An Experimental Study to Identify the Effect of Assistive Technology on Academic Achievement of Visually Impaired Students

Abstract

Assistive technology includes the devices which are designed specifically for persons with disabilities. Present study experimental research, conducted for visually impaired students who are enrolled in Department of Education of University of Karachi. The purpose of the study was to compare the results of two semesters of visually impaired students with and without using assistive technology. In first semester, visually impaired students studied with traditional teaching method while in second semester researcher provided them the course content in audio files, while the whole process was supervised by researchers. Data was analyzed by Paired sample t-test in pre and post Performa of visually impaired students with and without using Assistive technology. The results showed significant difference in the achievement of both semester with and without using assistive technology. It is recommended to facilitate visually impaired students in classrooms by using Assistive technology in order to improve their learning skills and academic performance.