The Concept of Examining the Experiences of Deaf and Hard of Hearing Online Users

Despite the widespread popularity of social networking sites (SNSs) among the deaf and hard of hearing (D/HH), relatively little has been published about how to examine their experiences on SNSs in terms of creating online communities to support non-formal education, such as e-learning. With this regard, this paper sets forth a new approach and proposes a theoretical model for examining the experiences of D/HH users of SNSs from the aspects of identity, community building and alliances between communities. Factors, such as hearing loss, educational background, the communication situation and the use of technology are all considered with regard to their meaning for communication at SNSs. The main aim of the model is to examine experiences in informal online spaces and provide a set of guidelines for efficient social and communication support for D/HH online users at non-formal educational process which will in particular serve teachers, designers and developers included in the process. We also point to further research in order to implement the model in the field as well.