The Development of Virtual Learning Ecosystem for Distance Learning

Abstract

This research aimed to: 1) develop a virtual learning ecosystem for distance education, and 2) study the learning achievement and satisfaction in using the virtual learning ecosystem for distance education. The research design was developmental research, conducted in 2 phases. Phase 1: development of a virtual learning ecosystem for distance education, consisting of 5 steps: Step 1: develop a conceptual framework from principles and theories, Step 2: study the needs for using a virtual learning ecosystem in course 10152 Thailand and the Global Society by using an online questionnaire about students' needs for learning with a virtual learning ecosystem. The population consisted of 1,120 undergraduate students from Sukhothai Thammathirat Open University who registered for course 10152 and the sample of the study were 400 students obtained by voluntary random sampling, Step 3: draft a conceptual framework by conducting individual interviews with 7 experts, Step 4: draft and evaluate a prototype of the virtual learning ecosystem for education by 5 experts and Step 5: produce a draft prototype of the virtual learning ecosystem for distance education for course 10152 Thailand and the Global Society. Phase 2: Study the results of using the virtual learning ecosystem, the research sample consisted of 153 undergraduate students registered the same course using the virtual learning ecosystem for course 10152, a learning achievement test and a satisfaction questionnaire as research tools.

The research findings revealed that 1) the development of the virtual learning ecosystem for distance education followed a 7-step development process, including: needs analysis, system design, system development, testing and improvement, user training and support, evaluation, and continuous development. And it also consisted of 10 components: digital technology, online learning platform, digital content, communication and collaboration, assessment and monitoring, data and analytics, learner-centered adaptation, learner support, external learning resources, and knowledge dissemination. The evaluation of the quality of the virtual learning ecosystem for distance education was rated as high. 2) The study on learning achievement and students’satisfaction revealed that students' learning achievement exceeded the 80% criterion, with an average score of 89%. Additionally, the satisfaction assessment for using the virtual learning ecosystem for distance education was at the highest level.