Page 293 - RUICHSS 2023 Proceeding

University of Ruhuna ISSN: 2706-0063
Matara, Sri Lanka

During the qualitative phase, interviews and focus group discussions were

conducted with experienced educators and institutional administrators. These
discussions delve into the complex challenges that students with disabilities

face in virtual learning environments. At the same time, the quantitative phase

involves distributing surveys to a diverse group of students and faculty
members engaged in online teaching and learning across various disciplines

and higher educational institutions in Sri Lanka. These surveys will
quantitatively capture perceptions, experiences, and suggestions related to

accessibility and inclusion. The sample selection considered factors such as

expertise in online teaching, experience with students with disabilities, and
representation from various academic disciplines. Additionally, the

quantitative phase included surveys distributed to a diverse group of students
and faculty members, with 20 participants, ensuring representation from

multiple institutions and academic backgrounds.

4. Objectives of the Study

The study encompasses six distinct objectives, each contributing to the

overarching goal of creating a more equitable educational landscape.

The first objective focuses on identifying the specific challenges that students
with disabilities encounter in the realm of online education. Through

systematic exploration, the aim is to uncover the barriers that hinder their

effective participation and engagement in online learning platforms within the
context of higher education in Sri Lanka.

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