This survey examined the online activities of Thai internet users to predict the future of eLearning platforms. The survey found that the most common online activities on mobile devices were social networking, watching videos, and playing games. Males spent more time playing games while females used social media more. Most participants felt current eLearning platforms do not encourage enjoyment of online learning. The conclusion suggests eLearning platforms should incorporate more interactive social features like photos, videos and chatting to better engage students online. Protecting young children from online threats was also highlighted as important.

1. Foresight eLearning Platforms:
Insights from a Thai Survey
Poonsri Vate-U-Lan, Ed.D.
Advisor for Ph.D. in eLearning Methodology
Graduate School of eLearning
Assumption University of Thailand, Bangkok
Full paper published in International Journal of Information
and Education Technology (IJIET), vol.7, no.1

2. Agenda
• Research objectives
• Research methodology
• Results and discussion
• Conclusion and suggestion

4. Research objectives
1. To examine the on screen activity
on mobile devices when people
were connected to the Internet,
thus predicting the future
directions of eLearning platforms.
2. To assess the knowledge of Thai
Internet users regarding the age
restriction stipulated in the “Terms
of Service of Facebook” since
Facebook is the most popular
social networking in 2015 - not
only for teenagers in Thailand but
also in many other countries.

5. Research methodology
• An online self-administered survey is the main research instrument.
• The survey instrument included several sections: demographic
information, internet usage behavior, attitudes towards playing
computer games and the pattern of onscreen activities on mobile
devices.
• The survey was accessible from across platforms, both personal
computers and mobile devices including iOS and android systems.
• The invitation to participate was posted on the researcher’s social
network page and web board for general purposes.
• The sample of this current survey was derived by an online
convenience sampling method with two reminder invitations after
the first announcement.

6. Results and discussion
Demographic list Per cent N
Place of living
Bangkok 52.0 426
Not-Bangkok 48.0 393
Total 100 819
Occupation
Educator 33.7 276
Secondary School Student 18.4 151
University Student 33.8 277
Other 14.0 115
Total 100 819
Education
Lower than bachelor degree 29.5 235
Bachelor degree 37.8 301
Post-graduate qualification 32.7 260
Total 100 796
Gender
Female 61.1 483
Male 38.9 307
Total 100 790
Age
11-20 Years old 37.2 291
21-30 Years old 24.3 190
31-40 Years old 15.7 123
41-50 Years old 13.8 108
51-60 Years old 8.0 63
61+ Years old 1 8
Total 100 783

7. The on screen activity on mobile devices

8. Comparison on two gender groups of on
screen activity on mobile devices
Top three
1st
2nd
3rd

9. Comparison on two gender groups of on
screen activity on mobile devices
4th
5th
6th
6th
Normal phone 50%

10. Comparison on two gender groups of on
screen activity on mobile devices
7th
8th 9th

11. Perspective
of Facebook’s
restriction on
minimum age

12. Predicting eLearning Platform
The platform should simulate effective communication and flexibility that encourage
students to engage and learn more in an online academic environment.
1. It should be designed to create a user friendly atmosphere much
the same as social networking.
2. The students’ assignments and participation should be designed
to encourage utilization of photos for storytelling or expressing
their ideas.
3. ‘Chatting’ should be an interactive discussion which creates more
opportunities for both students and teachers.
4. Searching for updated information on the internet should be
implemented more with an online learning approach.
5. ‘Games’ and applications should be a common online learning
activity.
6. A task of watching videos and sharing videos should be prevalent
and well-practiced in an eLearning environment as its common in
today’s informal learning.

13. Conclusion and suggestion
• The current eLearning platforms do not seem to be able to
convince students to actually enjoy studying online and it
has never been designated to be a daily activity.
• Students choose to be in their favourite social networking
from inside since this is where their comfort zone is
anchored.
• The most significant outcome from this research regards
the need for expanded strategies to prevent young children
being threatened by social networking technology. This is a
priority for all, not just schools but also parents and users
themselves to consider using technology wisely and
appropriately. Children must develop in a balanced online
and offline environment that is safe and secure.

14. Thank you for your attention
Q&A
Contact
poonsri.vate@gmail.com