Born To Be Wild

Author: zomchay

  • STOU participates in the ICDE Leadership Summit 2024 in Switzerland (2)

    STOU participates in the ICDE Leadership Summit 2024 in Switzerland (2)

    On 6-7 June 2024, representatives from Sukhothai Thammathirat Open University (STOU) attended the 2nd and 3rd day of ICDE Leadership Summit 2024 in Geneva, Switzerland. The summit, titled “Ethical Leadership in the Age of AI: Rethinking Futures of Education.”

    Organized by the International Council for Open and Distance Education (ICDE) and Globethics, the summit brought together higher education leaders, policymakers, and experts from around the world to discuss the opportunities and challenges of integrating AI technology into education.

    STOU representatives included Asst. Prof. Dr. Phanompatt Smitananda, Acting President, Asst. Prof. Dr. Gan Chanyawudhiwan, Acting Vice-President for Academic Services, Cultural Preservation, and International Affairs, and Mrs. Rattip Phukkeson, Acting Director of the Department of International Affairs.

    The summit featured a variety of engaging sessions, including: Keynote addresses, Panel discussions, and Parallel workshops. One of the central themes of the summit was the development of ethical frameworks to guide the responsible use of AI in education. This included discussions on:

    • Identifying and addressing potential ethical issues arising from the use of AI, such as bias, discrimination, and data privacy concerns.
    • Establishing principles and guidelines for the implementation of AI in education that promote fairness, transparency, and accountability.
    • Ensuring that AI applications align with educational values and prioritize student well-being and learning outcomes.

    In addition to participating in the ICDE Leadership Summit, STOU also took the opportunity to meet with the Secretary-General of the International Council for Open and Distance Education (ICDE) to discuss the organization of a panel session and invite ICDE GAC ASIA member universities to a Working Group Meeting at the upcoming 2nd International Conference of Digital Business, Society & Economy (ICDBSE 2024).

    STOU is the proud host of ICDBSE 2024 in partnership with Asia Pacific University of Technology and Innovation (APU) in Malaysia. The conference has received the esteemed support of The Southeast Asia Ministers of Education Organization (SEAMEO), the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO), the International Council for Open and Distance Education (ICDE), and the Asian Association of Open Universities (AAOU). These leading organizations in open and distance education will contribute to the conference’s discussions and enrich the overall experience for participants.

    After the conclusion of the summit, the administrators of STOU had the opportunity to informally visit the University of Geneva, one of the most prestigious universities in Switzerland. They gained a valuable insight into the university’s vibrant academic community and its rich history.

    STOU’s participation in these international events reflects our commitment topromoting ethical leadership in the digital age, fostering collaboration and knowledge exchange among higher education institutions worldwide, and advancing innovative approaches to teaching and learning in the era of AI.

  • STOU participates in ICDE Leadership Summit 2024 in Switzerland

    STOU participates in ICDE Leadership Summit 2024 in Switzerland

    On 5 June 2024, the administrators of Sukhothai Thammathirat Open University (STOU), led by Asst. Prof. Dr. Phanompatt Smitananda, Acting President of STOU, participated in the ICDE Leadership Summit 2024 in Geneva, Switzerland. Other members included Asst. Prof. Dr. Gan Chanyawudhiwan, Acting Vice-President for Academic Services, Cultural Preservation, and International Affairs, and Mrs. Rattip Phukkeson, Acting Director of the Department of International Affairs.

    The ICDE Leadership Summit is a leadership-focused international conference that explores contemporary challenges and opportunities facing today’s educational leaders and innovators in the globally connected digital era. The Summit offers a vibrant, inclusive space for unique networking and development opportunities. The 2024 Summit focused on the theme “Ethical Leadership in the Age of AI: Rethinking Futures of Education”. During the workshop sessions, Dr. Phanompatt exchanged views and experiences on the use of AI in STOU’s teaching and learning. The discussion focused on several key areas such as copyright infringement detection, research ethics, generative AI for text-to-speech, and English closed captions for video lectures.

    The first-day event also included the Plenary Session featuring a themed opening panel. The key points from the session are as follows:

    • Higher education requires leaders who are ethical, responsible, and honest, and who consider the impact of AI on knowledge and understanding, education systems, and human existence.
    • AI can lead to division, so there is a need to raise awareness and promote ethics rather than focusing on technology.
    • Digital innovation must go hand in hand with lifelong learning, with an emphasis on critical media literacy to address bias and injustice, and adapting AI to develop relationships, critical thinking, emotions, and education.
    • Education is a fundamental foundation for building cross-cultural cooperation, exchanging ideas, and fostering good relations between humanity.

    Sukhothai Thammathirat Open University took this opportunity to promote the upcoming 2nd International Conference of Digital Business, Society & Economy (ICDBSE 2024) at the event. The conference will be held on November 13-14, 2024, at STOU under the theme “Innovation and Technology Towards Sustainability and Lifelong Learning.” STOU is co-hosting
    the conference with Asia Pacific University of Technology and Innovation (APU), Malaysia. The conference is supported by a network of partners, including UNESCO, SEAMEO, ICDE, and AAOU. For more information, please visit the conference website.

  • STOU & SEAMEOLEC held the 1st online workshop

    STOU & SEAMEOLEC held the 1st online workshop

    Sukhothai Thammathirat Open University (STOU) partnered with SEAMEO Regional Open Learning Centre (SEAMOLEC) to launch a pilot project offering online workshops for high school teachers and students. This exciting initiative aimed to equip educators and learners with valuable skills for the digital classroom, hosted by SEAMOLEC with their experts leading the workshops.

    The project kicked off with a workshop for teachers titled “Gamification in Online Learning,” held on 2 and 3 May 2024. A total of 28 teachers from 25 different schools participated, gaining insights on how to make online learning more engaging and interactive through gamification techniques.

    Following the success of the teacher training, a student workshop on “Block Programming” took place from 27 to 29 May 2024. Here, 20 high school students from 19 schools delved into the world of block programming, a beginner-friendly approach to coding.

    STOU is proud to have collaborated with SEAMOLEC on this impactful initiative. This pilot project demonstrates the university’s commitment to fostering innovative approaches to online education for the benefit of teachers and students throughout Thailand.

  • STOU donates medical supplies to Wat Than Namron in Kanchanaburi

    STOU donates medical supplies to Wat Than Namron in Kanchanaburi

    On Friday, 17 May 2024 a team from Sukhothai Thammathirat Open University (STOU) led by Asst. Prof. Dr. Gan Chanyawudhiwan, Acting Vice-President for Academic Services, Cultural Preservation, and International Affairs, along with
    Mr. Wiruch Atiruttanapunya, Director of the STOU’s Regional Academic Resources and Community Engagement Center – Kanchanaburi, representatives from the STOU Graduate Club and STOU Student Club from Suphanburi, Ratchaburi, and Kanchanaburi, visited Wat Than Namron in Hin Dat, Kanchanaburi. They delivered a variety of donated items, including clothing, hygiene products, medical supplies, and toys, to the Abbot of the temple. These items will be distributed to Ban Kui Mang Health Promoting Hospital, Hin Dat Health Promoting Hospital, and Ban Kui Yae Health Promoting Hospital.

    STOU collaborated with the Citizen Volunteer Project of the Thai Volunteer Service to ensure the donated medicines and medical equipment were properly categorized before being delivered to those in need.

  • Unseen Library & Museum @STOU

    Unseen Library & Museum @STOU

    Sukhothai Thammathirat Open University (STOU) hosted the “Unseen Library & Museum @STOU” event on Thursday, 16 May 2024, at the Library Building. The event aimed to promote cultural tourism and sustainable community development through library and museum resources.

    The event featured four main activities:

    Sukhothai Thammaracha: Participants visited the King Prajadhipok and Queen Rambhai Barni Documentation Center on the second floor of the Library Building and learned about the life, works, and important events during the reign of King Rama VII. They also had the chance to participate in a quiz game to win prizes.

    Valuable Distance Education: Participants explored an exhibition showcasing the concept of open universities, the history and development of STOU, and the university’s identity, including its logo, colors, academic regalia, and unique sculptures. They also had the opportunity to play a quiz game to win souvenirs.

    STOU Library: Treasure Trove of Knowledge: Participants learned about the library’s information resources, including course materials, books, journals, and other information related to sustainable cultural tourism. They were also introduced to the library’s various services and participated in a fortune-telling game with “Nong Sa Bai Cards.”

    Nonthaburi Sustainable Development: Participants learned about sustainable tourism in Nonthaburi Province through an exhibition and gamified activities, including VR tours of Nonthaburi’s Buddhist art and murals, VR tours of Nonthaburi’s pottery and handicrafts, and a Metaverse virtual museum of Nonthaburi handicrafts. They also had the chance to play a quiz game to win souvenirs.

    In addition to the main activities, participants could also join the “Snap & Share” activity by taking photos and sharing their favorite spots in the library and the King Rama VII Room to win prizes.

    Organized by the School of Liberal Arts, Office of Documentation and Information, Rajamangalaphisek Education Park Division, Urban Agriculture Learning Center, in cooperation with Bangkok Library Network, the “Unseen Library & Museum @STOU” event was a success in promoting the use of library and museum resources for sustainable cultural tourism and learning about the history, culture, and way of life of communities.

  • STOU Empowers Young Offenders with Library Skills

    STOU Empowers Young Offenders with Library Skills

    Sukhothai Thammathirat Open University (STOU), in collaboration with the Central Correctional Institution for Young Offenders, recently held a workshop on “Technical and Library Services Management” at the Central Correctional Institution for Young Offenders’s Prompanya Library on 22 – 26 April 2024.

    Organized by STOU’s Office of Documentation and Information, the training aimed to equip inmates with the knowledge and skills necessary to provide standardized library services according to the Correctional Institution Library Standards B.E. 2565. This initiative will ultimately support the effective management of Prompanya Library.

    The workshop’s opening ceremony included distinguished guests: Asst. Prof. Dr. Phanompatt Smitananda, Acting President of STOU, and Assoc. Prof. Krittika Jiwaluk, Director of the Office of Documentation and Information. Their presence underscored STOU’s commitment to this valuable program.

    STOU administrators took the opportunity to visit the ‘STOU Corner’ within Prompanya Library. They also donated a collection of 20 books, including titles from the Nonthaburi Studies Collection and other university-related materials. Mr. Assanee Sangkhanate, Director of the Penology Division at the Central Correctional Institution for Young Offenders, graciously accepted the contribution.

    This donation will further enrich the library’s resources and promote a culture of learning among young offenders.

    The opening ceremony in librarian professional training workshop program 2024
    Asst. Prof. Dr. Phanompatt Smitananda, Acting President of STOU, was giving a word of encouragement to participants and students.
    STOU Corner at Prompanya Library

    Aligned with STOU’s mission to enhance the efficiency of integrated academic society services, this workshop contributes to several Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs):

    SDG 4: Quality Education: By equipping inmates with library skills, the program promotes inclusive and equitable quality education and lifelong learning opportunities.

    SDG 10: Reduced Inequalities: The initiative supports reducing inequality in society by providing young offenders with skills and knowledge that can empower them upon release.

    SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals: The collaboration between STOU and the Central Correctional Institution for Young Offenders exemplifies the importance of partnerships between higher education institutions and various community agencies.

  • Assoc. Prof. Yuen Poovarawan granted Ratanarajasuda Information Technology Award 2023

    Assoc. Prof. Yuen Poovarawan granted Ratanarajasuda Information Technology Award 2023

    Congratulations to Assoc. Prof. Yuen Poovarawan, Distinguished Member of the University Council, Sukhothai Thammathirat Open University, in the occasion of being granted the Ratanarajasuda Information Technology Award 2023, which was bestowed by Her Royal Highness Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn, who serves as the Chairperson of the Ratanarajasuda Information Technology Award Foundation. The Award Ceremony was held on 1 May 2024 at Sa Pathum Palace.

    “Ratanarajasuda Information Technology Award” is an award to honor personnel who have played a vital role in creating and laying the foundation for information technology in Thailand, both in terms of knowledge base, and/or applying it in a way that has provided broad and continuous benefits to the society, which is widely recognized and accepted in nationally and/or internationally. This award will serve as a role model and inspire thinkers and developers of information technology in Thailand, in order to increase the capability to create benefits for society and the nation and to improve sustainably the quality of life for the people.

  • STOU Nakhon Nayok Participates in National Tree Day Planting Activity

    STOU Nakhon Nayok Participates in National Tree Day Planting Activity

    In commemoration of Thailand’s National Tree Day, which coincides with Visakha Bucha Day each year, Asst. Prof. Dr. Seksan Amatmontree, Director of the Regional Academic Resources and Community Engagement Center – Nakhon Nayok, Sukhothai Thammathirat Open University (STOU), along with staff members, gathered to plant trees within the center’s premises.

    STOU Nakhon Nayok Participates

    The tree-planting activity, held on May 20, 2024, aimed to raise awareness about the significance of preserving and restoring Thailand’s national forest resources. Additionally, it sought to transform the center’s surroundings into a green space to contribute to efforts in combating global warming.

    Asst. Prof. Dr. Seksan Amatmontree, Director of the Regional Academic Resources and Community Engagement Center – Nakhon Nayok
    STOU Nakhon Nayok Participates
    STOU Nakhon Nayok Participates
  • STOU and Chia Tai Empower Inmates with Vocational Skills and Income Generation from Waste Materials

    STOU and Chia Tai Empower Inmates with Vocational Skills and Income Generation from Waste Materials

    On 7 and 14 May 2024, Sukhothai Thammathirat Open University (STOU), by the Rajamangalaphisek Education Park Division, organized a training program on eco-printing using leaves, flowers, and fabric for female inmates at the Central Women’s Correctional Institution. The training was conducted under the “To Be Number One: Creating Sustainable Careers from Waste Materials” project, a collaboration between STOU and Chia Tai Company Limited.

    The training utilized waste materials from Chia Tai Company Limited to create valuable products, generating income opportunities for the inmates and equipping them with vocational skills for their future careers upon release.

  • STOU faculty member qualified AUN-QA Assessor at Programme Level Version 4.0

    STOU faculty member qualified AUN-QA Assessor at Programme Level Version 4.0

    Congratulations to Assoc. Prof. Dr. Waranya Poonnawat, Faculty Member from the School of Science Technology, Sukhothai Thammathirat Open University, who has been qualified as an AUN-QA Assessor at Programme Level Version 4.0, announced on 7 May 2024.