Needs in Using Online Learning Resources Regarding Arts and Culture in Southern Thailand and the Malay Peninsula of the Students in the Three MOU Universities

Abstract

This research aims to investigate and compare the needs regarding types, knowledge information, and characteristics of online learning media related to arts and culture in the South and the Siam-Malay Peninsula among students within the MOU network of three universities. The research methodology was divided into two parts: 1) Quantitative Research: Data was collected from a sample group comprising the undergraduate students at Prince of Songkla University Hat Yai Campus, Thaksin University Songkhla Campus, and Rajamangala University of Technology Srivijaya Songkhla Campus, with a total of 395 students. The sample size was determined using the Yamane Formula and selected through the Proportionate Stratified Random Sampling to ensure representation according to the population size within each category. Subsequently, the Simple Random Sampling was applied, where the students were selected without replacement until the specified sample size was achieved. Data was collected using a questionnaire, with subsequent analysis employing frequency distribution, percentage, mean, and standard deviation. The study also compared the students’ needs for online learning media, across different categories including universities, genders, and year levels, by applying the F-values in a one-way analysis of variance. When statistically significant differences were detected at the .05 level, pairwise comparisons were conducted using the LSD method. 2) Qualitative Research: Data collection was performed with a sample group of 15 students from the MOU network of the aforementioned three universities. These participants were purposively selected from those with experience in using online learning media on the website NAAMCHOOP.COM, who consented to provide additional information via individual interviews within the questionnaire. The Simple Random Sampling method was employed using a non-replacement lottery approach for each university, until a group of five performants from each institution was achieved Semi-structured interviews were used as the data collection instrument, and the collected data was analyzed using content analysis techniques.

The finding revealed that: 1) students exhibited a strong desire to utilize online learning media focusing on arts and culture in the South and the Siam-Malay Peninsula, showing a strong need across all aspects with the highest demand for the characteristics of online learning media. 2) When comparing the level of need for media use across different universities, students from Thaksin University, Songkhla Campus, demonstrated the highest need. Moreover, it was found that students in different universities and with different genders had significantly different needs. When considering needs in specific aspects, the students were found to have significantly different needs regarding types of media and knowledge but no significant difference was found in their needs of online learning media characteristics. The findings revealed students’ needs of knowledge about traditions and rituals, with a preference for social media platforms that are accessible at all times with multilingual options. These findings serve as valuable insights for developing media plans, particularly for publication on the Naamchoop.com website operated by the Self-Access Learning Center of the Faculty of Liberal Arts at Prince of Songkla University, guiding future initiatives.