Factors that affect learners with visual impairment learning through distance education; a case of Kenya Institute of Special Education

Abstract

This study sought to investigate the factors that affect learning of learners with visual impairments learning through distance education; a case of Kenya Institute of Special Education. The study was guided by three research objectives; such as to investigate the effect of teaching and learning strategies in promotion of learning of learners with visual impairments learning through distance education; a case of Kenya institute of special education, to investigate the effect of the environmental modification and adaptation in learning of learners with visual impairments learning through distance education; a case of Kenya institute of special education, and to establish the extent to which learner support services available influence learning of learners with visual impairments learning through distance education; a case of Kenya institute of special education. The target population was drawn from the face to face tutorial centres, where the learners with visual impairments attend their tutorial sessions. The learners in these centres represented all other learners in the country in other institutions of higher learning offering studies through distance education mode.

A survey research design was used for this study. The factors that affect learning of learners with visual impairments learning through distance education were studied based on the three research objectives. The data was processed using statistical package for social science. The results of the findings in the study revealed that Kenya institute of special education had tried in providing accessible education to learners with visual impairments learning through distance education mode. However, there are various aspects that require improvements such as provision of all learning materials in braille and large print, audio cassettes, recorded lectures, and closed circuit televisions to enhance learning of students with visual impairments, studying through distance education.

The study also found out that there is need to improve on environmental modification and adaptation and also need to improve on learner support services at the face to face tutorial centres. The researcher recommends that KISE should provide appropriate and adequate teaching and learning materials, ensure that students are provided with appropriate and conducive learning environments and that they are provided with adequate learner support services by professional counselors who understands and knows how to handle students with visual impairments.