Creating Audio Books for Children with Visual Impairment: The Collaborative Approach Leading to Virtual Learning

Abstract

Collaborative learning encourages active learning opportunities. The concept of virtual learning was established to enable students to learn across international boundaries. Audio books can be an invaluable learning medium for children with visual impairment. The specific aim of this project was to help the children with visual impairment in India to learn spoken English in an interesting and engaging manner. The purpose of the study was to create collaborative learning opportunity for six graduate students enrolled in an early childhood course at a university on a digital platform to promote virtual learning to make audio books for children with visual impairment in India. Audio books were developed collaboratively by the students and then were sent electronically to the School for the Blind. During the collaborative project, not only did the students receive feedback from the instructor but also received constructive comments from each other throughout the process. Data was analyzed qualitatively. The important conclusion of this case study approach was the learning outcome of the students who felt it was a time-consuming effort, but a rewarding experience.