Remote learning of mathematics for visually impaired students during COVID-19: Exploring online intervention, resources, challenges and issues

Abstract

Due to COVID-19, several dramatic changes have appeared all over the world i.e., travel restrictions, healthcare shortages, self-isolation, economic crises, social distancing, increases in food demand, job losses and closure of educational institutions. This led to a rapid transition from face-to-face to remote teaching. Most remote learning platforms are designed primarily for sighted students and are less useful for visually-impaired students. Especially in mathematics, it's quite difficult for visually-impaired students to access rich visual information, such as graphs, algebraic notations, geometric shapes and statistical formulas. This article provides an overview of mathematics learning resources during the COVID-19 pandemic. It explores assistive technology-based interventions which enable visually-impaired and blind students to actively participate in remote teaching and enhance their learning skills. It was noted that solutions are available for various platforms (i.e., smartphones, tablets, laptops & desktop PCs) to support visually-impaired students. Assistive Technology in remote learning also plays a key role in enhancing the mathematical skills of visually-impaired students. Furthermore, we have investigated the important COVID-19-related resources of different institutes which are very beneficial for the online education of visually-impaired students. Moreover, some challenges and issues are discovered such as internet connectivity, lack of interaction, inadequate support, one-way communication and less effective learning. Finally, some future directions are suggested for research i.e., parents should be a part of remote learning