Foresight eLearning Platforms: Insights from a Thai Survey by Poonsri Vate-U-Lan

Foresight eLearning Platforms: Insights from a Thai Survey Poonsri Vate-U-Lan, Ed.D. Advisor for Ph.D. in eLearning Methodology Graduate School of eLearning Assumption University of Thailand, Bangkok Full paper published in International Journal of Information and Education Technology (IJIET), vol.7, no.1

Agenda

• • • •

Research objectives Research methodology Results and discussion Conclusion and suggestion

Research objectives 1. To examine the on screen activity on mobile devices when people were connected to the Internet, thus predicting the future directions of eLearning platforms.

2. To assess the knowledge of Thai Internet users regarding the age restriction stipulated in the “Terms of Service of Facebook� since Facebook is the most popular social networking in 2015 - not only for teenagers in Thailand but also in many other countries.

Research methodology • An online self-administered survey is the main research instrument.

• The survey instrument included several sections: demographic information, internet usage behavior, attitudes towards playing computer games and the pattern of onscreen activities on mobile devices.

• The survey was accessible from across platforms, both personal computers and mobile devices including iOS and android systems.

• The invitation to participate was posted on the researcher’s social network page and web board for general purposes.

• The sample of this current survey was derived by an online convenience sampling method with two reminder invitations after the first announcement.

Results and discussion Demographic list

Per cent

N

52.0 48.0 100

426 393 819

33.7 18.4 33.8 14.0 100

276 151 277 115 819

29.5

235

Bachelor degree Post-graduate qualification

37.8 32.7

301 260

Total Gender Female Male Total Age 11-20 Years old 21-30 Years old 31-40 Years old 41-50 Years old 51-60 Years old 61+ Years old Total

100

796

61.1 38.9 100

483 307 790

37.2 24.3 15.7 13.8 8.0 1 100

291 190 123 108 63 8 783

Place of living Bangkok Not-Bangkok Total Occupation Educator Secondary School Student University Student Other Total Education Lower than bachelor degree

The on screen activity on mobile devices

Comparison on two gender groups of on screen activity on mobile devices Top three

1st

2nd

3rd

Comparison on two gender groups of on screen activity on mobile devices

4th

6th

Normal phone 50% 5th

6th

Comparison on two gender groups of on screen activity on mobile devices

7th

8th

9th

Perspective of Facebook’s restriction on minimum age

Predicting eLearning Platform The platform should simulate effective communication and flexibility that encourage students to engage and learn more in an online academic environment.

1.

2.

3.

4.

5.

6.

It should be designed to create a user friendly atmosphere much the same as social networking.

The students’ assignments and participation should be designed to encourage utilization of photos for storytelling or expressing their ideas.

‘Chatting’ should be an interactive discussion which creates more opportunities for both students and teachers.

Searching for updated information on the internet should be implemented more with an online learning approach.

‘Games’ and applications should be a common online learning activity.

A task of watching videos and sharing videos should be prevalent and well-practiced in an eLearning environment as its common in today’s informal learning.

Conclusion and suggestion • The current eLearning platforms do not seem to be able to convince students to actually enjoy studying online and it has never been designated to be a daily activity. • Students choose to be in their favourite social networking from inside since this is where their comfort zone is anchored. • The most significant outcome from this research regards the need for expanded strategies to prevent young children being threatened by social networking technology. This is a priority for all, not just schools but also parents and users themselves to consider using technology wisely and appropriately. Children must develop in a balanced online and offline environment that is safe and secure.

Thank you for your attention

Q&A Contact poonsri.vate@gmail.com