Background of the Study
Accessibility in education is crucial to ensure that all students, including those with disabilities, have an equal opportunity to succeed. In recent years, there has been a growing focus on leveraging technology to improve accessibility in educational settings, particularly for students with hearing impairments, visual disabilities, or other learning challenges. AI-based speech recognition systems, which convert spoken language into written text, offer a promising solution for enhancing accessibility in universities by providing real-time transcriptions of lectures, discussions, and other educational content.
These systems utilize advanced natural language processing (NLP) algorithms and machine learning models to accurately recognize and transcribe speech, enabling students with hearing impairments or other disabilities to engage with academic content more effectively. AI-based speech recognition has the potential to improve student accessibility in classrooms, online courses, and other academic environments by offering real-time captions, providing personalized learning experiences, and supporting students in their academic journeys.
Federal University, Lafia, located in Lafia LGA, Nasarawa State, presents an ideal case study for investigating the use of AI-based speech recognition systems in enhancing student accessibility. The university is committed to providing an inclusive learning environment for all students, and this research aims to evaluate the effectiveness of speech recognition systems in improving the accessibility and learning experiences of students with disabilities.
Statement of the Problem
Federal University, Lafia, has a growing population of students with disabilities who face significant barriers to accessing educational content, especially in traditional lecture-based settings. The university’s existing accessibility resources are limited, and students with hearing impairments or other disabilities often struggle to keep up with class lectures and discussions. While AI-based speech recognition systems offer a potential solution, there is limited research on their implementation and effectiveness in enhancing accessibility in Nigerian universities. This study seeks to address this gap by exploring the use of AI-based speech recognition at Federal University, Lafia.
Objectives of the Study
1. To investigate the feasibility and effectiveness of using AI-based speech recognition systems to enhance student accessibility at Federal University, Lafia.
2. To evaluate the impact of AI-based speech recognition on the academic performance and engagement of students with disabilities.
3. To assess the perceptions of students and faculty regarding the use of AI-based speech recognition systems in the classroom.
Research Questions
1. How can AI-based speech recognition systems be implemented to improve student accessibility at Federal University, Lafia?
2. What impact does the use of AI-based speech recognition systems have on the academic performance and engagement of students with disabilities?
3. How do students with disabilities and faculty perceive the use of AI-based speech recognition systems in enhancing accessibility?
Research Hypotheses
1. AI-based speech recognition systems will significantly improve the accessibility of academic content for students with disabilities at Federal University, Lafia.
2. The implementation of AI-based speech recognition will positively impact the academic performance and engagement of students with disabilities.
3. Students and faculty at Federal University, Lafia will report positive perceptions of AI-based speech recognition systems in enhancing accessibility.
Significance of the Study
This study will contribute to the understanding of how AI-based speech recognition systems can enhance accessibility for students with disabilities in higher education. The findings will provide valuable insights for Federal University, Lafia, and other institutions seeking to adopt AI technologies to support inclusive education. The research will also help to inform policy decisions regarding accessibility and inclusion in Nigerian universities.
Scope and Limitations of the Study
The study will focus on the implementation and evaluation of AI-based speech recognition systems at Federal University, Lafia, located in Lafia LGA, Nasarawa State. It will assess the effectiveness of these systems in enhancing student accessibility, particularly for students with hearing impairments and other disabilities. Limitations include the availability of AI-based speech recognition software and the potential challenges of training staff and students to effectively use the system.
Definitions of Terms
• Speech Recognition: The process of converting spoken language into written text using AI and natural language processing algorithms.
• AI-Based System: A system that utilizes artificial intelligence techniques, such as machine learning, to perform tasks that traditionally required human intelligence.
• Accessibility: The design of products, services, and environments that can be used by people with disabilities.
• Inclusive Education: An educational approach that ensures all students, regardless of their abilities or disabilities, have equal access to learning opportunities.
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