Page 4 - Mainstreamer Volume 1 Issue 2 Feb 2023

CAMPUS LIFE
A Visually Impaired Learner’s Experience with Open and

Distance Learning

Wong Huey
Siew

ollowing a tremendous rise in online perceives remote learning as a flexible and suitable
educational institutions worldwide, online method of providing inclusive education to all
Fstudy or open and distance learning (ODL) has individuals, including those with disabilities. In
become an alternative for many people to pursue addition, online courses have improved learning
studies, obtain a degree, or even a postgraduate opportunities for individuals who are unable
certificate. It allows the general public to have to attend face-to-face classes owing to health,
broad access at any time and from any place, weather, transportation, physical, or disability
including individuals with visual impairments. issues. Students can easily access course materials,
notes, and handouts on the Internet if they are
In Malaysia, learners with visual impairments made accessible.
can pursue their tertiary studies through ODL,
which is mainly provided by online universities I graduated from OUM in 2014. In 2011, I
such as Open University Malaysia (OUM), AEU enrolled in OUM for postgraduate study. I chose
University, and Wawasan Open University. These OUM for its convenience and accessibility for
universities even offer up to 50% tuition discounts impaired students. Despite some difficulties and
for students with special needs. In this context, the challenges, I was confident that I would complete
following fundamental questions continue to arise: my courses at OUM through ODL. The online
How inclusive and accessible is ODL for students study approach greatly aided my studies at OUM.
with visual impairment? Can they handle the I had accomplished my aim of earning my second
online study method? Master’s degree in Human Resource Management
without quitting my existing employment. This was
Many countries are aware of these challenges. due to the fact that classes and exams were held
Therefore, this paper will address the issue of on weekends. Also, I utilized various e-resources
inclusion of learners with visual impairment in to complete my assignments and interact with my
ODL, especially the accessibility component. The coursemates and lecturers.
discussion is based on my experience with ODL
during my two and a half years as a postgraduate In order to get the entire picture of how
student at OUM. learners with visual impairment could adapt to
the ODL system, I wish to share with you about
It is critical for all higher education providers some aspects of online studies or virtual learning
to consider the needs of persons with disabilities experience. As such, I would like to highlight
(PWDs). This is particularly relevant given the lack the following aspects to illustrate how learners
of research on e-learning for visually impaired with visual impairment could survive within ODL
students in Malaysia. Existing studies on ODL tend environment. My personal experience would be
to focus on non-disabled students. described as follow:

Nowadays, online study is seen as a viable 1. Online application experience.
option for everyone seeking to acquire knowledge In terms of application and admission, I could
and skills. Since the outbreak of COVID-19 in do it online. The system is quite user friendly
2020, online study has become critical. The public because I could do it at home and at any time.

3 3 Vol. 01, Issue 2 | February 2023