Enhancing Curriculum Development Education Through Digital Technology Integration: A Mixed-Methods Study of Undergraduate Teacher Preparation in Thailand
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Abstract
This study investigates the effectiveness of digital technology integration in teaching curriculum development to undergraduate education students in Thailand. The objectives were to: (1) assess the impact of digital tools on student engagement and understanding of curriculum concepts; (2) examine the development of practical curriculum design skills through technology-mediated activities; and (3) identify challenges and enabling factors in implementing technology-enhanced approaches. Using a mixed-methods approach, we conducted a quasi-experimental study with 150 undergraduate students (75 in experimental and 75 in control groups) and 10 instructors at a public university during the 2022-2023 academic year. Data collection involved pre-post surveys, academic performance assessments, semi-structured interviews, and focus group discussions. Results revealed that students in the technology-enhanced group demonstrated significantly higher engagement scores (4.32 vs 3.78, p<.001) and superior performance in applying theoretical concepts to practical design tasks compared to the control group. The integration of learning management systems, collaborative platforms, and virtual reality simulations particularly enhanced visualization of abstract concepts and facilitated authentic application experiences. Key challenges included technical infrastructure limitations and varying levels of digital literacy among participants. This research provides evidence-based strategies for effective technology integration in curriculum development education and contributes to bridging the theory-practice gap in teacher preparation programs. The findings offer practical implications for curriculum designers, teacher educators, and educational policymakers seeking to enhance the digital transformation of teacher education.
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