Promoting the Role of Sukhothai Thammathirat Open University as a Mechanism for Development of Nonthaburi Province for a Learning City

Abstract

The objectives of this research were to 1) study theoretical concepts related to the learning city 2) study the role of other universities in Thailand and abroad as a mechanism to develop the learning of their residents 3) study relevant laws, including the Education Act of 1999 (amendment), the principles outlined in the draft bill for promoting lifelong learning act B.E…. and the roles of Sukhothai Thammathirat Open University in terms of strategies, laws, regulations, and disciplinary knowledge in various fields to serve as a mechanism for provincial development, particularly in Nonthaburi, as a learning city and 4) analyze and propose recommendations for promoting the role of Sukhothai Thammathirat Open University as a mechanism for the development of Nonthaburi Province as a learning city. The research methodology employed qualitative research methods, including document analysis, supplemented by discussions with three sample groups comprising a total of 22 representatives, including government sectors, operative sectors and academic experts.

The results showed that 1) relevant theoretical concepts related to the learning city include the principles of a learning city, the mission concept of the state in promoting learning cities, the concept of community participation in promoting learning cities, and sustainable development concepts, 2) the role of universities in Thailand and abroad have provided their resources as a mechanism to develop learning for their residents, such as strategies, laws, regulations, policies and various learning activities, 3) the legal measures relevant to the learning city are the National Education Act B.E. 1999 (amendment), the bill of the lifelong learning act B.E….which support the learning city ecosystem. Moreover, Sukhothai Thammathirat Open University provides strategies, laws, regulations, and knowledge compatible with UNESCO's 6 Key Features of Learning Cities, and 4) this research also found that the Sukhothai Thammathirat Open University can be a mechanism for developing the Nonthaburi province to be a learning city. Despite STOU's efforts to promote Nonthaburi Province as a learning city, the study identified some limitations that could hinder sustainable development and improvement. These include the need for promoting widespread and equitable learning, fostering learning within families and communities, enhancing effective learning at workplaces, promoting the use of contemporary technologies, ensuring quality and excellence in learning, and fostering a strong culture of lifelong learning.