Utilization of Computer Technology by Students with Visual Impairment

Abstract

The major purpose of this survey study was to explore the utilization of computer technology by students with visual impairment and identify the computer based learning opportunities and facilities available for students with visual impairment in two major Universities of Pakistan. A self-developed and validated questionnaire (Cronbach alpha: 0.827) was employed for data collection from a sample of twenty nine (29) students with visual impairment (males=21, females=08 selected through purposive sampling technique) belonging to two major public Universities of the Punjab. The participants were required to respond on three point criteria (yes, no, to some extent). Data were analyzed by using SPSS. Frequencies were run to have an overall picture of use of computer and problems encountered by students with visual impairment. Major findings revealed that students with visual impairment use internet for educational and recreational purposes. They feel assimilated with sighted world and their learning capacities are improved through the usage of e-learning. The study recommended that computer literacy and access to technology is another challenge for promoting e-learning in Pakistan. So, training programs should be offered at school, college and university level to train students with visual impairment. Students with visual impairment should be encouraged by teachers to use online lecture exchange and get in touch through yahoo, face book and msn. Moreover assistance should be provided by ICT experts to help students with visual impairment in computer labs.