THE NEEDS AND READINESS SURVEY OF STUDENTS IN VIEWING PODCAST LEARNING PROGRAM FOR DISTANCE EDUCATION IN HIGHER EDUCATION

Abstract

This research aimed to survey the students' needs and readiness for viewing podcast learning program for distance education in higher education of Sukhothai Thammathirat Open University (STOU). The sample group for surveying the needs and readiness for viewing podcast learning program for distance education, including 612 students in the distance education system at the undergraduate and graduate levels at STOU, obtained by a random sampling method. The data were analyzed using frequency, percentage, mean, standard deviation, and content analysis. The results of the research were as follows: 1) The overall needs to listen to podcast learning program of students were at a high level (x ̅   = 4.36, S.D. = 0.79). There was a demand for podcast learning program that can be easily accessed via smartphones and mobile devices in the form of easy-to-download knowledge kits. The podcast should be able to listen from any internet network and social media. It should support a concise and rapid learning style. Program content must increase knowledge skills and promote work and living. The learning program should be diverse and in accordance with the subject and learning context. 2) The overall readiness to listen to podcast learning program of students were at a high level (x ̅  = 3.66, S.D. = 1.32) in terms of the readiness in networking and internet availability to listen to podcasts, the use of information technology and digital technology, and understanding of learning with a podcast program for distance education.