IMPACT OF ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE IN EDUCATIONAL ASSISTANCE: PERCEPTION OF STUDENTS WITH VISUAL IMPAIRMENT

Abstract

The study explored the perception of students with visual impairment towards the impact of artificial intelligence on their academic performance. The study used a quantitative approach based on descriptive methodology. The design of study was survey which utilized a self-made questionnaire for the purpose of data collection from the study participants. The population of the research comprised of all the students with visual impairment (low vision & blind) currently enrolled/studying in the ordinary/special education schools/colleges or universities of district Faisalabad. Researcher chooses fifty individuals with vision loss (blind and low vision) from various institutes of the District Faisalabad for data collection using convenient sampling technique. A structured questionnaire was designed for the students with vision loss for data collection comprising of 18 close ended questions. Researchers approached the students with visual impairment by visiting their educational institutes and obtaining the permission for data collection from the higher authorities. The data collected from the students with visual impairment was analyzed in terms of mean, standard error and two sample t-test. The most effective artificial intelligence tools found helpful in ameliorating the academic achievement of the students with visual impairment included the JAWS 2024-Beta for video calls and screening reading, BeMyAI to resolve the reading issues, Text-to-Speech Software for Braille note-taking, and Finger Reader AI for reading the normal        12-point printing. Similar perception of the blind and low vision was noted towards the impact of AI on their academic achievement. Likewise, same perception of the urban and rural students with visual impairment was inferred towards the impact of AI on their academic achievement as well. The study expressed that artificial intelligence was very effective in boosting up the educational outcomes of the students with visual impairment.