Abstract:
This study investigated the perception of student teachers enrolled in the BEd
Honours in Special Needs Education Degree Program on Interactive Learning
Sessions conducted via Zoom technology within the Open University of Sri Lanka.
This study employed a survey design with a mixed-methods approach to gather
insights from student teachers at Levels 5 and 6 of the BEd(Hons)SNE enrolled in
the 2023/2024 academic year.
Findings indicate that these Sessions are regularly conducted, often lasting 2-3
hours, and incorporate a mix of group work, lectures, and practical sessions,
supported by various digital tools like PowerPoint and breakout rooms. Overall,
the majority of student teachers reported a positive experience, highlighting
convenience, reduced travel costs, and flexibility as key advantages. A high
satisfaction with teacher-student interaction and perceived helpfulness in
achieving learning objectives was also noted.
However, a significant portion of student teachers faced challenges, primarily with
connectivity issues, technical glitches, and continuously engaging with the
sessions. Student teachers’ suggestions for enhancing the quality of Zoom-based
Interactive Learning Sessions include incorporating more interactive tools,
providing dedicated technical support, sharing session recordings, implementing
regular teacher training, encouraging camera use and active participation, and
collecting continuous feedback. The study concludes that while the Zoom offers
an effective and accessible learning modality for BEd(Hons) SNE student teachers,
further improvements are necessary to address existing challenges and maximize
its potential for all learners.
