FACEBOOK USE BY VISUALLY IMPAIRED STUDENTS Cover Image

FACEBOOK USE BY VISUALLY IMPAIRED STUDENTS
FACEBOOK USE BY VISUALLY IMPAIRED STUDENTS

Author(s): Dragos Daniel Iordache, Aurel PĂTRU
Subject(s): Media studies, ICT Information and Communications Technologies, Sociology of Education
Published by: Carol I National Defence University Publishing House
Keywords: visually impaired users; social networks; Facebook;

Summary/Abstract: Social networking sites (SNS) are characterized by user-generated content, online identity creation, and relational networking. Facebook is by far the most popular social networking site being currently used by a large diversity of users, including people with special needs. World Health Organization reports that more than 285 million people worldwide are visually impaired: 39 million are completely blind while more than 246 million have low vision. Visually impaired people are a distinct category of the users of social networks. They are using the social networking sites with a set of accessibility tools. These tools differ depending on the severity of the visual impairment and may take the form of screen readers, magnifiers, etc. The goal of this study is to identify educational and social aspects related to the use of Facebook by visually impaired people as well as positive aspects and risks of using this social networking website. An interview guide has been developed for this purpose. Interviews are a standard method for exploring people’s feelings, motivations, insight and experiences on any topic.

  • Issue Year: 12/2016
  • Issue No: 02
  • Page Range: 522-529
  • Page Count: 8
  • Language: English