“I've forgotten what I wanted to say” : An exploration of online learning experiences by students with acquired brain injuries (ABI)

Semper, Sheelagh and McArthur, Jan (2025) “I've forgotten what I wanted to say” : An exploration of online learning experiences by students with acquired brain injuries (ABI). PhD thesis, Lancaster University.

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Abstract

This PhD thesis uses a remote (auto)ethnography research method to explore the lived experiences of higher education (HE) students with acquired brain injuries (ABI) in online learning environments. Based around a framework of: (1) inclusion, (2) flexibility in design, (3) meeting participants where they are at, and (4) building trust through up-front disclosure, I combined observations, questionnaires, interviews, and journal artefacts to collect data and build a holistic picture of how these students with ABI navigate between their roles as online student and disabled student. This study identifies ways in which students with ABI find and capitalise on learning opportunities presented in online environments, outlines the differences between individual and dis/abling (system) barriers, and reviews the students’ strategies for mitigating obstacles to their full and equitable participation in HE. Providing instructional designers, curriculum developers, and online course instructors with signposts for recognizing potential dis/abling (system) barriers facilitates the identification and implementation of barrier reduction strategies in existing and future delivery of technology-enhanced instruction. Increasing the existing body of knowledge surrounding the experiences of (a) students with ABI in their role as online learners, (b) disabled students as participants in research, and (c) disabled researchers as designers and leaders of research project, this thesis provides three original contributions to knowledge in its (1) provision of an insider perspective, (2) introduction of an inclusive data collection framework, and (3) examination of the importance of instructor impact on student experience.