Learn, Create, and Grow: Educational Resources for Learning Equality by WU 

Learn, Create, and Grow: Educational Resources for Learning Equality by WU 

Education is a key gateway out of inequalities, especially multi-generational ones including local communities where educational resources are still lacking. Walailak University, as a leading educational institution, recognizes the importance of enhancing the capacity of educators in schools who are not studying at the university, as teachers play a key role in developing students in these local schools. This aligns with the university’s vision of being a learning center and a pillar in the local community, ensuring that students in schools have equal access to education from quality educators in all areas. As a result, Walailak University has provided free access to educational resources for those not studying at the university including free courses leading to certificate or award, free access to campus facilities and equipment, and free access to online resources.
As an educational institution with abundant of educational resources, Walailak University has provided a free course titled “English Language Development for Classroom Communication” based on the needs of participants. This course offers local teachers the necessary knowledge and skills to improve their listening and speaking proficiency in English, enabling them to teach with confidence and accuracy. Additionally, it fosters positive attitudes toward the English language. The course supports local teachers in effectively imparting knowledge and enhancing student development. In doing so, it helps to increase educational opportunities for youth and promote equality in society. The course comprises two main topics: “Grammar for Teaching and Communication” and “Tools and Language for Classroom Communication,” along with practical activities that provide teachers the opportunity to practice listening and speaking skills. Upon completion of this free course, participants will receive certificates to recognize their improved skills, encouraging them to apply their newfound knowledge in real classroom settings.

Figures : Free course leading to certificates.

In addition, the university provides free access to campus facilities and equipment, such as modern classrooms, university staff, course equipment and expert instructors from the English Department, as well as from the School of Education and Liberal Arts at Walailak University. All of this part of the university’s commitment to enhancing the quality of education through training course for local teachers.

Figures : Free access to campus facilities and equipment, such as modern classrooms, university staff, course equipment and expert instructors from the English Department.

Another valuable resource that Walailak University has provided free access for those not studying at the university is its online learning resources, particularly the “Everyday English” program. This English language teaching material is developed by expert instructors from the university’s English Department, supported by a production team, and covers a wide range of English language topics. These include grammar usage and the application of English vocabulary in daily life. The program aims to enable educators and those interested to independently improve their English skills. It also serves as an extension for the English Language Development for Classroom Communication Course’s participants, allowing continuous learning and practice of the English language.

Figures : Free online resources for an extension of the university’s teacher training course

Based on the post-training satisfaction evaluation, Walailak University received positive feedback from the teachers who participated in the program, along with suggestions and requests for additional topics. The university will use this information to improve and plan future training activities accordingly.

In addition to promoting teacher development, Walailak University also serves as a regional coordinating center for the southern part of Thailand of the Young Scientist Competition (YSC), creating a world of learning opportunities for young scientists. The university organizes activities that provide free access to educational resources to Thai youth from southern region. These activities aim to support the development of scientific and technological knowledge, providing participants with opportunities to enhance their critical thinking skills and gain hands-on experience in self-directed learning.

Figures : Free course leading to certificate.

In the project, participants can access to the free training course focusing on enhancing scientific and technological knowledge, along with expert consultation from professor, scientists, and researchers across various fields from the university. These activities are offered in the form of online courses, allowing project developers to apply the knowledge gained to spark ideas and inspire the development of their work. Participants can also use the feedback and recommendations from university experts to improve and further refine their projects, preparing them for science competitions. Ultimately, participants will also receive certificates of participation.

Figures : Free online training course leading to certificate

As these are online courses, after the training is completed, the video recordings will be uploaded to the university’s website. This allows the general public, including those not currently studying at the university, to access the free online learning resources from the course videos.

In the project, participants gain valuable knowledge from over 60 faculty members who serve as project competition judges from various schools at the university, including the School of Science, the School of Pharmacy, the School of Agricultural Technology and Food Industry, the School of Languages and General Education, the School of Public Health, the School of Allied Health Sciences, the School of Engineering, and the School of Management. In addition to the providing free access to the support from faculty members, the university is also well-equipped to provide free access to campus technical support and facilities, such as testing and analysis services from the Center for Scientific and Technological Equipment. Project developers can request these services through a coordination center, which facilitates the process for accessing testing and analysis support.

Figures : The free access to universtiy facility and equipment for project developers.

Moreover, the university places great importance on the participation of target schools by promoting equal access to education. All schools, whether they are part of the science school group or non-science school group, are equally eligible for development opportunities. To further extend these opportunities, the university has designed additional channels for public outreach, raising awareness and increasing participation from more schools each year. As a result, the number of schools joining the competition has grown annually, allowing students, even those not enrolled at the university, to develop their skills in science, technology, and innovation according to their interests and abilities through the university’s educational resources.

As these public resources were provided under the social engagement project and academic services, faculty members from various schools within Walailak University have worked with target groups to diagnose issues related to access to public resources through different projects. This collaboration aims to jointly address these issues through development initiatives, integrating cooperation to foster teamwork and stakeholder engagement across all relevant sectors.

At the conclusion of each project, evaluations and measurements of the project’s success are conducted, followed by planning for continued efforts in the following year. The results have shown high levels of acceptance and satisfaction from participants and beneficiaries.

Promoting Free Access to University Educational Resources Through Alternative Channels

Walailak University is committed to being an open center of learning for all, not only providing education within the university but also creating opportunities for the public to access educational resources equally. With a focus on promoting lifelong learning and sustainable skills development, the university has organized various activities and services that cater to both students and the general public. These efforts emphasize educational capacity building, access to university facilities, and free online learning resources. Let’s explore some of these activities and services:

Free Training Course Leading to Certificates for Enhancing Learning Opportunities

In addition to offering specialized training workshops, such as the “English Language Development for Classroom Communication,” Walailak University also provides free short-term and long-term training courses open to the general public. These programs not only help participants expand their knowledge but also offer certificates that can enhance career opportunities. For instance, the “Science and Technology Skills Training” course, organized by the Scientific and Technological Instrument Center, provides participants with both theoretical and practical laboratory experience.

Figures : The science and technology skills training course leading to certificates.

Furthermore, the university has collaborated with the Ministry of Higher Education, Science, Research and Innovation (MHESI) to offer free online courses through the WUMOOC platform. With over 1,319,870 learners enrolled, these courses focus on developing lifelong skills that participants can apply in various aspects of their personal and professional lives.

Figures : The exemples of free online course leading to certificates

Access to University Facilities

Walailak University provides the public with free access to various university facilities, such as the Center for Library Resources and Educational Media, which offers library services to promote learning for both internal and external users. Additionally, the university ensures accessibility for individuals with disabilities by providing wheelchair-accessible pathways and Braille books, ensuring equal access to educational resources for everyone.

Figures : Free Access to University Facilities at the Center for Library Resources and Educational Media.

Moreover, the university’s Center for Digital Technology (CDT) offers computer equipment and technological support to local schools facing resource shortages. This initiative helps enhance learning experiences in local schools, improving educational outcomes and bridging the resource gap in underserved areas.

Figures : Free access to university facilities for student.

Free Online Learning Resources

In addition to providing access to on-site educational resources, Walailak University offers free online learning resources accessible to everyone through the university’s website. Key resources include platforms such as “Walailak to Society,” “Good Health Good Life at Walailak,” and “Walailak Moving Forward,” which allow the public to access valuable information without any cost.

Figure : Good health good life at Walailak https://cas.wu.ac.th/walailak_radio

Figure : Walailak to society https://cas.wu.ac.th/walailak-susangkom

Furthermore, the Center for Library Resources and Educational Media provides access to various online resources, including databases, e-books, e-journals, and the Thai Digital Collection (TDC), where users can access theses and dissertations. These resources are available to the public for educational and research purposes, supporting the university’s commitment to fostering accessible and inclusive learning.

Figure : The free access to online resources by the center for library resources and educational media  https://library.wu.ac.th/?page_id=19399

Through these services, Walailak University aims to promote lifelong learning and create opportunities for the general public to develop skills and education in a sustainable manner. The university’s commitment to offering accessible educational resources, both on-site and online, reflects its dedication to fostering continuous personal and professional growth, ensuring that learning is inclusive and available to all.

Goal 4: Quality Education

Goal 5: Gender Equality

Goal 10: Reduced Inequalities

Goal 17: Partnerships for the Goals