Page 70 - Open and Distance Education In Asia : Good Practice From AAOU Members

50 OPEN AND DISTANCE EDUCATON IN ASIA
Good Practices from AAOU Members

radio program, television program and face
to face tutoring. The distance learning system
has been developed continuously. In 2000,
STOU has introduced the new model by
employing computer-based media in parallel
with printed-based media.

At the beginning stage, STOU offered
bachelor degree and certificate programs
in three schools. Since then, various fields
of study were introduced which become
twelve schools. Later on, the master degree
and doctoral degree programs were offered
respectively. Moreover, each subject in the
bachelor degree programs was organized
to be offered as an achievement certificate
program to the general public, enabling to
obtain knowledge from the university by
accessing through various media.

In 2017, the University Council initiated to
reform STOU to fit with the changes of social
environment and technology in the following
aspects: (1) applying the research findings
and needs of stakeholders to develop
mission of the university; (2) introducing
blended learning and mid-term examination;
(3) employing more channels of distance
learning through various forms of ICT, social
media, social network, and applications;
(4) developing personnel in accordance
with the Professional Standard Framework
(PSF) of Advance HE of UK.; (5) developing
Rajamangalaphisek Education Park and
constructing the statue of King Rama 9; and
(6) adjusting university regulations to be
more flexible, efficient and transparent.

Sukhothai Thammathirat Open University (STOU)