The Abrupt Transition to Online Learning: Multiple Perspectives.

Area of Science:

• Deaf Education
• Online Learning
• Educational Technology

Background:

• The COVID-19 pandemic necessitated a rapid shift to virtual learning environments.
• This transition exposed and exacerbated existing obstacles for deaf and hard-of-hearing students.
• New challenges emerged for educators, administrators, and families in deaf education.

Purpose of the Study:

• To address the challenges faced by stakeholders in deaf education due to the abrupt shift to virtual learning.
• To share perspectives, strategies, and scenarios for enhancing online deaf education.
• To augment the research and literature on online learning within deaf education.

Main Methods:

• This article introduces a Special Issue of the American Annals of the Deaf.
• Contributing authors provide insights and responses to virtual learning challenges.
• The issue covers a range of educational levels, from early childhood to higher education.

Main Results:

• The Special Issue compiles diverse experiences and solutions for online deaf education.
• It offers practical strategies applicable across various age and grade levels.
• The contributing authors provide a foundation for future research and implementation.

Conclusions:

• Knowledge gained from the pandemic experience can improve future online deaf education.
• Implementing effective strategies can enhance accessibility and accommodations.
• Continued research is vital to advance the field of online deaf education.