A Pragmatic Approach to Academic Challenges of Students with Visual Impairment during Covid-19: Teacher’s Experiences

Abstract

COVID-19 which was followed by the lockdown all over the world was seriously affecting the lives of students with visual impairment, especially their academic activities. The aim of the study was to understand and explore the academic challenges of students with visual impairment during COVID-19. This study was based on semi-structured interviews with teachers that included the exploratory nature of research questions. A total of 15 teachers were selected by using a purposive sampling technique. The current research paper provides a pragmatic approach by using a type of thematic content analysis. The findings of the study revealed that COVID-19 has a negative impact on the interactional and online learning, emotional state, and behavior of students with visual impairment. The findings further revealed that students with visual impairment were not familiar with different online mediums and electronic devices. Teachers during the research recommended that there is a need for the most appropriate educational resources such as adequate software, electronic braille, and other useful applications which can enable students with visual impairment to successfully deal with the academic challenges during the COVID-19 pandemic. Pragmatic solutions should be implemented by the policy and decision-makers to bring modifications in the educational system so that students with visual impairment can effectively deal with academic challenges. This study will aid in raising awareness for the government, decision, and policymakers to consider initiatives to reduce the challenges faced by students with visual impairment during this pandemic.