Ghanaian students deserve more than traditional teaching tools- let’s integrate assistive technology

Education is a key and very important for the progress of the nation. As a result many students in our public schools encounter some difficulties that slows their learning due to developmental delays and special educational needs.

The Ministry of Education must categorize investment in aiding technology to confront the technological inadequacies in our educational institutions and help to promote panoramic education.
Aiding technology circumscribe low-tech options such as listening and hearing aids, braille books as well as modern tools including adaptive learning platforms, speech-to-text software and screen readers.

Students or Children with mental, kinesthetic or physical strain finds it difficult to keep pace, and without appropriate support, their prospectives can’t be accomplished limiting their chances to contribute to society.

Specific number of students with disabilities in our public schools lack the necessary support this is because, resources are not sufficient, again the staffs are untrained so are not qualified and societal discrimination.

These resources kindle disabled students to overcome hurdles and participate fully in their educational experiences.
Again, the classrooms often lack the required adaptations, and teachers lack the training needed to meet and confront the needs of diverse learners.
Aiding technology can transform education in Ghana by providing equal learning opportunities for all students. Prioritize areas that need financial or monetary support include:

Hearing strain assistance

Sign language interpretation, real-time transcription and Hearing aids, are some digital sources that can enhance the learning experience for hard-of-hearing students or the deaf.

Eye strain support

Screen readers, magnification software electronic braille displays, can enhance visually impaired students in accessing educational materials.

Accessibility enhancements

Schools should focus on creating adjustable desks, wheelchair-accessible facilities, and communication assistance for students with mobility challenges.

Adaptive learning resources

Customised digital platforms can help students with developmental delays or learning disabilities, enhancing them to learn at their own pace.
With adequate support, students with disabilities can become independent and productive, this will help them not to rely sorely on social welfare services.

Below are some ways to integrate assistive technology in our schools:

Policy pursuance: Current policies on comprehensive education need to be evaluated and enforced to warrant the manifestation of assistive technology across all schools in the country.

Increased government funding: The Ministry of Education should underline financial ration for aiding technology within the national education budget, commercialising partnerships with international organisations and the private sector for additional and supportive resources.

Effective and special education training expansion: Teacher training programmes should combine courses on assistive technology, and continuing education opportunities should be made available for existing teachers.

Investing in assistive technology is important for realising comprehensive education in Ghana. No child should be disadvantaged due to learning awkwardness.

Equipping and providing schools with the needed resources and thoroughly training educators, we can build proper education system that kindles students.

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