Utilisation of information communication technology In the training and education of students with visual Impairment in tertiary institutions in Ghana

Abstract

The study examined the utilisation of information communication technology in the training and education of students with visual impairment in tertiary institutions in Ghana. The study employed the cross-sectional descriptive survey design using questionnaire for data collection to provide answers to the research questions. The study population included resource persons and all students with visual impairment across three Public Universities in Ghana namely: University of Cape Coast, University of Ghana and University of Education, Winneba. In all, 20 resource persons and 116 students with visual impairment were valid to participate in the study. Data were analysed using Means, frequencies and standard deviation. The study revealed that ICT tools are available but inadequate in the three tertiary institutions in Ghana. It was established that ICT tools were fairly accessible in some locations in the various tertiary institutions. Again, it was revealed that ICT tools (hardware and software) are difficult to be used by students with visual impairment and that the students lacked the necessary skills to utilise ICT tools. It was further revealed that utilisation of ICT in the training and education of students with visual impairment has been hindered by various barriers of which inadequate training opportunities was the leading barrier. Students with visual impairment believed that ICT will assist them to learn independently and suggested that more ICT tools should be procured. It was recommended to the Ministry of Education and tertiary institutions to procure more ICT tools. Also, students should be introduced to more ICT skills.