Chula Launches Chula MOOC Flexi: An Innovative and Flexible Learning Platform that Promotes Comprehensive Lifelong Learning 

Chulalongkorn University’s General Education Center recently hosted a press conference to introduce “Chula MOOC Flexi,“ a new Digital Lifelong Learning Solutions initiative designed for flexible credit accumulation. This new learning approach allows learners to adjust their schedules and choices to suit their needs, catering to the skills of the future and promoting digital knowledge and skills among all learners, including students, university staff, and individuals interested in developing digital competencies. 

The launch event for “Chula MOOC Flexi” took place on August 29, 2024, at Room 801, Chaloem Rajakumari 60th Anniversary Building (Chamchuri 10). The event featured welcoming remarks and an official opening by Prof. Dr. Wilert Puriwat, Acting President of Chulalongkorn University, followed by a report from Professor Dr. Parichart Sthapitanonda, Acting Vice President of Chulalongkorn University. Also, in attendance were Dr. Nattapon Nattasomboon, Deputy Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Digital Economy and Society, and Associate Professor Dr. Prama Sastraruji, Director of the Office of Information Technology Administration for Educational Development, who expressed their congratulations and support for the project. Subsequently, Dr. Suwithida Charungkaitikul, Acting Director of the General Education Center at Chulalongkorn University and Head of the Digital Lifelong Learning Solutions Project, along with Associate Professor Dr. Atiwong Suchato, Vice Dean of the Faculty of Engineering at Chulalongkorn University and an instructor in the program, presented the Digital Lifelong Learning Solutions platform, “Chula MOOC Flexi.” 

Professor Dr. Wilert Puriwat remarked, “Enhancing digital skills is essential in today’s rapidly changing technological landscape. The “Chula MOOC Flexi” program represents a significant step forward for Chulalongkorn University in preparing students, staff, public sector employees, and the public to face the challenges of the digital era. This program not only imparts knowledge about technology but also focuses on fostering a deep understanding of how to apply digital technologies in daily life and the rapidly evolving job market. These insights will help everyone adapt and leverage technology to innovate and drive society forward. 

“Chulalongkorn University is a key player in developing human resources for the digital era, producing individuals equipped to navigate rapid changes, particularly in the digital sphere, which is essential for the nation’s progress. Education and skill-building are not limited to past knowledge; they encompass the creation and comprehension of new insights that enhance the quality of life and society. While knowledge can become outdated, intelligence remains timeless. Chulalongkorn University is committed to cultivating a learning society and nurturing wisdom to drive sustainable advancement in Thailand,” Dr. Wilert stated. 

The event also included a panel discussion titled “Exploring Education: Flexible Learning with Chula MOOC Flexi,” featuring Dr. Ratthasart Korrasud, Deputy Director of the Digital Economy Promotion Agency under the Ministry of Digital Economy and Society; Associate Professor Dr. Anuchai Theeraroungchaisri, Deputy Director of the Thailand Cyber University Project under the Ministry of Higher Education, Science, Research and Innovation; Assistant Professor Dr. Phonraphee Thummaphan, Deputy Secretary-General of the Teachers’ Council of Thailand; Associate Professor Dr. Witaya Wannasuphoprasit, Dean of the Faculty of Engineering at Chulalongkorn University; Dr. Chanokporn Puapattanakun, Director of the Center for Integrated Learning Promotion at Mahidol University; and Sompop Santiwatanakul, Director of the Corporate Strategy and Innovation Division (CSI) at Kasikorn Bank. 

Associate Professor Dr. Suwithida Charungkaitikul, Acting Director of the General Education Center at Chulalongkorn University and Head of the Digital Lifelong Learning Solutions Project, revealed that “This project is crucial in preparing Thais for a rapidly changing world, whether it be enhancing digital skills, developing work capabilities, or elevating competitiveness on a global scale. The courses have been developed by experts to ensure that learners can apply the knowledge gained in their professional lives. The program also offers flexible learning options, allowing learners to manage their time and learning environments conveniently.” 

The Digital Lifelong Learning Solutions project which aims at enhancing digital knowledge and strengthening the capabilities of human resources as a quality workforce for the country, is supported by the Digital Economy and Society Development Fund, under the Office of the National Digital Economy and Society Commission, and a part of the Ministry of Digital Economy and Society. The project includes the development of learning content focused on Digital & Artificial Intelligence (AI) Literacy, in collaboration with digital experts, on the Chula Neuron digital knowledge platform. The courses are designed for all groups of learners, including students, university staff, and the general public interested in advancing their digital skills. The program offers 28 courses and 8 general education modules, including: 

1. Digital, Data, and Artificial Intelligence Literacy 
2. Web Development Fundamentals 
3. Prototyping Applications for the Internet of Things 
4. Data Analysis with Python 
5. Data Analysis with Machine Learning Techniques 
6. Computer Vision and its Applications in Industry 
7. Project Management for Modern Application Development 
8. Personal Data Protection for Technology Service Providers 

The learning format is self-paced online learning through the Chula Neuron platform. Learners can also participate in online or onsite seminars to accumulate learning hours. They can take assessments to earn certificates and diplomas upon successfully completing the courses and passing the required criteria. 

Credit accumulation is also possible, where learners can accumulate credits from these courses and transfer them as general education credits at Chulalongkorn University, provided they complete and accumulate at least 40 hours of learning in each course. 

Additionally, there are plans to collaborate with the Thai MOOC project under the Ministry of Higher Education, Science, Research, and Innovation to produce learning content focused on Digital & Artificial Intelligence (AI) Literacy on the Chula Neuron digital knowledge platform in the future. 

“This project is an innovative approach to promoting lifelong learning, which will help build lifetime employability for all Thai citizens and is also a key tool in enhancing the country’s competitive advantage on the global stage,” Associate Professor Dr. Suvithida Charungkiettikul concluded. 

Associate Professor Dr. Atiwong Suchato, Vice Dean of the Faculty of Engineering at Chulalongkorn University and an instructor in the program, added that this platform is crucial for enhancing digital capabilities and soft skills among the country’s human resources. It aims to develop a high-quality workforce with the knowledge and skills necessary to adapt to the changes of the digital era. Learners can benefit from flexible and convenient learning opportunities, equipping them to handle new technologies and effectively drive the nation forward. 

Those interested can register for courses under the Chula MOOC Flexi program and find more information at https://cuneuron.chula.ac.th/cumooc-flexi.  

For further inquiries, please contact the General Education Center at Chulalongkorn University at 0-2218-3919 or 0-2218-3826. 

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