GUIDELINE TO DEVELOP LEARNING MEDIA FOR DISTANCE EDUCATION OF UNDERGRADUATES: A COMPLETE NEEDS ASSESSMENT RESEARCH

Abstract

        The objectives of the survey research were: 1) to analyze the needs of learning media for distance education; 2) to analyze causal factors affecting the needs of learning media for distance education; and 3) to study the guideline to develop learning media of undergraduates in distance learning. The samples were 586 undergraduates from Sukhothai Thammathirat Open University who attended the intensive training, professional experience courses in the first semester of the Academic year 2018 by using questionnaire. Data were analyzed as descriptive statistics, modified priority needs index: PNIModified, LISREL, and frequency by paired-weighting procedure.
        The findings of this revealed that: 1) PNI Modified of needs of learning media for distance educationindicated that the overall score was at 0.12. The index that had the highest needs was need assessment (0.16), followed by distance learning design (0.14), and transferring distance learning (0.12), respectively; 2) the results of the development and examine of the causal model of needs of learning media were in accordance with the actual information (Chi-square = 47.80,df = 34, p = 0.058, GFI = 0.987, AGFI = 0.970, RMR = 0.011); 3) the guideline to develop learning media of undergraduates in distance learning were : (1) development a variety of education and assessment styles; 2) enhancing a variety of education channels both print media, electronic media (both offline and online) ; and (3) forming a specific group of undergraduates in the course to be able to communicate easily and conveniently via various applications.