Impacts of COVID-19 on Higher Level Special Students

Abstract

A phenomenological study was conducted on 19 special students from higher education to study the educational condition and to analyze the impact of online classes on their motivation after the lockdown of COVID-19. Data was collected through a questionnaire and face-to-face interviews. Collected data were analyzed using the percentage and frequency method. According to the findings, the majority of students enjoyed online classes and were comfortable with this abrupt change in educational methods. The majority of the students were motivated because of the advantages of online classes. Τhe most liked aspects of online learning were flexibility and saving money on travel expenses. Regrettably, it has drawbacks such as the ability to interact, disruptions, and one-sided learning. Τeachers’ negligence and lack of support for some disabled students were not addressed, and online safety and security issues were not addressed. It is suggested that education should be tailored to the needs of individual students, and teachers should make an effort to comprehend the uniԛue needs and challenges of students with disabilities in order to involve them in online learning environments.