Lifelong Learning Strategies of a Community in Bangkok Metropolitan for Enhancing Digital Literacy

Abstract

          Digital literacy is important and essential for citizens to protect themselves from risks and to be able to make creative use of digital technology for their livelihoods. The promotion of digital literacy to the public by the government alone may not be comprehensive. Therefore, each community needs to enhancing digital literacy among its members to cope with the rapid changes in digital technology. Thus, this research was conducted. The objectives were to 1. study current situations, problems and factors related to digital literacy. 2 study needs of community about digital literacy and lifelong learning on digital literacy, 3. define lifelong learning community strategies on digital literacy. The informants consisted of 1) a group of 1,680 respondents and 2) a group of 25 learners in community strategy building, which were obtained from a multi-stage selection process from a community in a research area in Bangkok Metropolitan. Data collection instruments were composed of a questionnaire, semi-structured interview schedules, community forum plans, field notes and observation recording forms. Collected data were analysed by using contents analysis.
           The finding revealed that 1) digital literacy of community is at fundamental level. Main problems were technical usages and awareness. Factors affecting on digital literacy involved education, age, occupation, digital environment, family economic status and social status. 2)the community’s needs for digital literacy were technical and awareness skills and safety on smartphone , Line and Facebook. Needs of lifelong learning comprised group learning,case study, role- play, supporting team and public relations on digital literacy and 3) community’s lifelong learning strategies included (1) management and participation in managing lifelong learning 2) promoting lifelong learning on digital literacy 3) enhance digital well-being and 4) community digital economy development.