Blind students attend classes on mobile phones

Surat: Along with their counterparts in normal schools, even 150 visually challenged students of Andhajan Shikshan Mandal, Ghod Dod Road, are taking classes online till schools reopen.
So that the blind students even from remote locations do not miss on learning during the Covid break in schools, these students from Class II to XII from different south Gujarat districts are being given audio lessons daily through mobile phones.
Before the lockdown happened, nearly 120 such students living in hostels were sent home. They are now being taught lessons of all subjects including music through various audio files which are shared over mobile chat application.
“We have created WhatsApp groups of different classes,” said Manish Gajjar, principal of the school. Teachers of various subjects prepare their audio lecture and share it in the group. While listening if student have question they can send question in audio format, Gajjar added.
Interestingly, the school had trained the students to use mobile phone and computers which is proving to be a boon now when they can use various features and applications on the phone. The students operate the phone with voice commands.
“We use TalkBack App feature of phone which doesn’t require touch or typing. This is a better option for us as we can continue learning even while being at home,” said Shubham Bhavsar, a Class XII student from Parvat Patia area.
Due to limitations, the mathematics teachers face difficulties in teaching through audio files and require physical presence of the students, the school officials informed.
“I miss my school and learning in school is the best option. But till school reopens, this is the best way to keep learning. We are comfortable in learning through this method,” said Suhani Tandel, a Class X student from Navsari.