Exploring Thai Distant Learning Using Satellite TV (eDLTV) and Problem-Based Learning

Abstract

To solve the problems of teacher shortage and their indirect educational qualifications in the underprivileged rural schools, the Government of Thailand has issued the policy to use eDLTV media (Electronic Distance Learning TV Media) in its pedagogical system. Rajabhat Maha Sarakham University is assigned as one of the educational institutions to promote the application of such media in the Northeast of the country. Assigned by the university, and to support the mission, the researcher has conducted this study with the following objectives: 1) to develop a model of participatory eDLTV media technology transfer to promote learning at Phrapariyattidhamma Schools (PDS) by using Project-Based Learning (PBL) activities; 2) to study the results of the experiments of using the model’s manuals and tools; 3) to examine the results of acceptance and application of eDLTV media technology for the learning of PDS. The samples were 99 teachers and 956 students in this study, purposively selected from 1,435 students from 9 PDS in Sisaket Province. The instruments used were three questionnaires and manuals on participatory eDLTV media technology transfer. The results of the research showed that the model of participatory technology transfer of eDLTV is a form of participatory collaboration of 3 important agencies: RMU, PDS, and NSTDA (National Science and Technology Development Agency) as they together define roles, duties, and activities to promote learning in 3 phases. The overall teachers' opinions towards the model experiment showed the most suability of the model in use. The significance of this model relies upon after the training, 100 % of teachers were able to apply eDLTV in PBL in various subjects even though they had no experience in using eDLTV before.