ICT in ODL: Mobile Learning for Inclusive Education

Abstract

UNESCO believes that information and communications technology (ICT) has great potential to facilitate knowledge dissemination, improve learning and assist the development of more efficient education services. ICT can extend educational opportunities to marginalized groups; increase education quality; and reduce inequalities based on gender, class, race, age and disabilities. Today, large population is using mobile for communication. Now a day, many researchers point out that mobile learning is an integral part of educational process and best gadgets for current scenario. In the age of ICT, we have to commit that every one gets education without any hurdles, we as part of educational system to devote for inclusion of education. The widespread diffusion of mobile technologies offers an opportunity to develop policies aimed at participation and social inclusion. // However, mobile learning can contribute to the global commitment to provide quality education for children, youth and adults specially students with disabilities i.e. visually impaired. A person is defined as visually impaired who has no vision or greatly reduced vision or partial vision and cannot perform their work without assistance of sighted person or assistive technology as the sighted person can do. // In this paper we focus on interaction of blind users with educational content delivered via mobile devices, posing a special attention to touch screen technology. The paper is organized in 2 sections. In the primary section, we are discussing about ICT device i.e. mobile, and it’s use in learning for specially visually impaired. And other section we have been discussed about our case. As a case study, researcher does a work on the person, who has no vision but with help of mobile he can perform his duties. He has been completed his diploma from Yashwantrao Chavan Maharashtra Open University, Nasik, and for this diploma he is using mobile for project guidance. Today he is using this gadget for his profession and earn desirable amount for his life. People with visual disabilities will benefit from the significant social, cultural and economic benefits of ICT as long as the information and services are designed appropriately. Tim Berners-Lee has said, ‘the power of the web is in its universality. Access by everyone regardless of disability is an essential aspect. // Paper ID: 149