The Digital Learning Ecosystem Model to Enhance Digital Literacy Skills of Learners in the Education Sandbox, Chiang Mai Province

บทคัดย่อ

       This Research and Development (R&D) study aimed to: 1) analyze the existing learning ecosystem in Education Sandbox, Chiang Mai Province; 2) develop a digital learning ecosystem model to enhance digital literacy of students in the area; and 3) evaluate the effectiveness of the learning ecosystem model and improve students’ digital literacy. The study was conducted in three phases: exploration, development, and implementation. The participants consisted of 129 stakeholders involved in a needs assessment, 10 experts to validate model development, and 258 school students participating in digital literacy enhancement.

          The research findings revealed: Phase 1) An analysis of the existing learning ecosystem across five dimensions including people, content, process, technology and learning culture. There was a significant differene between the current state which the mean ranged from 3.62 – 3.93, whereas the mean of stakeholders’ expectations ranged from 4.37 – 4.49. The priority needs were identified in the "Content" component (PNI_modified = 0.207), followed by "Technology" (PNI_modified = 0.188), particularly regarding artificial intelligence content, and increasing access to digital technology resources and devices. Phase 2) The developed Digital Learning Ecosystem Model comprised five key steps: (1) Policy and Vision Setting, (2) Preparation, (3) Technology Implementation, (4) Cultivating Learning Culture, and (5) Evaluation and Improvement. The model was evaluated by experts as having a very high level of appropriateness (Mean = 4.65, S.D. = 0.49). Phase 3) The learning ecosystem model was implemented according to the proposed plan, aiming to build a learning culture, to enhance digital technology integration for teachers, and to provide the knowledge of digital technology for learners. Students' digital literacy skills significantly improved after using the model, with the mean score increasing from 2.94 (pre-test) to 3.73 (post-test) at the .05 significance level. The most notable improvements were observed in practical skills and collaborative skills. Furthermore, stakeholders expressed high satisfaction with the model, noting its effectiveness in building confidence and fostering a sustainable digital learning culture. It is recommended that schools, especially in Education Sandbox areas or underserved regions, adopt this model to systematically strengthen digital literacy. Emphasis should also be placed on ongoing teacher development, technology investment, and stakeholder collaboration to ensure sustainability.