GUIDELINES FOR DEVELOPING DIGITAL SKILLS OF TEACHERS AND EDUCATIONAL PERSONNEL IN THE WIANG CHAI–WIANG NUEA SCHOOL NETWORK UNDER CHIANG RAI PRIMARY EDUCATIONAL SERVICE AREA OFFICE 1

Abstract

This independent study aimed to 1) examine the current conditions, desirable conditions, and priority needs for developing digital skills among teachers and educational personnel, 2) investigate the factors influencing the development of digital skills among teachers and educational personnel, and 3) propose appropriate guidelines for developing digital skills within the context of the educational institution network. A mixed-methods research design was employed. The population consisted of 96 participants, including school administrators, teachers, educational personnel, and chairpersons of school committees from Wiang Chai Wiang Nuea School Network under Chiang Rai Primary Educational Service Area Office 1. The research instruments included questionnaires and interviews. Quantitative data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, including mean, standard deviation, and the Priority Needs Index (PNI), while qualitative data were analyzed through content analysis.

The findings revealed that: 1) Overall, the current level of digital skills among teachers and educational personnel was at a moderate level, whereas the desirable level was at the highest level. The priority needs emphasized the practical application of digital skills in teaching and professional practices in a systematic manner. 2) The factors influencing digital skill development were interconnected systemic factors, including the learning environment, policy and management, technological infrastructure, personnel capacity and attitudes, and development processes emphasizing practical implementation through Professional Learning Communities (PLC). 3) The guidelines for digital skill development consisted of five key areas: basic digital skills development, creative digital learning design, the use of technology for assessment and learning monitoring, fostering positive attitudes and confidence in using technology, and the safe and ethical use of digital technologies.