How a visually impaired student learns English in the context of online courses at Unad University = Como aprende inglés un estudiante invidente en el contexto de cursos virtuales en la Universidad UNAD

Abstract

The main objective of this paper is to determine how a visually impaired student learns English in the context of virtual environments at UNAD University. This is done through the analysis of the teacher´s mediation, the materials used in the online course and the learning strategies used by the students in the tutorial sessions. Classroom discourse features while working on the tasks and overcoming limitations are also analyzed in the context of distance learning education that is expecting to become more digital and inclusive. The analysis of documents, observations and interviews showed that tutors should work with a student with special needs focusing on the strengths and learning strategies he or she has, adapting the materials in order to match their needs, and that the interaction patterns promoted has a decisive role in the success of the learning process.