Factors in E-Learning in Universities in Thailand

1. By Sumruay Komlayut Sukhothai Thammathirat Open University Factors in E-Learning in Universities in Thailand

2. Presentation Outlines Introduction Purpose of this paper Background of the Research Finding Conclusion

3. Introduction This paper is drawn from the research entitled �Study of the Status of E-Learning in Universities in Thailand�. The research was conducted in 2004 by Sakorn Boondao, Waranya Poonnawat and Sumruay Komlayut.

4. Purpose of paper Analyze and summarize the factors involved in the organization of E-Learning in universities in Thailand.

5. Background Objectives of research were to Study the Status and to Find the Model of teaching and learning using E-Learning in Universities in Thailand.

6. Research Method and Participants The research method had 2 steps of survey. Firstly, sending questionnaires to 84 universities in Thailand (Government and private universities). 57 universities (67.9%) responded.

7. Stage of Adoption of E-Learning

8. Research Method and Participants (cont.) The second step were interviewed 3 groups of people who involved in e-Learning development in the responding institutions.

9. Research Method and Participants (cont.) First group were Executive Administration members. Topics in interviewing were about - Policy - Planning - Budgeting - Readiness(people, infrastructure) - Management - Trend and - Problems of using e-Learning.

10. Research Method and Participants (cont.) For the second group were Lecturers. The topics in interviewing were about - Structure of E-Learning - Content preparation - Teaching - Student Learning - Working process - Supporting - Problems - Satisfactions.

11. Research Method and Participants (cont.) The last group were the Technicians. The topics in interviewing were about - Development Process - Tools - Supporting - Problems - Satisfactions.

12. Finding To organize successful E-Learning the following 7 key factors needed to be considered. A Policy and Planning Finance Executive Support The Readiness of the Staff members and the Students The Readiness of Infrastructure The Evaluation and Follow Up Electronic Media

13. A Policy and Planning The need for clear policy from executive administration members. 52 Lecturers from the university that used E-Learning suggested that the universities should have a clear policy and operation plan. The policy is an essential guideline for the university�s development and implementation.

14. Finance Financial Support is just as important as the Policy and Planning. E-Learning needs both technologies and manpower. The universities must prepare financial support to invest in infrastructure, SW, HW and PW.

15. Finance (cont.)

16. Finance (cont.) The Executive administration members must have vision and understanding about the high capital cost of setting up the system at the initial stage. Long term, E-Learning will provide tangible and intangible benefits.

17. Executive Support The sincere and continuous support from the top executive level was needed. Although the policy has been set up and the initial plan have been taken, the continuous concern from the top executive is still needed in order to achieve the objective of the E-Learning project.

18. Executive Support (cont.) The Support may also in the following forms: - Recognition of the course materials produced as academic works OR - Special payment for work done OR - Counting the time involved as part of the lecturers� workloads.

19. The Readiness of Staff members and the Students Lecturers: They had the important role of transferring the knowledge to students via E-Learning so they need to know the process, the methodology and have technological skills involved in E-Learning. The benefits of E-Learning should also be recognized by the group of lecturers in order that they may be motivated to use it.

20. The Readiness of the Lecturers

21. The Readiness of the Technicians Technicians: They should be ready to work with the lecturers. There were not enough technicians available to help to develop the E-Learning courses which cause some delays in launching E-Learning courses.

22. The Readiness of the Technicians (cont.) The technicians in 14 universities (56%) commented that the lecturers did not have time to prepare the contents and were afraid that E-Learning would replace their teaching. Should organize seminars to enable the lecturers and the technicians to understand each other�s needs and develop the cooperative working relationships for the success of e-Learning.

23. The Readiness of the Students Students must be made aware of the features and benefits of E-Learning. The universities had to find ways to help students develop a disciplined approach to study and a high sense of responsibility for their own learning.

24. The Readiness of the Infrastructure E-Learning is dependent on basic infrastructure: the internet, hardware, software and the responsible administrative unit. The study found that there were some common problems as in the following table:

25. The Readiness of the Infrastructure

26. The Evaluation and the Follow Up To organize E-Learning successfully evaluation and follow up should be done. The achievements of students who study via E-Learning and those who studied in classes without E-Learning should be compared. The problems, strengths and the weaknesses observed while using E-Learning should be recorded and studied.

27. The Evaluation and the Follow Up

28. Electronic Media There were many kinds of format that used for E-Learning : - Power Point - Word Document - Web Site - Flash Animation - Etc. Students complained that presentation on E-Learning was not interesting and difficult to communicate with the lecturers.

29. Electronic Media (cont.)

30. Conclusion All the factors mentioned were necessary to organize E-Learning successfully. The universities need to have a good cooperation from all levels of staff and students. The universities must work actively and continuously to reach their goal.