Accessing blended learning: Phenomenological insights from tertiary students with vision loss, hearing loss and neurodiverse profiles

Category

Health and Environmental Sciences

Description of research project

This research will explore the lived experience of blended learning for tertiary students with accessibility needs.

Blended learning is an educational approach that combines face-to-face teaching with online learning activities, allowing students to engage with course content both in person and digitally.

Accessibility needs refer to challenges a student may face when accessing blended learning due to vision or hearing impairments, or neurodiversity. These needs can affect how students engage with blended learning and may require specific supports or adjustments to ensure equitable access
If you choose to participate in the research, you will be asked to take part in either an individual interview with Stephanie Haven or a group hui with other participants, depending on your preference. Please expect the interview or hui to take approximately one hour, but this may vary depending on how the discussion goes. You will receive a Prezzy voucher as a token of appreciation to thank you for your participation.

Inclusion and/or exclusion criteria

Inclusion criteria:
o Must speak English or use New Zealand Sign Language
o Must be enrolled in tertiary study through AUT
o Must have experience with completing at least one semester of a blended learning program
o Must have a vision and/or hearing impairment and/or recognized neurodiversity
o Neurodiversity can include but is not limited to; Dyslexia, Autistic Spectrum Disorders, ADHD, Dyscalculia, Dyspraxia and Dysgraphia.

Exclusion criteria:
o Students who are unable to attend a face-to-face interview either in person or via zoom/teams.
o Students who are unable to communicate their experiences either verbally or through an interpreter.

Statement of ethics approval

Approved by the Auckland University of Technology Ethics Committee on 2025-11-28 for 2 years.

AUTEC approval number

25/351

Contact person

Stephanie Haven, hty7864@autuni.ac.nz

Participant information sheet