Time when the internet plays an important role in life as the fifth basic need, the internet in education has for some time been crucial in improving the efficiency of education. During the pandemic COVID-19, the internet is most used in education as all educational institutions cannot work as usual. Therefore, the introduction of the internet in the teaching and learning process has caused a great disruption. This can truly be called an “educational disorder”, leading to a complete “digital educational disorder” in Thailand [1].
The impact of the sudden change varies as educational institutions were differently prepared for the Internet before the outbreak of COVID – 19. Some institutions had never used the Internet for teaching due to various factors such as budget, network system problems and staff expertise. Therefore, when there was a sudden need for Internet use, the school could not adapt teaching and learning efficiently. There is a need to use teaching tools or methods that are mainly based on social media. This concerns both the teachers and the parents, who have to provide their own additional equipment
Internet Provides Educational Flexibility
If the Internet plays an important role in education, one must also consider other dimensions of the Internet for the education system. If you look at the development in education, the Internet will most visibly involve students and teachers in teaching and learning. At the same time, however, there are other dimensions in which the Internet involves students. What students get from the internet is not only access to resources from all over the world, but at the same time development in other areas such as transparency or reducing abuse or violence in schools [2].
Therefore, the internet use in each institution should be adaptable per context. It should also not be simply used for teaching but should be implemented in parallel with other methods to achieve the true student development such as [2]:
- Organise a mixed teaching model between online learning on the Internet and teaching in small groups with 5-10 students per teacher for activities. Online learning alone only teaches knowledge and memorisation, but does not develop other areas. Student-teacher encounters help develop students in all four dimensions: intellectual, physical, emotional and social skills. In this way, students can learn normally and develop emotionally at the same time by meeting and talking with friends and communities.
- Online learning on the Internet should not directly take over the concept of on-site teaching, such as creating a timetable or a fixed lesson plan, similar to that in a normal school. The timetable should be more flexible to accommodate the behaviour of students of all ages. A short video summarising the lessons could be considered so that students have the opportunity to review the lesson later. Students do not need to attend online lessons for several hours a day. Some age groups may not be suitable for online lessons that go on for a longer period of time.
Because the internet is a road that connects knowledge from all over the world
Dr. Wiriya Ruechaipanich, independent scholar, Honorary Director of the Office of the Commission on Basic Education, said, “The Internet is a road that connects the knowledge of the whole world.” This no longer seems to be an exaggeration in today’s world, where technology is contributing to the development of education. Giving every school the opportunity to use a high-quality Internet inevitably means paving a “road” that connects students and gives them access to all knowledge [1].
Therefore, educational institutions should priorities the selection of a network and internet system, whether it is a long range wifi system, internet stability, efficient budget use, system security or customer service. These are all factors that executives should consider when selecting an internet network service provider.
- National Telecom Public Company Limited or NT is a telecommunications state enterprise with more than 65 years of expertise. The enterprise offers multiple education-related technologies and is ready to support educational progress, jointly develop plans and help manage budgets for educational institutions. Internet network products and services available are as follows:
- NT Lease Line Internet with Wifi signal distribution system. This is a high-speed internet service for individual rental connected directly point-to-point to users via a highly stable fibre optic system with nationwide coverage from National Telecom Public Company Limited, Chaengwattana.
1. NT SMS-RFID. This is an internal information management system of an educational institution via the Internet to increase the efficiency of information management. The system is convenient, easy to use, accurate and real-time. It can help build a good relationship between schools, teachers and parents through various communication channels, namely applications and SMS. It is an ideal form of communication for primary and secondary schools that focus on student safety.
2. NT Smart in Building Wifi Solution is a wireless internet system for buildings with telco-class signal distribution devices that can distribute the signal well even with a large number of users at the same time. There is a standard login with expert support under the Computer Crime Act as well as lifetime support. If the equipment is damaged, it can be replaced immediately and free of charge.
3. NT Netlog. This is a system that allows educational institutions to reduce the cost of providing a logging system without having to invest in a file logging system. The system is also supported by a professional team that analyses the data to find evidence of root causes.
From the above services of NT, it is evident that NT is ready to assist educational institutions in efficient teaching and learning in terms of Internet network technology. For example, Nakdee Anusorn School in Samut Prakan uses a NT Internet network system to create a good environment for teachers to improve teaching and student learning. Ms Mayuree Inthraphan, Deputy Principal and Acting Principal of the school, said:
“Since we are a school where many students are under our care, we have installed an internet system and various teaching aids that all teachers can access conveniently, from a wifi to a video and image link system from mobile devices or laptops to TV screens. This is to be used for teaching through Kahoot, which encourages students to participate in the class. It’s all designed to enhance student learning.
In addition, Ms Mayuree Inthraphan mentioned her impression of working with NT as follows: “We want to make the school a place where children are well educated by creating a supportive environment for teachers. I would like to thank NT for suggesting development ideas and working together all these years.”
With the testimonies of NT, we are committed to service and are ready to continuously develop products and services and organise a team of experts to take care of all our customers’ problems with more than 100 service centres in Bangkok and surrounding areas. If you need basic advice, have any questions or would like to consult an expert, please contact us through our Facebook page, NT shops in Bangkok and surrounding areas, website https://nt-metro-service.com/ or Line@: @NTSMEsolutionBKK.
Reference
[1] https://www.theeleader.com/news-enterprise/how-to-education-disruption-future-education-thailand/
[2] https://www.eef.or.th/article-free-internet-for-all-school/
