7th COE Inter-College Lecture Focuses on Visually Impaired and Online Learning

The College of Education recently held its 7th inter-college lecture series, which focused on understanding how visually impaired individuals in Ghana and Egypt have coped with and continue to handle online learning.

The lecture was delivered by Prof. Samuel Amponsah, an Associate Professor at the School of Continuing and Distance Education and Head of Department for the Department of Distance Education at Smart Classroom (SCDE) of the School.

The lecture, titled "The Shadow Pandemic in Online Learning: Perspectives of Visually Impaired Students from Ghana and Egypt," addressed the impact of Covid-19 on education and the subsequent acceleration of digital teaching and learning, aligning with the UN SDG 4.

Prof. Amponsah explained that, “despite the extension of online learning globally, there are significant challenges faced by visually impaired online learners (VIOLs), leading me to explore the concept of the ‘shadow pandemic’ in the context of education.”

In his research findings, Prof. Amponsah highlighted issues related to “accessibility and usability of online learning platforms, the absence of collaborative discourse with students during the shift to online learning, and challenges in implementing policies for VIOLs in both universities”. He also pointed out the importance of using the right pedagogical approaches and digital technologies to empower VIOLs and create an inclusive learning environment.

During the lecture, Prof. Amponsah proposed several recommendations, including the formulation of agile and flexible policies for virtual learning, participatory approaches to policy development and implementation, and strategic collaboration between institutions and stakeholders to address ableism and stereotyping against VIOLs.

Professor Samuel Amponsah delivering the lecture

He also stressed the need for continuous professional development for instructors and the implementation of effective virtual therapeutic services for students.

The lecture provided an opportunity for participants, including faculty members, heads of departments, heads of academic units, and students, to interact with the lecturer during a question and comment session.

Prof. Gordon Senanu Kwame Adika, Dean School of Education and Leadership, who chaired the lecture, expressed his appreciation to all attendees, both virtual and physical, for their participation.

He also highlighted the history of the inter-college lecture series, which he noted aimed to showcase research and increase visibility across departments and schools in the university. He encouraged more faculty, especially women, to sign up and deliver lectures to continue enriching the series.

Professor Gordon Senanu Kwame Adika, Chairing the occasion on behalf of the Provost

Mr. Joseph Oduro Nkansah, College Secretary, welcomed the audience and expressed his excitement for the engaging and informative lecture, which also marked the 75th anniversary of the University of Ghana.

Mr. Joseph Oduro Nkansah, College Secretary

The 7th College of Education Inter-College Lecture provided the platform for shedding light on the challenges faced by visually impaired students in the context of online learning and provided valuable insights into creating more inclusive and accessible virtual learning spaces.

A cross-section of participants at the lecture