Abstract
This systematic literature review posed the question of the existence of studies addressing the effects of online learning on the fundamental skills of learners with learning disabilities. Online educational settings have a long tradition around the world, and became more pronounced during the COVID 19 pandemic. With the growing trend in home-schooling coupled with a digitally transforming world and disruptive thinking, the trend towards online learning is expected to grow. There is currently an open debate over the balance between pros and cons of online learning, and how these platforms interact with students with learning disabilities and their well-being. The review was performed using a three-step process that included an exhaustive search of scientific literature databases, the exclusion and inclusion criteria for selecting studies, and literature analysis and synthesis. The results carryout that: i) there is a lack of studies that focus on e-learning, addressing the issue of accessibility for learners with cognitive impairments (N = 37) with a main focus on design guidelines rather than effective assessment; ii) a weak inclusion of accessibility standards (N = 11) and iii) a shallow inclusion of special education results (N = 9), with a purpose dominated mainly by specific neuro-psychological disorders such as ADHD and dyslexia, rather than on cognitive impairments (such as attention and memory) as recommended by the International Classification of Functioning. The findings are summarized by using assessment design recommendations, promoting an interdisciplinary approach whilst integrating cognitive, educational, and computer sciences in order to establish more attainable e-learning systems.
Presenters
Deborah Zvanyadza RwafaCounselor and Academic Interventionist, Psychology, Seat Academy, South Africa
Details
Presentation Type
Paper Presentation in a Themed Session
Theme
Interdisciplinary Health Sciences
KEYWORDS
Online Learning,Learning Disabilities,Home-schooling,e-Learning Systems,Special Education
