GUIDELINES FOR DEVELOPING THE DIGITAL SKILLS OF TEACHER STUDENTS IN DUAL BACHELOR’S DEGREE PROGRAMS IN UNIVERSITY OF PHAYAO

Abstract

This research was a survey study with the objectives of 1) to examine the digital skills of teacher students in the dual bachelor’s degree programs at the University of Phayao, and 2) to investigate approaches for developing the digital skills of teacher students in the dual bachelor’s degree programs at the University of Phayao. The sample group was 333 students from the School of Education, University of Phayao, in years 1–4 of the 2025 academic year. The sample size was determined using Yamane’s formula and selected through multi-stage random sampling. It was selected through stratified random sampling, and key informants included 4 administrators from the School of Education. It was selected through purposive selection. The research instruments were a digital skills assessment for student teachers, using a 5-point rating scale with 12 aspects and 60 items. The content validity, measured using the Index of Item-Objective Congruence (IOC), ranged from 0.67 to 1.00, the discrimination index between 0.45-0.86, and the reliability coefficient was 0.94, and an interview form on approaches for developing student teachers’ digital skills, with 4 items. The data were analyzed using the mean, standard deviation, and content analysis.

          The result showed that 1) the overall digital skills of teacher students were at a high level 2) the proposed approach for developing these skills is to integrate digital skills into every course while providing a modern learning environment. The key factors include a flexible curriculum with an emphasis on hands-on practice, support from faculty members, and a focus on enabling students to apply digital skills during their teaching practicum in designing lesson plans, creating digital media, and assessing learners, continuous learning should be promoted through practical workshops to fully prepare them to become teachers in the digital era.