The Development of Digital Platforms to Support for Higher Education in Suphanburi Province

Abstract

            This research article study aimed to develop a digital platform to enhance university-level education in Suphan Buri Province, Thailand. The research was guided by three main objectives: (1) to examine existing digital platform models used in supporting higher education within the province; (2) to collaboratively develop a digital platform that addresses the contextual needs of educational institutions; and (3) to evaluate the effectiveness of the developed platform. A mixed-methods research design was employed, integrating documentary research with empirical data collection through interviews, focus group discussions, participatory action processes, and field-based questionnaire surveys. A content analysis approach was applied to systematically analyze the data across predetermined themes. The study found that the universities within the study area, including Kasetsart University, Suphanburi Campus, Thailand national sports university, Suphanburi Campus, Suphanburi Sri Suvarnabhumi Buddhist College, Mahachulalongkornrajavidyalaya University, and Rajamangala University of Technology Suvarnabhumi, Suphanburi Campus, utilize platforms such as MOOC, Speexx, and E-learning to facilitate teaching and learning. Among the digital platforms examined, Google Sites was identified as the most appropriate tool for academic website development due to its ease of use and its capacity to promote expanded learning opportunities. The evaluation framework focused on four key dimensions: platform efficiency, user accessibility, learning impact, and limitations with proposed directions for further development.