Exploring The Impact of Assistive Technology on Academic Achievement for Visually Impaired Students in Zanzibar’s Primary Schools

Assistive technology is utilized in Zanzibar primary schools and Tanzania at large. However, there is a shortage of information on its impacts on enhancing academic achievement due to the scarcity of studies conducted in this area. Therefore this study’s main purpose was to explore the assistive technology’s impacts on enhancing academic achievement for students with visual impairments in Zanzibar primary schools. In addition, the study sought to examine barriers that students with visual impairment face while utilizing assistive technology during the teaching and learning process. The study utilized a qualitative approach, with 28 participants using interviews, focus group discussions, and observations for data collection. The data was transcribed, coded, categorized and then analyzed using the thematic analysis method. The findings of this study indicated that assistive technology has a great impact on enhancing academic achievement for students with visual impairments hence it improves the learning capability of learners. The findings also revealed several barriers faced by students during the utilization of assistive technology including limited teaching and learning resources especially those written in Braille and overcrowded classes. Based on these findings, the study recommended that the Ministry of Education and Vocational Training collaborate with educational stakeholders such as NGOs, teachers and parents to enhance efforts in providing adequate and relevant assistive devices and teaching and learning materials for both teachers and students with visual impairments.