PERCEIVED CHALLENGES FACED BY TEACHERS USING DIGITAL LEARNING TO TEACH STUDENTS WITH DISABILITIES DURING COVID-19 PANDEMIC IN ILORIN METROPOLIS

Abstract

 

The study examined perceived challenges faced by teachers using digital learning to teach students with disabilities during COVID-19 Pandemic in Ilorin Metropolis. Qualitative research was adopted; hence qualitative technique was used in addressing the research questions. The respondents were twenty-five teachers teaching students with disabilities in Special schools in Ilorin metropolis; they were purposefully selected for the study. The focus group discussion guide was designed by the researchers and was made up of three open-ended questions. The respondents were grouped into three groups; thereafter, focus group discussion was conducted with them. One research question was generated. The qualitative data gathered were transcribed and analysed using content analysis to determine the relevant themes. The finding of the study revealed that teachers encountered a lot of challenges when using digital learning to teach students with disabilities, the major challenges were inadequate knowledge on the use of compute (84.0%), difficulty in engaging students with disabilities (80.0%) and lack of interest (76.0%). Based on the finding it was concluded that teachers faced a lot of challenges when teaching students with disabilities using digital learning, these were lack of interest, difficulty engaging students to learning, poor internet, inadequate knowledge on the use of computer. These challenges have contributed negatively to teaching and learning using digital learning. It was recommended that government should provide training for teachers on the use of digital learning so as to facilitate teaching and learning of students with disabilities and students with disabilities should be encouraged to know the important of digital learning; this will enhance their interest in online learning.

 Keywords: Students with disabilities, Covid-19 Pandemic and Challenges