Development of a Podcast Platform for Distance Learning at Sukhothai Thammathirat Open University

Abstract

This research aims to 1) develop a podcast platform for distance education at Sukhothai Thammathirat Open University, and 2) study the effects of using the podcast platform for distance education at Sukhothai Thammathirat Open University. The research methodology is developed and conducted in two stages. Stage one involves the development of the podcast platform for distance education at Sukhothai Thammathirat Open University, beginning with the study of concepts and theories from textbooks and related research, leading to the acquisition of knowledge. This is followed by an examination of the needs for a podcast platform for distance education through interviews with a total of 21 experts. The findings from this need assessment were used to create a prototype of the podcast platform. This prototype was then reviewed and evaluated for quality by five qualified individuals using a quality assessment form. The results of this quality assessment were used to further develop the prototype for trial use. In the second stage, the use of the podcast platform for distance education was implemented. The population and sample groups included 1. 30 personnel involved in recording and disseminating audio, 2. 5 educational technology administrators, and 3. 40 students who chose to study online in courses that required audio as a learning resource. The results of the training and dissemination of the podcast platform for distance education were summarized, conducted through online training with 40 students who actually used the platform. The research tools included 1. the prototype of the podcast platform for distance education at Sukhothai Thammathirat Open University, 2. expert interview forms, 3. a quality assessment form for the prototype, and 4. a satisfaction survey. Data analysis included frequency, percentage, mean, standard deviation, and content analysis.

The research findings revealed that 1) the development of the podcast platform for distance education at Sukhothai Thammathirat Open University involved key steps such as user needs analysis, setting objectives, designing the structure, developing content and features, testing and evaluation, and implementation. The main components and activities of the prototype included podcast recording,
AI-generated music and sound effects, audio editing, podcast import and storage, and a playlist management system. The overall quality assessment of the components and steps of the platform was rated as good. And 2) The study on the use of the podcast platform for distance education at Sukhothai Thammathirat Open University found that all three groups had a very high level of satisfaction.