EFFECT OF AUDIOBOOK APPLICATIONS ON VISUALLY IMPAIRED STUDENTS: PRACTICAL INSIGHTS FOR NIGERIA

Abstract

The integration of assistive technologies such as audiobook applications has the potential to revolutionize the learning experience for virtually impaired students in Nigeria this is because visually impaired students in Nigeria face significant barriers to effective learning due to limited access to accessible instructional materials. This study examined the effect of an audiobook application on the academic achievement of visually impaired Junior Secondary School students in Computer Studies within Minna Metropolis, Niger State, Nigeria. A sequential explanatory mixed-methods design was employed, beginning with a qualitative needs assessment through semi-structured interviews with students, teachers, and special education experts (n=15), followed by a quasi-experimental pre-test post-test control group design. The population comprised all visually impaired students in the study area, with a purposive sample of 34 participants assigned to experimental (n=20) and control (n=14) groups. Validated and reliable researcher-developed instruments were used for data collection. Thematic analysis of qualitative data revealed critical learning challenges, such as the inaccessibility of visual content and overreliance on teacher dictation, justifying the need for the intervention. Quantitative analysis using an independent samples t-test indicated that students exposed to audiobook instruction achieved a significantly higher mean gain score (13.45) compared to the control group (2.29), with a statistically significant difference in post-test scores (t(32) = −9.99, p < 0.05). The study concludes that the audiobook application significantly enhances academic achievement by providing accessible, auditory-based learning support. It recommends integrating such assistive technologies into teaching practices and curricula to improve inclusivity and learning outcomes, offering practical insights for educational implementation in Nigeria