Towards Live Captions: Enhancing Digital Accessibility in Hybrid Learning : Students’ Perspective in Higher Education

Abstract

This research investigates the role of live captions in enhancing digital accessibility and student engagement in hybrid learning environments, focusing on higher education settings at Tampere University. With the rise of hybrid education, ensuring equitable access for diverse student populations has become increasingly important. The research explores how live captions, particularly those generated through AI, support students with hearing impairments, non-native speakers, and those facing cognitive load challenges. Using a qualitative case research approach, nine students from various academic backgrounds participated in semi-structured interviews. Thematic analysis revealed four major insights: the benefits of live captions for comprehension and engagement, challenges arising from caption inaccuracies and technical limitations, perceptions regarding the necessity of mandatory captioning, and recommendations for improvement. Findings indicate that while live captions significantly improve understanding and inclusion, issues such as AI misinterpretation of technical jargon and accent-related inaccuracies hinder their effectiveness. Students emphasized the need for customizable captions, real-time translation, and broader institutional policies to ensure consistent captioning across hybrid courses. The research contributes to the literature on inclusive digital education by offering empirical evidence on student experiences with assistive technologies. It calls for the integration of Universal Design for Learning principles, improved AI captioning accuracy, and increased awareness among educators and learners. These findings offer practical insights for educational institutions, technology developers, and policymakers seeking to enhance accessibility, promote inclusive teaching practices, and support diverse learning needs in hybrid academic environments.