An assessment of the challenges of online learning for students with special needs in Maiduguri Central LGA, Borno State
- Project Research
- 1-5 Chapters
- Abstract : Available
- Table of Content: Available
- Reference Style:
- Recommended for :
- NGN 5000
Background of the Study
Online learning has rapidly become a cornerstone of modern education, yet its benefits are not uniformly experienced by all students. For students with special needs, the digital divide often poses significant challenges that hinder effective learning. In Maiduguri Central LGA, Borno State, the shift towards online education has raised critical concerns regarding accessibility, inclusivity, and the adequacy of available support systems. While digital platforms offer flexibility and access to diverse resources, students with special needs frequently face obstacles such as inadequate technological accommodations, limited accessibility features, and a shortage of specialized instructional support (Abubakar, 2023). This study examines these challenges in depth, emphasizing the need to adapt online learning environments to the unique requirements of special needs education.
In Maiduguri Central, the transition to online learning presents both opportunities and obstacles. On one hand, technology has the potential to provide personalized learning experiences through adaptive software and assistive devices; on the other hand, infrastructural limitations and a lack of comprehensive training for educators in special needs pedagogy often undermine these advantages (Yusuf, 2024). Additionally, social isolation inherent in remote learning environments can further exacerbate the difficulties faced by special needs students, who often rely on structured support and direct interaction for optimal learning. As educational institutions strive to implement digital solutions, the risk of marginalizing students with disabilities becomes increasingly apparent.
Recent studies indicate that while online learning can expand educational access, it simultaneously risks excluding students who lack the necessary technological tools or specialized support (Hassan, 2025). In Maiduguri Central, insufficient digital infrastructure and limited availability of adaptive learning technologies contribute to a non-inclusive educational experience for these students. This research seeks to critically assess the barriers encountered by students with special needs in online learning platforms, aiming to develop actionable recommendations that promote a more inclusive digital education framework tailored to their requirements.
Statement of the Problem
Despite the widespread adoption of online learning, students with special needs in Maiduguri Central LGA, Borno State, continue to face significant challenges that impede their academic progress. A primary concern is the insufficient accessibility of digital platforms, which often lack the necessary features to accommodate various disabilities. This shortfall in accessibility is compounded by inadequate teacher training in utilizing assistive technologies and designing inclusive online curricula (Adamu, 2023). As a result, special needs students struggle to engage with digital learning materials and participate fully in virtual classrooms.
Infrastructural challenges such as unreliable internet connectivity and limited access to appropriate devices further exacerbate these difficulties. Many students who require specialized software or adaptive hardware find that such resources are either unavailable or in short supply, thereby widening the digital divide. The absence of tailored instructional strategies and individualized support plans leaves these learners at a disadvantage, often resulting in lower academic performance and diminished self-confidence (Ibrahim, 2024).
Furthermore, there is a noticeable lack of comprehensive policies that address the specific requirements of students with disabilities in the online learning context. Without targeted interventions and continuous monitoring, the gap between special needs students and their peers is likely to widen. This study aims to explore these issues in detail, critically analyzing the barriers that hinder effective online learning for students with special needs in Maiduguri Central LGA. By identifying and evaluating these challenges, the research intends to propose strategic solutions that will facilitate the creation of more accessible and inclusive online educational environments (Lawal, 2025).
Objectives of the Study:
-
To assess the challenges faced by students with special needs in online learning.
-
To identify infrastructural and pedagogical barriers affecting online education for these students.
-
To propose recommendations for improving accessibility and inclusivity in digital learning environments.
Research Questions:
-
What are the primary challenges encountered by students with special needs in online learning?
-
How do infrastructural and pedagogical factors affect the online learning experience of these students?
-
What strategies can be implemented to enhance the accessibility of online education for students with special needs?
Research Hypotheses:
-
Online learning platforms lack sufficient accessibility features for students with special needs.
-
Inadequate teacher training adversely impacts the learning outcomes of special needs students.
-
Improved infrastructural support significantly enhances the online learning experience for students with disabilities.
Significance of the Study
This study is significant as it addresses the critical challenges faced by students with special needs in online learning environments in Maiduguri Central LGA. The findings will provide valuable insights for educators, policymakers, and technology developers to create more inclusive digital platforms. By identifying key barriers and proposing targeted solutions, the research aims to improve educational access and outcomes for special needs students, ultimately contributing to a more equitable and supportive learning environment.
Scope and Limitations of the Study:
The study is limited to assessing the challenges of online learning for students with special needs in Maiduguri Central LGA, Borno State. It focuses solely on issues related to accessibility and inclusivity in digital education.
Definitions of Terms:
-
Online Learning: Educational instruction delivered through digital platforms and the internet.
-
Special Needs: Educational requirements of students who require additional support due to disabilities or learning differences.
-
Maiduguri Central LGA: A local government area in Borno State where the study is conducted.
Related Project Materials
An Examination of the Role of Entrepreneurship Education in Driving Development in Nigeria
Background of the Study
Entrepreneurship education has emerged as a vital tool for fostering innovation and driving econom...
An Assessment of Knowledge, Attitude, and Practices Regarding Diabetes Prevention in Nasarawa State
Background of the Study
Diabetes mellitus is a major public health concern worldwide, with its prevalence increasing sig...
An examination of the role of pragmatic context in shaping language use in Nigerian Pidgin among online influencers
Background of the Study
Online influencers have emerged as key players in shaping digital discourse, and Nigerian Pidgin i...
DEPENDENCY AND UNDERDEVELOPMENT IN AFRICA: THE NIGERIAN EXPERIENCE
Abstract
Dependency and underdevelopment in Africa is our main thrust which we try to relate the above to the Nigerian context. Dependenc...
An assessment of digital transformation strategies on operational performance in banking: a case study of Co-operative Bank of Nigeria
Background of the Study
Digital transformation has become a vital strategy for banks seeking to enhance operational perform...
Angel Investor Needed For A Tech Startup
Project Body
TACKLING COMPLEXITIES IN MATERNAL CARE USING AN E-HEALTH SOLUTION (A CASE STUDY OF DOCTOR-PATIENT RELATIONSHIP AT FEDERAL MEDICAL CENTER, YOLA)
ABSTRACT
The rate of maternal mortality in the recent time is so alarming due to weak health systems, poor doctor-patient relationship, a...
An Assessment of How Poverty Affects Adherence to Chronic Disease Management in Gombe State
Background of the Study
Chronic diseases, including diabetes, hypertension, and asthma, require long-term medical management to prevent c...
THE ROLE OF FINANCIAL POLICIES IN ACHIEVING BUSINESS OBJECTIVES
Abstract: THE ROLE OF FINANCIAL POLICIES IN ACHIEVING BUSINESS OBJECTIVES
This study i...
DEVELOPMENT OF A 5KG CAPACITY INDUCTION FURNACE FOR MELTING ALUMINIUM
ABSTRACT
Aluminium in Nigeria is a popular metallic element. Widely used to produce single domestic appliances and even industrial engine...
