Experts canvass e-learning for children with special needs.

Education experts have called for the adoption and inclusion of e-learning in the teaching of children with special needs.

Speaking at the opening of the 34th national conference of the Nigeria Association of Special Education Teachers, Dean of the faculty of education at the University of Ibadan, Olufemi Fakolade, said the introduction of e-learning makes it possible for students with special needs to surmount problems associated with traditional learning.

Fakolade, at the conference themed: “Application of e-learning in teaching and learning for learners with special needs in Nigeria,” said: “E-learning supports the inclusion of children with disabilities in education by enabling them to overcome some of the barriers causing their exclusion.

“It complements other face-to-face methods and tools, such as teacher training and inclusive pedagogy.

Christiana Dada of the faculty of education, Kwara State University, Malete, stressed the importance of adopting e-learning in teaching students with special needs.

She said the use of Information and Communications Technology (ICT) in the education of people with special needs is possible in the country when concerted efforts are made by the government and professionals.

Dada, a professor of special education, recommended training and sustaining teachers’ interests in ICT.

National president of the association, Catherine Atteng, said the topic of the conference was in accordance with global trends.

“It’s a globalised world and everybody is deploying technology. We can’t deprive students with special needs the opportunity to be at par with their counterparts across the world,” she said.