An orientation training session on the “SensoReader” application was conducted in which five students participated. This training was executed for visually impaired students under the supervision of Mr. Muhammad Shehzad and Ms. Aisha Kiran. The session started at 10:30 a.m. and it was conducted via Zoom Meeting at Noor-e-Sehar Special School. At the beginning, the students confidently introduced themselves and showed attentive participation throughout the training. The trainers provided a detailed orientation on the educational application, designed to support students in accessing learning books named “SensoReader”.
Objectives of training:

1. To familiarize students with the “SensoReader” application and its features.
2. To enable students to independently access audio books for their learning.
3. To enhance students’ listening comprehension and concentration skills through interactive audio content.
4. To encourage confidence and motivation in using digital learning tools.
5. Guidance on using usernames and passwords to login the app.
6. Instructions on sound settings for audio books for effective listening.
7. Demonstration of effective use of the app for accessing and listening to audio books

What is SensoReader:
SensoReader is an app developed by Sensotec. It’s designed to allow users to access “talking books” (audiobooks), newspapers, magazines, etc., especially for people with reading disabilities (blindness, low vision, dyslexia). The content is served via the DAISY standard (Digital Accessible Information System) which supports things like navigation between chapters, setting bookmarks, changing playback speed, sleep timer, dark mode etc.

Benefits of Using Audio Books Highlighted:

1. The trainers also told about the benefits of using audio books.
2. Providing visually impaired students with independent access to a wide range of educational materials.
3. Enhancing listening comprehension and concentration skills.
4. Offering flexible learning opportunities anytime, anywhere by using mobile phones, laptops and computers.
5. Supporting students in revising lessons multiple times without external assistance
6. Increasing motivation and interest in learning through interactive audio features

Audio Book Demonstration:

During the session, an audio book was played, and the students listened two different books. One book was played in Urdu language and the other was played in English language. This activity not only demonstrated the app’s practically but also encouraged students to experience learning in different languages.

Student Engagement and Interests:

The students actively practiced using the application during the session and were encouraged to share their preferences regarding audio books. The trainer also asked about the topics students were most interested in learning, and they expressed keen interest in story books about animals, birds, and kings.

Question-and-Answer Session:

A question-and-answer session was held, where the students participated enthusiastically, reflecting their keen interest in the app’s functions. The trainers appreciated their active involvement and eagerness to learn. Meanwhile, the supervising teachers provided continuous support, ensuring that all instructions were clearly understood.

Recommendations:

1. Provide more storybooks of interest (animals, birds, kings) in audio format to maintain students’ enthusiasm both in English and Urdu languages.
2. The training session must also be conducted in Urdu language as well as in English language so that students can clearly understand all the concepts independently during the session.
3. Offer technical support to ensure students can independently log in and manage their accounts.
4. Introduce collaborative activities where students can discuss the books they listen to, enhancing comprehension and expression.
5. Expand training to include other educational audio resources to diversify learning opportunities.
6. Arrange follow-up training sessions to strengthen app usage skills and explore advanced features.
7. The use of an audiobook application should be mandated as a weekly learning activity.
8. To maximize its effectiveness, a designated period must be formally included in the classroom timetable for students to utilize the application.
9. This structured approach will promote consistent engagement, improve listening comprehension, and support the overall academic development of learners.