استخدام التكنولوجيا المساعدة في تعلم الطلبة ذوي الإعاقة بجامعة السلطان قابوس من وجهة نظرهم

Abstract

This study seeks to reveal the status of using assistive technology for students with disabilities that Sultan Qaboos University provided through the Deanship of Student Affairs which offer services and assistive technology devices, support and training to these students helping them in all educational and learning aspects. The descriptive approach was used to analyze data by calculating the percentage of the study sample responses. In addition, qualitative analysis method using NVivo program was also used to analyze the sample members' responses of the open questions. The interviews were categorized according to demographic data and quantitative responses of the study sample individuals using the Coding Classification that was identified in the program. The interview sample consisted of 20 male and female students representing all disabilities at the University. Findings showed that there is a consensus evidenced by the respondents that providing assistive technology at the university greatly helps them in learning as it increases their desire and willingness to learn. The students with disabilities at the University have a positive trend towards inclusion, as assistive technology in its various forms plays a great role in facilitating inclusion, works to enhance their capabilities and enables them to interact with the educational-academic community and social life. However, it is clear that despite the facilities and services provided by Sultan Qaboos University in the field of assistive technology for students with disabilities, there are still challenges facing their study. It turns out that there are certain groups of persons with disabilities specially people with visual disabilities still facing special difficulties represented in inefficient accessory devices of the screen reader that serves the blinds and inadequacy of font enlargers. Based on these results, several recommendations and suggestions were specified.