Open Educational Resources and University Social Responsibility Practices among Thailand’s Higher Education Institutional Management

Abstract

Unequal access to higher education institutions (HEIs) on the basis of gender, economic and social status, location of residence, and inadequate prior schooling are all continuing to challenge many Asian nations. Open educational resources (OER) are one example of an innovative approach to educational technology which opens up opportunities to create, share, and facilitate teaching and learning. Embedding OER within University Social Responsibility (USR) is a key element for fostering transparency in educational learning processes, fulfilling higher education institutions (HEIs) social responsibility mission, and helping the establishment of a new sustainable development model for education. This study examined university managers’ opinions and attitudes toward current OER and USR practice, particularly focused on Thai HEIs systems. A paper-based survey was deployed to three Thai HEIs systems including: (1) the Universities System (US), (2) the Rajabhat Universities System (RUS), and (3) the Rajamangala Universities of Technology System (RUTS). Forty-four university managers participated in this study. The findings of this study provide benefits to scholars in the field of educational technology and university policy and administration, with regard to supporting existing educational strategy planning and perhaps moving educational policy development further along. Future research can be looked at from the differing angles of the growing OER and USR movements allowing for individual, institutional, and country-level contributions.. 