education, it is relevant to study the peculiarities of online education through the prism of characterising its prospects and challenges. The aim of the study is to provide a thorough analysis of the challenges and prospects of online education in the context of educational accessibility. Methods: the study uses a mixed methodological framework that combines both quantitative and qualitative research methods. Research design: quantitative data were collected directly through online surveys, and qualitative data were collected through in-depth interviews. The study used questions based on the Likert scale. A total of 250 people took part in the study: 150 teachers and 100 students. All of them had different experience of using digital technologies in online education. Results: online education is a promising area, as it is based on the elements of barrier-free access, but there are a number of problems on the way to further development that determine promising areas for its improvement. The main challenges include technological problems, low material, and technical base, unequal access to technology, lack of direct contact between students and teachers, low level of adaptation to digital technologies. Limitations: Due to the chosen sampling method, the results may not be fully generalisable to different population groups, including those in other countries. Conclusions: promising areas for further development of online education include improving the material and technical base, developing adaptive platforms, creating content with an emphasis on accessibility, developing digital skills and information competence of both students and teachers.