Digital skills development in Khun Thale Sub-District Community Occupational Group, Muang District, Surat Thani Province

Abstract

Research on Developing Skills and Promoting Digital Media Use among Community Occupational Groups in Khun Thale Sub-District, Mueang District, Surat Thani Province This research aims to study the level of digital skills and digital media literacy behaviors among community occupational groups in Khun Thale Sub-District, Mueang District, Surat Thani Province, and to develop skills and promote digital media use among these community occupational groups. This study employed a mixed methods research approach.

Research Findings

The digital media literacy behaviors of community occupational groups in Khun Thale Sub-District, Mueang District, Surat Thani Province—including occupational groups residing in Village 1 (artisanal fishing group), Village 7 (Ban Mai Nikhom curry paste group), and Village 8 (mushroom cultivation group)—showed that the overall current situation was at a moderate level with a mean score of 2.94. The aspect with the highest mean score was awareness and safe usage skills at 3.51, followed by collaboration and networking skills at 3.20, practical skills in using digital devices and tools at 2.79, and cognitive skills in using programs to create digital media at 2.36. Regarding the use of digital devices and tools, smartphones had the highest mean score at 3.70. Interview findings revealed that digital media usage behaviors for occupational group development included using online media for group meetings, group work, or individual phone calls, and using programs or applications to help develop occupational groups and promote or advertise products. This made work more convenient and faster. Findings showed they used the LINE application, created LINE groups, and created Facebook pages for group advertising and product sales. From interviews, it was found that both government and private sector organizations should provide support for information technology development to enhance occupational groups, such as the Faculty of Management Sciences at Surat Thani Rajabhat University, Government Savings Bank, Community Development Department, and Nikhom, which have organized digital media creation training. However, the teaching or training in technology for occupational groups has not been continuous. Issues regarding information theft were identified when other occupational groups, individuals, or organizations copied or used the group's products without notification. There should be promotion to ensure community occupational group members develop awareness skills regarding safe usage and respect for differences and inequalities among various online social groups.