Digital information resources: use and perceptions of deaf and hearing students

Abstract

Purpose The purpose of this study is to investigate the use of the internet among deaf and hearing students. The study also explores the perceptions of students toward the internet, online databases and digital libraries. Design/methodology/approach The study uses a survey questionnaire to collect data from the sample. The sample consists of 59 hearing and 53 deaf students studying at Al Ain University of Science and Technology Al Ain University (AAU). Descriptive statistics and t-tests are used to analyze data. Findings Findings of the study show that at least 90 per cent of participants are using the internet for intellectual activities and social communications. In addition, the majority of deaf and hearing students have positive perceptions toward digital information resources. For gender differences, the study found no significant difference between men and women in the use of internet or in their perceptions toward the importance of online databases and digital libraries. However, results of the study confirmed significant difference between deaf and hearing students in relation to internet use, perception toward the importance of online databases and digital libraries. Research limitations/implications The sample of the study are students studying at AAU. Future studies may expend this study by including deaf participants from various institutions in UAE. Originality/value The results of the study could be used in planning and providing digital information resources and services for deaf students.

Exploring the Use of Educational Technology among Deaf Students in the United Arab Emirates

“…In line with prior studies [10], high use of the Internet for educational purpose is reported for self-learning or teaching, accessing information related to the programs, improving thinking skills, and for improving knowledge. The results reflect the importance of the Internet for deaf students.…”

“…Certainly, deaf people have the ability to learn and use ICT tools and resources for education, employment, and social interactions. They use digital information resources for reading, writing and social interaction, through their visual sense and auditory residues [9,10,11]. Prior studies have investigated the use of ICT tools and resources among deaf people from a different part of the world.…”

“…Al Ain University (AAU), in 2015 became the first-ever university in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) to offer bachelor degrees in Special Education and Applied Sociology for deaf students [10]. The programs started with 30 Deaf students in Al Ain and 38 students in Abu Dhabi.…”

“…Our review of the literature identified many studies conducted about deaf people in UAE [10,15,16]. However, most of these studies reported medical aspects of deafness, engineering aspects of deafness, and deaf people at primary and elementary schools.…”

Using online information technology for deaf students during COVID-19: A closer look from experience

“…Deafness is a low incidence disability (less than 5% of the school population) ( Noble, 2010 ). Colleges and universities are not typically prepared for supporting deaf students; so, their specific needs are not well understood ( Kaba and Ellala, 2019 ). The lack of understanding is not for want of intent; it is simply a lack of experience on the part of the Student Services department and the professors.…”