Epistemic Access for Students using Assistive Technology in the Introduction of Online Teaching in South Africa.

Purpose: Epistemic access can be explained as a merely physical entry or entry beyond physical access that require supports. The epistemic access and success for students with disabilities remain a topical issue in higher education, more so during the transition to online teaching and learning that...

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Publicado en:Disability, CBR & Inclusive Development Vol. 34; no. 1; pp. 27 - 46
Autores principales: Duma, P. T., Chamane, L.
Formato: research tables/charts Journal Article
Publicado: Asia Pacific Disability Rehabilitation Journal Spring2023
Acceso en línea:Ver este registro en EBSCOhost
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      dt: Spring2023
      vid: 34
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      pub: Asia Pacific Disability Rehabilitation Journal
      place: Jayanagar, Bangalore - 560011, <Blank>
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        10.47985/dcidj.670
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        atl: Epistemic Access for Students using Assistive Technology in the Introduction of Online Teaching in South Africa.
      aug:
        au:
          Duma, P. T.
          Chamane, L.
        affil: Department of Human Resource Management, Faculty of Management, Mangosuthu University of Technology, Durban, South Africa
      sug:
        subj:
          Teaching Methods
          Online Education South Africa
          Assistive Technology Utilization
          Students with Disabilities
          Learning Methods
          COVID-19 Pandemic
          Stay-at-Home Orders
          Mainstreaming (Education)
          Education, Masters
          Human
          Male
          Female
          South Africa
          Qualitative Studies
          Purposive Sample
          Semi-Structured Interview
          Focus Groups
          Thematic Analysis
          Discrimination
          Social Inclusion
          Social Justice
          Sustainable Growth
          School Accommodation
          Support, Psychosocial
          Male
          Female
      ab: Purpose: Epistemic access can be explained as a merely physical entry or entry beyond physical access that require supports. The epistemic access and success for students with disabilities remain a topical issue in higher education, more so during the transition to online teaching and learning that was ignited by Covid-19. This study aims to examine how the epistemic access of students using assistive technology was imperilled during Covid-19 lockdown restrictions. Method: This qualitative study is based at this University of Technology in KwaZulu Natal Province in South Africa. A total of twenty-five students with disabilities who use different assistive technologies were identified through purposive sampling, amongst 57 registered students with disabilities. The data was collected through semi-structured interviews and as a means of triangulation, a focus group was also held with thirteen students. The data was thereafter thematically analysed. Results: Students reported difficulties in accessing and utilizing assistive devices, due to lack of appropriate assistive technology, technical skills, poor network, and support. This perpetuated discrimination, social exclusion, and injustices in higher education for students with disabilities. Some had to double their efforts to access their lessons and assessments. Even though their epistemic access was disrupted; they displayed a resilient character. Conclusion: Online or blended teaching and learning appear to be the future trend in higher education, thus; effective plans and systems alignment are required to avoid exclusion of students with disabilities in the digital learning space. To continue to promote social inclusion and inclusive education in higher education institutions, the provision and procurement of assistive technologies must be prioritised. Accommodation of students with disabilities should be amongst other key considerations in the planning of future teaching and learning.
      pubtype: Academic Journal
      doctype:
        research
        tables/charts
        Journal Article
      ougenre: Article
    language: English
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