EFFECT OF INFORMATION COMMUNICATION TECHNOLOGY (ICT) ON SELF EFFICACY AND LEARNING ATTITUDE AMONG HEARING IMPAIRED STUDENTS

Abstract

The objectives of the study were to identify utilization of ICT, Self-Efficacy and Learning Attitude among hearing-impaired students and to measure the effect of ICT on Self-Efficacy among hearing impaired school students, also examine the effect of ICT on learning attitudes among hearing impaired school students in AJ&K were analyzed in this research. The research methodology was quantitative and descriptive, utilizing a census sampling technique to collect data from a population of 116 hearing-impaired students in grades 6th to 10 in Division Poonch AJ&K. Data was collected using a 39item self-developed questionnaire. A pilot study was conducted with expert validation and reliability testing, achieving a high level of instrument reliability. The questionnaire was translated into Urdu and validated by the experts. To confirm its reliability the   Cronbach's Alpha was used and the values were 0.741 for ICT, 0.726 for Self-Efficacy, and an impressive 0.971 for Learning Attitude. The study employed a quantitative approach to assess the effect of ICT as an independent variable on self-efficacy and learning attitude, serving as dependent variables. Data collection involved personal visits to selected special education institutes in Division Poonch, with the assistance of teachers, to facilitate communication with hearing-impaired students. The collected data, totaling 116 questionnaires, was analyzed using SPSS (27.0). Mean and regression analyses were used to explore the utilization of ICT and measure self-efficacy and learning attitudes among the students. The findings indicate positive responses to ICT usage and reveal significant effect of ICT on self-efficacy, and learning attitude, offering insights into the potential of ICT to enhance the educational experiences of hard-of-hearing students in AJ&K.