Abstract:
This study investigated the knowledge and competencies of students with visual
impairment in the University of Educagtion, Winneba about information and
communication technology (ICT). The study adopted the case study research design, where
33 students with visual impairment were randomly sampled from a population of 88
students with visual impairment. Descriptive and inferential statistical methods were used
to analyse the data. The results of the study indicated that the participants were
knowledgeable in some aspects of ICT; specifically, in activities that fall in the category
of basic computer operations while they lacked knowledge and competence in other areas,
including activities that were categorized under software and applications, word
processing, email and other communication platform, and web browsing and online. Also,
the study revealed that the competencies of the participants were related directly with their
ICT knowledge. Again, the study found that there were several challenges that students
with visual impairment in the University faced in acquiring ICT knowledge and
competencies, such as poor internet connectivity, lack of technical support, lack of
personnel support, and inaccessibility of ICT tools. Again, the study reported that if
strategies such as enhanced accessibility of ICT tools, adequate personnel and
technological support were put in place, the challenges that students with visual impairment
encounter would be eliminated or reduced drastically. The study concluded that students
with visual impairment who participated in the study were knowledgeable and competent
in some areas of ICT. A major recommendation therefore was that students should be
trained by competent ICT personnel who understand the technological needs of students
with visual impairment.
Description:
A THESIS IN THE DEPARTMENT OF SPECIAL EDUCATION,
FACULTY OF EDUCATIONAL STUDIES, SUBMITTED TO THE SCHOOL OF
GRADUATE STUDIES, UNIVERSITY OF EDUCATION, WINNEBA IN PARTIAL
FULFILMENT OF THE REQUIREMENTS FOR THE AWARD OF THE
MASTER OF PHILOSOPHY (SPECIAL EDUCATION) DEGREE
SEPTEMBER, 2019