eLearning For Specially-Abled Learners: Using Technology To Help
Disability among humans come either by birth or due to accidents. These are some of the inevitable situations which are beyond human control. According to the survey, 15% of the billion population in the world is the victim of disability. This can either be physical, mental or even learning disabilities. Learning disability is usually called a hidden disability because an individual might look absolutely perfect in this, still may suffer from disorders. Some of the common learning disabilities are dyscalculia, dyslexia, auditory processing disorder, etc. To all the hindrances arising out of disability, we have digital learning materials to help the people gain the required knowledge and skill. Here are some ways you can use eLearning for specially-abled people:
1. Background Audios
The digital content is designed as a mixture of videos and audios. The content is explained using recorded audios in the background. People having a visual disability can easily hear the audio and acquaint themselves. Also, this eliminates the need to visit the campus and attend lectures in person because of the availability of content in their smartphones or laptops. Advanced technology like voice-to-text, braille keyboards, etc. has been discovered to eradicate the troubles and make learning easy for them.
2. Subtitles
For the ease of people with hearing impairment, eLearning assists by developing videos in such a way that the subtitles appear on the screen making it easier to understand. Also when the text is presented using graphics and animations, it creates a long-lasting impact. This helps to retain what one has learned for a long time. Often while developing the content the targeted learners are kept in mind and are made in an understandable and user-friendly manner. The availability of online content has made it hassle-free for disabled people to attend virtual classes and learn at their own pace. The learning pace differs from one learner to another and this is one of the pros of using learning via digital platforms.
3. Assistive Technology
This means that the technology, and eLearning are discovered to cater effortless use for the specially-abled people. These devices are especially for the ones with impairments. For example, cognitive aids that include computers help people who face challenges with memory and retention. To increase the involvement of specially-abled people in educational assignments aids like book holder, automatic page-turners, screen readers, text enlargement, etc. are served. With the introduction of such technology barriers to learning have been reduced and people have achieved a higher level of independence which formerly would have not been possible. This also boosts their motivation level and makes them feel competitive.
4. Social Impact On The Learner’s Mind
eLearning not only helps to minimize the problems arising due to impairments but also has a positive impact on the learner’s mind. Often children who suffer from disabilities are bullied on the school premises. They tend to feel alienated in an environment that belongs to them. There are kids who are slow-paced while grasping knowledge. Amidst attending classes some might not feel confident in putting up questions or doubts in front of the entire class, some may require special attention from the teacher and some may lag behind in completing tasks in time. Digital learning overcomes all such pressures that a kid or a learner comes across. They can easily break the content into fragments, repeat the videos and pause them where ever they want to ensure that the learning process runs smoothly.
Disability is no longer an obstacle for an ardent learner. This is because eLearning content is developed in a manner that is understandable, perceivable and considerable for the targeted learners. Attaining any kind of skill or knowledge is now no longer a dream for people who are physically impaired and have to rely on others. They can, anytime, switch their smartphones on and gain the benefits delivered by eLearning platforms. One of the reasons why eLearning is gaining popularity is they bind the learners to the learning content. They serve it in a way that is pleasing and effortless. Days are gone when kids had to stack a pile of books in their shelves and had to maintain notes. With digital content, everything has become manageable and available for all.
