Contributing Factors towards Successful Distance Education: A Case Study of Undergraduate Students majoring in Human and Family Development Program, School of Human Ecology, Sukhothai Thammathrirat Open University
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Abstract
The purpose of this research was to study contributing factors towards successful distance education of undergraduate students, majoring in Human and Family Development Program, School of Human Ecology, Sukhothai Thammathirat Open University. The research was a qualitative method using in-depth interviewed approach.The key informants were purposive sampling with all total of twenty informants. All data were transcribed for content analysis.
Results from learning experiences of key informants reflected in contributing factors towards successful distance education consist of four main themes as follows. First, value of education in life including enhancing educational level for good opportunity and crossing age boundaries to enhance educational level. Second, psychological empowerment during studying including inspiration to achieve goals, confidence to success, formulation expected learning outcomes, positivity thinking on learning and adaptation to diverse circumstances. Third, getting supports from all around including family support, colleagues support and university support. Forth, enrichment potential of distance education including having variety of learning materials with easy to accessibility, improving effective communication, creating an advisory system and building a sustainable network for students. All results can apply as directions to improve distance educational system for School of Human Ecology and for Suhkothai Thamathirat Open University as well.
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