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Impact of Mass Media on Distance Leaning in Sukhothai Thammathirat Open University in Thailand
Thesis Abstract:
The study tried to determine the factors associated with the effect of the teaching media used in distance learning in the Sukhothai Thammathirat Open University (STOU). It also attempted to find out how the students' expectation and their actual perception of the characteristics of the teaching media and their message content differed.
Using a questionnaire, data were gathered from 180 STOU students enrolled in 1983-84 who majored in agricultural extension in 1980-1985. Percentage, Pearsons Product Moment Coefficient of Correlation, and Chi-square test were used in data analysis.
Findings showed that the respondents seemed to have similar characteristics: the majority were male, married, and about 31 years old, with moderate income. The majority also had high certification in agriculture since they were subdistrict extension personnel.
The students appreciated and were satisfied with the content of the messages on agricultural extension subjects. Generally, they perceived that the teaching media had appropriate characteristics. However, they preferred the printed materials because of their suitable or adequate characteristics; the radio broadcasting was preferred the least.
Effectiveness of each teaching medium appeared to have been affected by some characteristics of the students, particularly by their income and place of residence. Effectiveness was also affected by the coverage and comprehensibility of the teaching media.
The students' expectation and actual perception of the teaching medium characteristics and the message/content generally did not differ. However, comprehensibility and applicability to actual work of the teaching content/messages changed for the better after their studies. Printed materials were also perceived as the key teaching media.
Students said existing teaching media used in STOU distance learning should be improved, particularly the verification, editing, updating, and repetition of teaching message content in the printed materials; air time and teaching content of both radio and TV broadcast program; increase in number and quality of teaching aids; and improvement of qualifications of teachers doing the supplementary teaching. Moreover, the respondents suggested that the performance of the teaching media and their content/message should be evaluated.