TCU International e-learning Conference (IEC): Thailand's Global Hub for EdTech Innovation
The TCU International e-learning Conference (IEC) is a significant annual international academic conference in Thailand dedicated to the field of e-Learning and educational technology. It serves as a vital platform for driving the development and adoption of digital learning in the country and the wider region.
The Host and Its Mission
The conference is hosted by the Thailand Cyber University Project (TCU), operating under the Ministry of Higher Education, Science, Research and Innovation (MHESI). TCU's core mission is to manage and develop Thai MOOC (Thailand Massive Open Online Course Platform), the national digital learning platform that offers free and open online courses to all Thai citizens, fostering lifelong learning. The IEC is a key activity through which TCU promotes knowledge exchange and international cooperation in educational innovation.
Objectives and Significance
The IEC conference holds multiple key roles in the advancement of education:
Knowledge Exchange and Dissemination: It provides a platform for academics, researchers, educators, and industry experts from around the world to present research findings, share best practices, and discuss innovative ideas in educational technology.
Promoting Lifelong Learning: The conference aligns with national policy to reform education and create a lifelong learning society by promoting open online courses (MOOCs) and flexible learning pathways.
Fostering Global Collaboration: It facilitates partnerships and knowledge-sharing between Thai and international institutions, ensuring that local educational developments meet global standards.
Driving Policy and Innovation: Insights from the conference inform the development of national strategies for online education, including the integration of online learning into the National Credit Bank System for wider credential recognition.
Major Conference Topics
The IEC typically covers a broad spectrum of subjects within educational technology, including:
Artificial Intelligence (AI) in Education: AI-enhanced learning, learning analytics, smart assessment, and ethical considerations.
Immersive Learning Technologies: The application of Augmented Reality (AR), Virtual Reality (VR), Mixed Reality (MR), and the Metaverse in educational settings.
Online Learning Modalities: Blended, Hybrid, and HyFlex learning models, and the effective use of Learning Management Systems (LMS).
21st Century Skills and Digital Competency: Developing essential skills for the modern workforce and digital literacy.
Technological Issues in Education: Cloud computing, social media integration, and cyber security in academic environments.
The TCU International e-learning Conference remains a critical annual event, solidifying Thailand’s position as a regional contributor to the global discourse on the future of digital and online education.