Guidelines for Improvement of Learning Management Process With Technology Integration Using iPad

Abstract

This research aims 1) to explore learners and instructors' opinions on the problems or obstacles towards learning management process with technology integration using iPad and 2) to study the guidelines to improve the learning management process with technology integration using the iPad in the Academic Collaboration Program between the Department of Local Administration and Suan Dusit University Phase 2 (Ror Mor Por 2). A survey questionnaire was distributed with quota sampling method to 574 students from 6 educational centers under Ror Mor Por 2 project: Suan Dusit University, Lampang Center, Chiang Rai Rajabhat University, Suan Dusit University, Trang Center, Songkhla Rajabhat University, Uttaradit Rajabhat University and Maha Sarakham Rajabhat University. An interview was conducted to 30 instructors from the same 6 educational centers under Ror Mor Por 2 project. The results indicate that the problems and obstacles from learners’ opinions towards learning management process with technology integration using iPad have problems/obstacles at a low level with the highest average of the problem in an aspect of technology facilities. It was suggested that the improvement guidelines should have the staff to take care of the device connected to the Internet before the teaching and learning and should have more WIFI signal boxes inside learning areas. From the instructors’ interviews, it was found that the instructors’ understanding regarding the principles of learning management with technology integration in three learning patterns, the collaborative planning among instructors for learning activities, including giving assignments had not been cleared and inconsistent approach. With these problems, most of the instructors suggested that there should have been a meeting of all instructors in order to make the overall plans together resulting in an apparent and consistent approach. In addition, the technology training program should be provided to all instructors so that they are able to use the iPad as well as technology facilities effectively. Another problem was the effectiveness of WIFI signal that is very important for teaching and learning because iPad need to be connected to the Internet via WIFI network but the WIFI signal was sometimes unstable and low. The improvement guideline for this problem is to develop a WIFI system to make it easier for the Internet connection that can support teaching and learning process effectively.