An Assessment of the General Public's Needs of Online Courses in Personal Development

Abstract

This research aims to: 1) survey (assess/determine/evaluate) the needs for online courses in personal development offered to the general public, 2) compare the content demanded by different age groups for inclusion in online courses in personal development, and 3) compare the content requested by people of various professions for these courses. The sample comprised 242 people in Phayao, selected through simple random sampling. The research instrument was a questionnaire about the needs for online courses in personal development. Data were analyzed using frequency and percentage, with additional content analysis.

The findings were as follows:

1. The respondents were most interested in content related to education, followed by languages and technology. They preferred short non-degree courses, pre-degree courses, and dual-degree courses, respectively, to develop their competencies.

2. Considering different age groups, the respondents under 21 and between 21-30 years old preferred language courses, while those between 31-40 years old were interested in technology courses. The respondents aged 41-50 years and older tended to focus on education. Additionally, the respondents across all age groups preferred short non-degree courses.

3. Regarding various professions, the respondents from different professions had distinct needs for course content. Government officials and state enterprise employees needed courses in education, school and university students expressed a need for language courses, while agriculturists, business owners, and general employees wanted courses in business, services, and management. The respondents from all professions preferred short non-degree courses.