Background of the Study
Inclusive education is a vital component of modern academic environments, and ensuring that visually impaired students have equal access to learning resources is paramount. At Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, Sabon Gari LGA, the development of a mobile‑based learning companion for visually impaired students is proposed as an innovative solution to address accessibility challenges. Traditional educational tools often fail to meet the unique needs of visually impaired learners, who require assistive technologies to navigate course materials effectively. The proposed learning companion utilizes mobile technology integrated with speech synthesis, screen reading, and AI‑driven content adaptation to provide a personalized learning experience (Okafor, 2023; Adeyemi, 2024). By converting text into speech and offering interactive voice commands, the system enables students to access educational content, participate in interactive lessons, and receive real‑time feedback. The mobile platform is designed with a user‑friendly interface that caters specifically to the needs of visually impaired users, ensuring ease of navigation and accessibility. Integration with the university’s digital libraries and learning management systems ensures that the learning companion provides comprehensive access to academic resources. Additionally, the system incorporates adaptive learning algorithms to tailor educational content based on individual progress and learning styles. Despite its promising benefits, challenges such as ensuring robust speech recognition accuracy, addressing diverse language requirements, and maintaining data privacy must be overcome. Pilot studies in similar settings have demonstrated that mobile‑based assistive technologies significantly enhance learning outcomes for visually impaired students. This study aims to evaluate the design, implementation, and effectiveness of the mobile‑based learning companion, providing a scalable framework for improving accessibility and academic performance among visually impaired learners at Ahmadu Bello University (Chinwe, 2024).
Statement of the Problem
Visually impaired students at Ahmadu Bello University currently face significant challenges in accessing educational content due to the limitations of traditional teaching methods and assistive technologies. The lack of an integrated, mobile‑based learning companion specifically tailored to their needs hampers their academic performance and overall engagement. Although digital solutions exist, they often do not adequately address issues such as accurate speech synthesis, intuitive navigation, and personalized content adaptation for visually impaired users. Furthermore, the absence of a comprehensive system that integrates seamlessly with existing academic resources results in fragmented learning experiences. Technical challenges, including ensuring high‑quality speech recognition, managing diverse language inputs, and safeguarding user data, further complicate the development of such a system. This study seeks to address these issues by designing and implementing a mobile‑based learning companion that leverages AI technologies to provide tailored, accessible learning support for visually impaired students. By evaluating system performance, user satisfaction, and integration with academic databases, the research aims to identify critical barriers and propose strategies to overcome them. The ultimate goal is to create an effective, user‑friendly assistive tool that enhances educational accessibility and improves academic outcomes for visually impaired students at Ahmadu Bello University (Adeyemi, 2024).
Objectives of the Study
To design and develop a mobile‑based learning companion that supports visually impaired students.
To evaluate the system’s effectiveness in terms of accessibility, speech accuracy, and user satisfaction.
To propose strategies for enhancing system integration and data privacy.
Research Questions
How does the mobile‑based learning companion improve access to educational content for visually impaired students?
What technical challenges affect speech recognition and content adaptation?
Which strategies can enhance system integration and ensure data security?
Significance of the Study
This study is significant as it addresses the critical need for assistive technologies that support visually impaired students at Ahmadu Bello University. By developing a mobile‑based learning companion, the system aims to improve accessibility, enhance academic performance, and promote inclusive education. The findings will provide valuable insights for educational institutions seeking to implement digital solutions for learners with special needs (Okafor, 2023).
Scope and Limitations of the Study
This study is limited to the development of a mobile‑based learning companion for visually impaired students at Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, Sabon Gari LGA.
Definitions of Terms
Learning Companion: A digital tool designed to assist students in accessing and interacting with educational content.
Speech Synthesis: The artificial production of human speech by a computer.
Assistive Technology: Devices or software designed to aid individuals with disabilities in performing functions that might otherwise be difficult.
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