Development of Knowledge Centers for Prototype Communities in Thailand

Abstract

This article is a part of the research project titled “Development of Knowledge Centers for Prototype Communities in Thailand”. The objectives of the study are as follows: 1) to study the design concepts and develop learning centers for urban communities; 2) to develop community based innovative learning with the temple being the driving force for Thailand to become a learning society in the industry 4.0 era; and 3) to evaluate learning innovations to promote creative learning and present a prototype learning center Communities in Thailand. The study aims to establish three distinct learning centers: a community-based history learning center at Wat Suan Dok, a community-based learning center for early Buddhist history at Wat Jed Yod and a community-based learning center for Dhamma practice at Wat Ram Poeng in Chiangmai province. The methodology is grounded in research and development, with a sample size of 240 participants. Descriptive statistical methods, including mean and standard deviation, were employed for data analysis.

The study revealed the following key findings:
1. The concept of designing and developing urban community-based learning centers was given by technology experts. These key contributors designed and developed online learning spaces by building websites on Google Sites. The resulting learning areas and innovative knowledge packs on Google Sites in the three centers are as follows: Firstly, for the Community-based History Learning Center, Wat Suan Dok, Phra Aram Luang, seven sets of creative knowledge innovation were devised, namely (1) History of Wat Suan Dok, (2) Phra Borommathat Chedi, (3) Phra Wihan Luang, (4) Phra Ubosot Phra Chao Kao Tue, (5) Cremation ashes of the North royal family of Chiang Mai, (6) Monument of Kruba Chao Sriwichai and (7) Mahachulalongkornrajavidyalaya University. Secondly, for the Learning Center for History of Buddhism, Wat Chet Yot, Phra Aram Luang, ten sets of knowledge Innovation were devised, namely (1) History of Wat Chet Yot, (2) Phra Borommathat Chedi Chet Yot, (3) Statue of King Tilokarat and (4) The Seven Satta Mahasathan, an essential learning site that represents Buddhism. Thirdly, for the Model of Community Learning Meditation Center, Wat Ram Poeng (Tapotaram) nine sets of knowledge innovation were devised, comprised of (1) History of Wat Ram Poeng, (2) Ubosot, (3) Wihan Laikham, (4) Practice of Meditation Based on Four Foundations of Mindfulness, (5) a site to end meditation class, and (6) Abbot’s cell, a site to test somebody’s meditation ability.

2. The development of an innovative learning area within the Google Sites program, featuring an E-book accessible through QR-code scanning, signifies a groundbreaking approach to community knowledge enhancement in Thai society. This initiative aims to propel Thailand towards becoming a creative learning society, leveraging technology to disseminate knowledge effectively.

3. The assessment indicates that the readiness of community learning services in the historical domain is commendable, scoring 4.25%. Similarly, the historical area of Buddhism and the Dhamma practice area demonstrate a good level, accounting for 4.20% and 4.19%, respectively. In light of these positive evaluations, we propose the establishment of a Learning and Innovation Center to serve as a model for promoting creative learning within urban communities.