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In today’s rapidly evolving world, collaborating in education is not just important; it is also essential for the advancement of any nation, including Thailand. To make strides in education, especially in a digital age, fostering collaboration and utilising digital technology are crucial components.
The Office of Academic Service at Khon Kaen University (KKU) in Thailand recognised the significance of collaboration and digital empowerment in education. They took a step by bringing together a group of over 35 members from the KKU Lifelong Education Programme Development Committee to visit two institutions and explore the digital dimensions of education collaboration.
Their first visit was to the Thailand Professional Qualification Institute, where they delved into programme and curriculum revisions aligned with professional standards.
What is noteworthy here is how these revisions are not just about traditional education; they also involve preparing students to receive professional qualifications, a process that can be significantly enhanced through digital technology. With digital tools and platforms, students can access and complete these programmes more effectively, bridging the gap between education and professional readiness.
The second visit took them to King Mongkut University of Technology Thonburi (KMUTT), where they explored the innovative concept of “Micro Credentials.” Micro-credentials are digital certificates that certify and enhance specific competencies.
This concept, deeply rooted in digital technology, is a game-changer for education. It enables individuals, especially working professionals, to select and acquire the exact skills they need to advance their careers. These digital certificates, accessible online, offer a flexible and convenient way to upskill or reskill, making continuous learning more achievable in the digital age.
Furthermore, Micro-Credentials encourage people to stay curious and open to new learning opportunities, fostering a culture of lifelong learning. Digital platforms play a pivotal role here, as they provide a vast array of educational resources and opportunities accessible at any time.
It is not just about what are the subject; it is about how digital technology enables you to prove your skills through your experiences and accomplishments. In the digital landscape, your credentials and competencies are not just words on paper; they are verifiable and shareable online, making them more valuable to employers.
Assoc Prof Chuchat Kamollert, PhD, DVM, Director of the Office of Academic Services, KKU, led the KKU delegation during their visit to the Thailand Professional Qualification Institute. Here, they saw how professional standards, meticulously crafted by experts from various domains, have evolved to reflect workplace requirements accurately. These standards serve as mechanisms to certify competency, making sure individuals are not just theoretically knowledgeable but capable of performing their jobs effectively. In a digital context, this competency verification can be facilitated through various e-learning platforms and assessment tools.
Additionally, there is a significant opportunity for collaboration between institutions like TPQI and Khon Kaen University to incorporate existing programmes as certified training courses. With digital technology, these courses can be made accessible to a broader audience, reaching more students and addressing the growing demand for skilled professionals in today’s job market.
The second part of their journey took them to KMUTT, where Assoc Prof Bandit Tipakorn, PhD, Advisor to the President for Learning Innovation, welcomed KKU delegates. They delved into the concept of “Management of Lifelong Education under the Concept of Micro Credentials.”
This concept is not just about learning; it’s about leveraging digital technology to empower working individuals to choose, develop, and prove their necessary skills. In a world where the skills needed for success are constantly evolving, this approach ensures that individuals can adapt, upskill, or reskill at any time to keep their careers on the right track.
Assoc Prof Chuchat acknowledged that digital technology plays a pivotal role in this approach, as it offers a vast array of resources, including online courses, webinars, and interactive platforms, that make learning more accessible and engaging.
“The ability to learn and prove skills through digital certificates enhances the employability of individuals, ultimately benefiting both the workforce and employers,” expressed Assoc Prof Chuchat.
