ICT Programme at a Distance and Online for GMSVU Project

ICT Programme at a Distance and Online for GMSVU Project Associate Professor Vipa Jaroenpuntaruk (Ph.D.) School of Science and Technology Sukhothai Thammathirat Open University Nonthaburi, 11120, Thailand Email: vipa.jar@stou.ac.th; vipastou@gmail.com Accepted subtheme: 1 Abstract: The Greater Mekong Sub-region Virtual University or GMSVU was explored by the GMS members; that is Vietnam, Laos, Cambodia, Thailand, Myanmar and Yunnan province of China, with support of UNESCO since 2001. The GMSVU goals were to 1) To promote collaboration in transferring knowledge between the nations of the GMS in areas of mutual interest. 2) To promote economic development in the GMS countries through the upgrading of human resources. 3) To promote understanding and good relations between the peoples of the GMS and serve as a basis for further cooperation. ICT, Tourism and Mekong Studies were identified as areas of interest for a GMSVU pilot project. For ICT programme in 2002, the initial workshop was held at Hanoi University of Technology, Vietnam. The mission of the GMSVU Pilot Project in ICT was to develop human resources in order to narrow the digital divide between and within GMS countries. Upon completion of the pilot project, a comprehensive evaluation was carried out, examining whether it had achieved its objectives. The strategy of the pilot project focuses on principle as learning and sharing. The structure of ICT Programme of the GMSVU pilot project was planned to be as follows: pre-pilot planning, pre-pilot stage, pre-pilot evaluation and pilot stage. A prototype courseware in Fundamental of ICT was jointly developed using Learning Management System named VClass. The prototype was consisted of 4 modules as follows: Module 1: Computer Hardware by Hanoi University of Technology, Vietnam; Module 2: Computer Software by Sukhothai Thammathirat Open University, Thailand; Module 3: Computer Network by Yunan University and Yunan Radio and TV University, Kunming, China; Module 4: Internet and WWW by University of Distance Education, Myanmar. Delivery systems such as organization of study, media structure, registration, examination and grading system were adopted from the framework of the GMSVU proposed model. Evaluation of the GMSVU Prototype in Module2: Computer Software was conducted in the followings: GMSVU platform, LMS-VClass, content, time usage to complete the module and overall aspects. Conclusions of ICT programme for GMSVU project covered in completeness of courseware by integrating all modules, common language among GMS members using English together with their native languages and a more appropriate LMS should be chosen. Continuity of the GMSVU project should be reconsidered and promoted. 1. Background The nations of the Greater Mekong Subregion (GMS) have recognized the value of cooperation and the sharing of resources in achieving self-reliance and sustainable economic and social development. The crucial areas for national and regional development are education and the upgrading of human resources. Advances in information and communication technology (ICT) have opened up opportunities to universities employing the distance learning mode to utilize e-learning through a virtual classroom. With support of UNESCO, the initial workshop on feasibility study for Establishment of Greater Mekong Subregion Virtual University (GMSVU) was held at Sukhothai Thammathirat Open University (STOU) in August 2001. ICT, Tourism and

2 Mekong Studies were identified as common areas of interest for the GMS members; that is Vietnam, Laos, Cambodia, Thailand, Myanmar and Yunnan province of China. In 2002, the initial workshop for ICT was held at Hanoi University of Technology, Vietnam. With the support of UNESCO and SEAMEO RIHED, the second meeting in connection with the GMS members, was held at STOU to design a detailed plan for the first phase of the project. A Proposed Model for the GMSVU Pilot Project, a framework for Pre-Pilot Project to establish the GMSVU conducted by STOU in 2004, was submitted to UNESCO (Vipa Jaroenpuntaruk, 2008). The GMSVU goals were stated as follows: 1) To promote collaboration in transferring knowledge between the nations of the GMS in areas of mutual interest. 2) To promote economic development in the GMS countries through the upgrading of human resources. 3) To promote understanding and good relations between the peoples of the GMS and serve as a basis for further cooperation. 2. Framework of ICT Programme 2.1 The first task force workshop. The first task force workshop on ICT Programme for GMSVU Pilot Project was held at Hanoi University of Technology, Vietnam. The following decisions were concluded from the meeting. a. A GMS ICT pilot project would be jointly created by participating universities from GMS countries and partners, with 3 phases and at 3 levels: certificate, diploma or bachelor, and master. b. Phase 1 with fundamental of ICT lasting one year would offer a number of subjects for a number of credits as a pilot project targeting adults as well as students with certain qualifications. c. Phase 2 would had specializations of ICT applied to different areas such as education, agriculture, industry, tourism, environment, etc., relevant to the needs of development of the GMS, aiming at offering a diploma or bachelor degree, while phase 3 would offer master degree. d. Phase 2 and phase 3 would be mid-term and long term objectives of the project to be achieved after the completion and evaluation of phase 1. e. The necessary courseware for phase 1 could be produced by participating universities and/or partner institutions such as AIT. Participating universities were requested to present the specific courseware they had produced.. f. All courseware should be produced in English in the first phase, while the learning of major national languages was encouraged. g. Credits and qualifications received by learners in the course of this program should be mutually recognized by participating universities and countries, and partner institutions. h. Reasonable amount of tuition fees would be charged to meet the necessary costs for preparation and delivery of the courseware. i. A task force, composed of one representative from each GMS country and partner institutions, was formulated after the Hanoi workshop to work out a detailed project proposal for the GMS ICT pilot project, based on principles adopted in the workshop.

3 2.2 The second task force workshop. In October, 2002, the 2 nd Task Force Workshop on ICT programme for GMSVU Pilot Project was co-hosted by UNESCO Asia and Pacific Regional Bureau for Education and STOU, in collaboration with SEAMEO Regional Centre for Higher Education and Development (RIHED), and followed up the prior meeting held at Hanoi University of Technology, Vietnam in June 2002. The workshop was attended by senior officials of the Thai Ministry of University Affairs, representatives of UNESCO, SEAMEO RIHED, Asian Institute of Technology (AIT), Distance Learning Foundation (DLF), participating universities in Thailand, China, Cambodia and Laos, and European Universities. The intensive discussions were held on the framework for proceeding with the project as follows: a. The mission of the GMSVU Pilot Project in ICT was to develop human resources in order to narrow the digital divide between and within GMS countries. b. The pilot project had a goal of preparing the foundations for the establishment of a GMSVU for the provision of higher education for all. Upon completion of the pilot project, a comprehensive evaluation was carried out, examining whether it has achieved its objectives. If successful, a GMSVU will be established dependent upon acceptance by the respective governments and mutual agreement between partner universities. c. The strategy of the pilot project focused on Partnership Building between concerned agencies (UNESCO, EC, SEAMES, RIHED, AIT, DLF etc.) and participating governments and universities from GMS countries and Europe. The concept of partnership was understood in principle as learning and sharing. d. The structure of ICT Programme for the GMSVU pilot project would be structured as follows: pre-pilot planning, pre-pilot stage, pre-pilot evaluation and pilot stage. e. To ensure continuity in the project, a contact person from the government of each GMS country should be appointed as a national focal point as well as an alternative contact person. An academic focal point, together with an alternative, for each component of the pilot project should also be appointed by participating universities and the continuity of their participation in implementation of the pilot project should be assured. Minimum qualifications of participants will be required, in terms of expertise in the component concerned and English language. f. Each GMS member country had appointed a person to work with STOU on the GMSVU website. 3. An Initial Plan of the Pilot Project The initial plan to start the project was consisted of following phases as: a. Pre-pilot stage planning: A draft plan for the pre-pilot phase would be produced by a working group, comprising representatives of STOU, AIT, and UNESCO. b. Pre-pilot stage: The pre-pilot would be carried out by GMS universities and would examine the issues involved in developing a certificate program on e-learning and teaching online, targeted specifically at university teachers/faculty members. The course would provide training on various dimensions of e-learning and teaching. c. Pre-pilot evaluation: The pre-pilot would be concluded by a report containing suggestions for future steps. d. Pilot stage: A three-year joint project plan between European and GMS universities, subject to finding from EU and other sources.

4 e. Actual GMSVU Project stage. 4. Module Development A prototyped courseware in fundamental of ICT was developed using named VClass It was a ready made open source Learning Management Software developed by AIT (Asian Institute of Technology), Thailand. Most of content in the prototype was adopted from UNESCO resources. The prototype was consisted of 4 modules as follows: Module 1: Computer Hardware by Hanoi University of Technology, Vietnam Module 2: Computer Software by Sukhothai Thammathirat Open University, Thailand Module 3: Computer Network by Yunan University and Yunan Radio and TV University, Kunming, China Module 4: Internet and WWW by University of Distance Education, Myanmar. The following was an example of Module 2: Computer Software via VClass: (Figure 1) Introduction Introduction to Computer Software Scope What is software? What are the types of software? How is software created? What are some problems in using software? How do you ensure security of the system and data? What are future trends in software development?

5 Introduction System Software Learning Outcomes By the end of this lesson, you should be able to: Identify problems in using software Describe the ways to ensure security of the system and data Identify general trends in software development Type of system software Operating System (OS) Utility Programs Language Translators Drivers Middle Ware System Software Software Issues LINUX How is software created? Software Development Process 1.0 Software Analysis 6.0 Implementing and maintenance 2.0 Software Design 5.0 Testing and Debugging 4.0 Compiling 3.0 Programming/ Coding Figure 1: Example of Module2-Computer Software via VClass 5. GMSVU Focal Point As a result of the first meeting at Hanoi, it was honored that STOU had been selected to serve as a focal point of the GMSVU pilot project. A pilot web site was set up as a prototype system with link to VClass at AIT. A collection of documentation relating to the GMSVU project was also required, including meeting reports and lists of participants for future reference. All participants set up files on the components of the project (GMSVU/GMS) Tourism/ICT etc.). It was also planned to acquire a distinct URL for the website. At the pre pilot stage, a GMSVU was located under STOU s website as show in Figure 2: GMSVU Initial Web Site.

6 Welcome! Main Menu Registration Main Menu ICT Programme at a Distance and On-line for GMS GMS Internet Myanmar Yunnan Thailand STOU Web Server Lao PDR Cambodia Internet Non GMS Vietnam Students will register via the worldwide web. Figure 2: GMSVU Initial Web Site 6. Delivery System for ICT Programme The framework from prior task force workshops and the purposed model of GMSVU by STOU were possibly adopted to delivery system for ICT programme as follows: 6.1 Organization of study The GMS-VU employed the distance learning system to transfer knowledge and experience to students, with curriculum contents arranged into self-instructional packages in both on-line and offline format. 6.2 Programs of study The programs of study was purposed into 3 levels: certificate, diploma or bachelor, and master degree programs. 6.3 Media structure a. Core media. A dual-track of computer-based and print-based media was employed. Computer based media offered both on-line and off-line format. On-line media included on demand media, web-based instruction or elearning, teleconferencing, and interactive learning via satellite. Due to digital divide in the GMS countries, off-line media such as CD-ROM which contains various kinds of interactive content to help students study by themselves. Print-based media. The print-based approach comprising textbooks and workbooks/study guides. This alternative track was provided for member countries whose ICT infrastructure may be limited. b. Supplementary media. These may include radio programs, television programs, satellite programs via the Distance Learning Foundation, elearning, mobile learning, media on demand, webcasting.

7 6.4 Registration. Students can enroll simultaneously in other institutions, as being an open university, Students do not have to enter conventional classrooms but may study by themselves. Students might choose on method of payment and registration from the following: by on-line payment by post by counter bank by bank transfer below: 6.5 Examinations. Based on GMSVU purposed model, examinations might possibly arranged as outlined a. Examination Centers. Examination centers are located in all provinces. Regional universities and provincial schools may serve as the sites for examination centers. b. Examination Schedule. Examinations are organized on weekends or public holidays, and are arranged in such a way that they can be completed in two days. c. Examination System. Examinations are held twice each semester, one for the final examinations, and the other for re-examination for students who fail or miss the final examinations. d. Examination Results. Students will be mailed a list of the examination results and also will be available through the university website. 6.6 Grading System In evaluation courses at all levels, the following grading system was employed: Grade Points per credit and meaning A 4 Excellent B+ 3.5 Very Good B 3 Good C+ 2.5 Fairly Good C 2 Fair D 1 Poor F 0 Failed 7. Evaluation of the GMSVU Prototype and Module2: Computer Software Based on Pre-Pilot Project to Establish the Greater Mekong Sub-region Virtual University (GMS-VU) by STOU submitted to UNESCO, evaluation of the prototype of GMSVU, including content evaluation, which was in a module 2: Computer Software was conducted. The evaluation focused in the following aspects as shown in Figure 3: LMS named VClass, Content of Module 2: Computer Software, Time usage to complete the module, Overall evaluation and suggestion,

8 Figure 3: Evaluation Questionnaire GMSVU platform 8. Conclusions. The conclusions of ICT programme for the GMS-VU project covered the following issues: a. The complete course in ICT programme should be developed by integrating all modules produced by the participated institutions. b. The language barrier among the GMS countries since English was not their mother tongue. There should be a tentative plan for the modules to be translated into the native language of each GMS country. c. As the selected LMS, VClass, has no features to support self-learning, it is suggested that distance education features such as self-assessment and review questions be added. Moreover, the consideration in flexible learning and access should be improved. d. With vision of ASEAN 2015, the role of higher learning institution in human resource development has gained more attention for collaboration among ASEAN countries, not limit only in ICT programme, but also other disciplines as well. Therefore, continuity of the GMSVU project should be reconsidered and promoted for further collaboration and activities.

9 9. Acknowledgement. Special thanks to the key resource persons who contributed the crucial support and initiated in a project for establishment of the GMSVU and ICT pre-pilot project were as follows: Professor Wang Yibing, a former specialist in Distance and Higher Education, UNESCO, Associate Professor Dr. Tong-In Wongsothorn, a former president of STOU. Dr. Susanne Ornager, adviser for Communication and Information in Asia and the Pacific region, UNESCO. 10. References. S. Silapipat, V.Jaroenpuntaruk, N. Matvansaeng, R Charlesworth, W, Ponoy, S. Chalermlak (2004). Final Report Pre-Pilot Project to Establish the Greater Mekong Sub-region Virtual University (GMS-VU) submitted to UNESCO by STOU, Nonthaburi, Thailand. V. Jaroenpuntaruk. (2008), A Proposed Model for the GMSVU Pilot Project, ASAIHL2008, Nonthaburi, Thailand. The Greater Mekong Subregion Virtual University Project (http://www.stou.ac.th/thai/gmsvu/index.asp).