The e-learning - or the use of technology in education - is becoming one of the most important requirements in modern age, and hence, accelerated efforts are required in the field of educating the physically impaired through the implementation of technology based learning for the physically impaired. One of the most popular technological approaches used is the e-learning environment. The usage of e-learning environment in education involves a wide range of types of students, and this includes the hearing impaired ones. Some adjustment or enhancement needs to be implemented within the e-learning environment, based on the needs or the adaptability of the hearing impaired students accordingly. Since early inspections of e-learning technology specialists agreed on the role of technology and its effectiveness in the development of the educational process of communities, which keeps pace with the requirements of the future, and that there is no retreat from its application or doubt in its success. The educational sector has seen a drastic change in its approach as more resources have been made available to make it prosperous. Among these resources, e-learning mobile apps have their worth in gold. E-learning apps have come into trend over the last 4-5 years and since their arrival, the overall scenario of education has changed forever. E-learning has accumulated praise from parents and students from all over the world for the methods of learning it brings alongside it. Sprout has insisted to be a pioneer innovator in the field of e-learning and its applications in Bangladesh. Remarkably, Sprout has produced a mobile based application which aims to provide the infrastructure for self-paced learning to serve basic sign language as well as all general and higher learning levels based on the National Curriculum and Textbook Board of Bangladesh. The fact that makes Sprout the first mobile app based leader in implementing sign language based e-learning with the widest collection of both interactive educational content, an achievement which is now becoming unprecedented and priceless to Bangladesh. We also look forward to reach out to the international community over time. We offer solutions for the physically impaired and aim at attaining the latest e-learning technologies for the hearing impaired students; in terms of interaction and participation. We look forward to introduce one-to- one sessions where, students get matched to a specific tutor with experience in the student’s selected subject in case of any problem regarding the lessons provided.
There are 8 (eight) categories in which disabled students are classified according to their disabilities - medical impairment, mental illness, mobility impairment, hearing impairment, learning disability, vision impairment, acquired brain impairment, and intellectual disability. Because certain individuals are physically and mentally challenged, it does not mean that they cannot perform well in the academics or professional life. With the advent of eLearning, education is no longer a laborious work for disabled students. In fact, disabled students studying online find it more fulfilling and less difficult to get knowledge. While it is difficult for the disabled students to get admission in a conventional education institution, this is not a case when they turn to online learning platforms. As a matter of fact, many colleges and universities have started conducting online learning platforms. Today, the concept of virtual campuses is evolving rapidly and more disabled students are getting enrolled. Technology is also playing a pivotal role in providing the perfect learning solutions to the disabled students. Nowadays, students choose their own location for schoolwork and study. Besides, disabled students find it more comforting to study in the online environment as it gives them more time to complete assignments as well as allow them to sit, rest or walk whenever there is a necessity.
For the disabled students, two main factors are beneficial at every level; convince and flexibility. Online learning provides convenient access for the distant learners and it is more flexible than traditional schooling methods. There is no hassle of traveling because classes can be attended from home, disabled students can easily set up their home office area according to their personal preferences. Being in their own comfort zone, it will make easier for them to progress more. Apart from convenience, eLearning provides students some flexibility that is not available in the F2F delivery format. Online courses are developed with Universal Designed Learning (UDL) standards. By this, information of the course is presented in multiple ways. Online lessons depend more on interactive studies like visuals, graphics, and closed-captioned videos. They are known as a great leveler. Such studies allow students to choose and share what they want to show. Such programs and studies maintain the anonymity about their disability as well. This way all the learners work together towards a common goal of learning and pursuing careers in different fields. In the 21st century, the acceptance of disabilities needs to be promoted among teaching and professional staff and accessibility guidelines need to be developed according to the needs of students, based upon their real-life experiences. Disability is no more a problem as there are many tools, teaching methods and design standards that make everything accessible to the disabled.
