ERIC Number: EJ1231810
Record Type: Journal
Publication Date: 2019-Sep
Pages: 14
Abstractor: As Provided
ISBN: N/A
ISSN: ISSN-2167-3454
EISSN: N/A
A Virtual Assistant on Campus for Blind and Low Vision Students
Lannan, Amanda
Journal of Special Education Apprenticeship, v8 n2 Sep 2019
"I want to make the most of my college experience…pass the courses I need to get into law school, make new friends, and travel. Maybe study abroad." These are the sentiments of one undergraduate student. These goals are not so different from those of hundreds of students attending college, yet, the mere fact she is blind creates a completely different perspective. This exploratory study seeks to learn how undergraduate students who are blind or have low vision (BLV), experience Aira, an augmented reality application, as a visual interpreter, in post-secondary settings. Semi-structured interviews illuminated three major themes: (a) accessibility impacts productivity, (b) incidental learning affects social interactions, and (c) sense of self. Theoretical conclusions are made on how Aira positively contributes to a complete college experience for students who are BLV, as outlined in the Seven Vectors of Identification Development (Chickering & Reisser, 1993).
Descriptors: Students with Disabilities, Blindness, Partial Vision, Undergraduate Students, Computer Simulation, Assistive Technology, Accessibility (for Disabled), Productivity, Incidental Learning, Interpersonal Relationship, Self Concept, Student Experience, Individual Development
Journal of Special Education Apprenticeship. 2496 Prospect Drive, Upland, CA 91784. Tel: 909-985-8578; Fax: 909-985-8578; e-mail: snam@csusb.edu; Web site: http://www.josea.info
Publication Type: Journal Articles; Reports - Research
Education Level: Higher Education; Postsecondary Education
Audience: N/A
Language: English
Sponsor: N/A
Authoring Institution: N/A
Grant or Contract Numbers: N/A