Attitudes Towards Use of Hypermedia in Hearing Impaired Students’ Pedagogy

Abstract

This study investigated the attitudes on use of hypermedia based on constructivist learning context. Traditional methods and tools applied in classrooms are not found to be attractive or thrilling resulting to boredom, fatigue and negative attitude towards learning. New technologies such as hypermedia proved to be successful for improving the ability of deaf children in pedagogical process promoting attention, interest and attitude. While using hypermedia can be viewed as a new platform for delivery, there are still many teachers who look to hypermedia as a replacement of their current teaching methods. The objectives of the study were to; investigate students’ attitude towards the use of hypermedia and establish teachers’ attitude on use of hypermedia. The study was informed by constructivist theory emphasizes learner-centered learning. The study assumed a pragmatic research paradigm adopting mixed methods using quasi experimental approach involving Solomon four nonequivalent control group design.  The sample size consisted of 79 students and 10 teachers. Data instrument was questionnaire. Data were analyzed through inferential statistic chi- square and descriptive include; tables, mean, frequency, percentage and standard deviation. The results indicate that hypermedia impact positively; students were positive and satisfied with hypermedia because it is found to be enjoyable, motivating, interactive, promotes understanding, encourages autonomy and foster learning than traditional learning. Teachers agreed that hypermedia leads to greater understanding of abstract topics. The findings of this study may create awareness and need for integrating hypermedia in pedagogy to improve attitude, thus helping learners to focus attention that promotes teachers’ instructional technique.

Keywords: Hypermedia, Attitude, Pedagogy, Hearing Impaired, Geomorphology