E-learning development to support self-directed learning via induction module lessons: A case study of Introduction to Information Technology course

In recent years, the number of students who enrolled in the course of Introduction to Information Technology at Mae Fah Luang University, Chiang Rai, Thailand is getting larger and larger. This causes the excessive teaching loads for all limited number of instructors who take responsibility of this course. It also causes some problem on study resources, such as the limited number of laboratories/classrooms and the personal computers. These factors pose challenges for improvements to be made in teaching and learning quality. In this study, e-learning system is developed in order to solve the above-mentioned problem as well as to support self-directed learning (SDL) by using induction module lessons. With the system, the students are motivated to organize their study by themselves. For example, they can download all study materials; try to understand each lesson before the class; discuss some unclear points with their friends, teaching assistants, as well as the instructors in the class; before completing the assignment and submitting by uploading their works to the system. The examination is also organized to be done online but in the class to avoid the occurrence of cheating. Classroom research design is employed to investigate the SDL environments of students in the course. The questionnaires in terms of system satisfaction and self-evaluation from the end-users are used as research tools, along with the assessment in term of grading. Quantitative data is gathered and then analyzed in terms of descriptive statistics by content.