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Speeches

ANNUALL FACULTY SEMINAR 

May 24-25, 2005

Theme

ICT in Education for Higher Learning

Excerpts from Programme

 

May 24, 2005

 08:30 - 09:50  “The Challenges and Our Future” By Rev. Bro. Bancha Saenghiran, President

10:10 – 11:30   “Compensation Scheme” By Rev. Bro. Prathip M. Komolmas, President Emeritus

12:50 – 14:50  “Using IC Technologies to Improve Education” By Representative from Pearson Education

15:10 – 16:40  “Management in the Era of FTA” By Rev. Bro. Visith Srivichairatana, Vice President for Academic Affairs 

May 25, 2005

08:30 – 10:00  “University Facilities Supporting Interactive Learning” By Prof.Dr. Srisakdi Charmonman, Vice President for Information Technology

10:30 – 12:00  “Introduction to Moodles: The Key to Interactive Classroom” By A. Sudsung Yutdhana, Naresuan University

13:00 – 14:30  Faculty Meetin I : Creating Interactive Contents 

15:00 – 16:30  Faculty Meeting II: Creating Interactive Contents (Cont.)


 

President Dr. Bancha Saenghiran giving his discourse on “The Challenges and Our Future”

during the Annual Faculty Seminar held at Bang Na campus on May 24, 2005.

 

President Emeritus Dr.P.Martin Komolmas speaking on the new “Compensation Scheme”

for faculty and staff at the Bang Na on May 24.

 

V.P. for Academic Affairs Dr. Visith Srivichairatana speaking on “Organization Management

for Survival in the Free Trade Era” at Faculty Seminar on May 24.

 The Challenges and Our Future 

“ICT in teaching & learning at the level of higher education” 

By Dr. Bancha Saenghiran, President

Work environments of the 21st century place people in an information- rich world. New technologies and new information come to people everyday. People need to deal with the changing environment in order to live well in the world. The traditional division of a lifetime is not appropriate for the current and the future education people.

The Challenges and Our Future.

The current education units still are lecture-dominated and curriculum-dominated. They do not facilitate cultivating the students to learn the learning skill in their future lives.

In the information age, the knowledge and competencies are becoming major components of competition between countries, business companies, and individuals.

  • Before we start discussing about information and communication technology in education, I want to lay some groundwork concerning the challenges we are facing at three levels, namely, global, national, and at the level of higher education.

     At the global level, .…

     At the national level, .… and ….

     At the level of higher education, ….

     In 1995, the European Commission catalogues three “factors of upheaval” that are destabilizing society:

  • the impact of information society, 

  • the impact of industrialization, and 

  • the impact of the scientific and technical world.

In reality…………

What are the forces that drive change in our society and our world?

  1. the globalization of commerce and culture,

  2. the lifelong educational needs of citizens in a knowledge-driven, and global economy …

  3. increasing diversity of our population and the growing needs of under-served communities,

  4. the exponential growth of new knowledge and new disciplines,

  5. the compressed timescales and nonlinear nature of the transfer of knowledge from campus laboratories into commercial products.

  6. And the rapid evolution of information and communication technologies which obliterate conventional constraints of space, time, and monopoly and drive rapid, profound, and unpredictable change in our world.

 Changes

The good times before 1997 made everyone rest as if the peaceful world and a prosperous economy would remain forever.

Out over the horizon, these could well be a tsunami of economic, social, technological, and market forces building to heights that could sweeps over higher education before we had a chance to respond. 

Like every other social institution, education has undergone many changes over the past few years: “globalization, the emergence of the knowledge economy and lifelong learning have been among them.”

Understanding these changes and some of the forces that have generated them is important to everyone involved in education and human resource development.

 The focus on change

It is commonplace nowadays to say we live in changing times. This is most obvious in science and technology – information technology in particular. But we cannot really separate technical from social change and the political, economic and cultural changes that accompany it. New technology brings changes in the nature of work, communication, family, community, and especially lifestyles.

 Characteristics of modern societies 

  • “modern” period usually refers to the period beginning with the “Enlightenment” in 18th century Europe, through Industrial Revolution and the beginnings of the nation-state until nearly the end of the 20th century.

  • Societies were characterized by order, stability, a belief in sciences and progress, shared values and cultural styles, and so on.

  • Modern education systems originated in societies based on the application of science and technology.

  • What kinds of developments are replacing the old social order of stability, confidence and progress with a world of risk, illusion and ambiguity and bringing a post modern society into existence.

 The new conditions call for replacing education with new and different concepts of learning.

  • Although the structure of education remains, the social conditions we have described as modern are changing beyond recognition. Among the most important changes are:

 

 แหล่งที่มา : ABAC TODAY (Vol. 20 No. 2 April - May, 2005) หน้า 1-2

PRESIDENT DR. BANCHA SAENGHIRAN’S 5TH CYCLE BIRTHDAY CELEBRATED 

“FROM SPLENID FIFTH CYCLETO GLORIOUS SIXTH” 

When the clamor from friends, faculty, staff and students for a fitting ceremony gradually grew loud and insistent the President relented and authorized the celebration of the Holy Mass at Chapel of St. Louis Marie De Montfort and a dinner reception at Grand Hyatt Erawan Bangkok on July 7, 2005. As Bro. Bancha continues to be in excellent health, enjoying finely tuned mental faculties and robust spirituality the next decade will bear witncss not only to his brilliant performance as rector and administrator but also to manifestations of sublime thinking and profound cogitation resulting in enhancement of educational goals and paradigms. May the hopes and expectations of his compeers and confreres be fulfilled.

 

Chairman of the University Council, Bro. Sakda Kitcharoen and President Emeritus Bro. Martin Komolmas,

join in crooning birthday songs for Bro. Bancha at Chapel of St. Louis Marie De Montfort on July 7.

 

Dr. Bancha Saenghiran accepting the portrait of Holy Father Pope Benedict XVI from Provincial Superior

Bro. Sakda Kitcharoen which was flown in from the Vatican as a special birthday gift.

 

H.E. Bishop John Boseo Panya Kitcharoen and priests celebrating Holy Mass during the birthday ceremony

all Chapel of St. Louis Marie De Montfort on July 7.

President Dr. Bancha Saenghiran acknowledging the gifts, felicitations and the presence of friends, faculty,

staff and students during birthday celebration staged at Chapel of St. Louis Marie De Montfort on July 7.

 

Prisident Dr. Bancha Saenghiran cutting the cake while friends and confreres clapand applaud

during his 60th birthday celebrations at Grand Hyatt Erawan on July 7.

 

แหล่งที่มา : ABAC TODAY (Vol. 20 No. 3 June-July, 2005) หน้า 6

FACULTY OF EDUCATION INTERNATIONAL CONFERENCE ON QUALITY EDUCATIONAL LEADERSHIP:

A PARTNERSHIP OF EAST AND WEST 

The International Conference on “Quality Educational Leadership: A Partnership of East and West” was organized by the Faculty of Education, Assumption University in collaboration with the University of Wollongong, Australia during 25-26 November 2005 at Bang Na Campus. This conference was a remarkable academic event in the history of Faculty of Education as the theme and the focus areas of the conference were relevant in the era of Globalization. The participants and the keynote speakers from Australia, United States of America, New Zealand, India, Thailand, Singapore, Philippines, Myanmar, Vietnam and United Kingdom have really made the conference intellectually stimulating and academically enriching.

On the opening session of the two-day conference, Rev. Br.Bancha Saenghiran, President of the Assumption University welcomed all the delegates and called for team-work to make a real difference in Education by preparing our students to maximize their creative power to compete and lead in the global society. He quoted the Irish poet W.B Yeats, “Education is not the filling of a pail, but the lighting of a fire” and requested the academic fraternity to spend more time on inspiring and igniting the minds of students by making learning a life long process. He also stressed the importance of inculcating moral values in students to make them responsible members of the society. Br. Bancha highlighted the quality leadership in educational institutions as the need of the hour.

 
President Dr.Bancha Saenghiran giving the welcoming speech while sharing the podium With Khun Abhisit Vejjajiva, Leader of Democrat Party at Bang Na campus on November 25 during the Educational Leadership Conference.
 

Khun Abhisit Vejjajiva greeting President Emeritus Dr.Prathip Martin Komolmas after accepting the bouquet of flowers from President Dr.Bancha Saenghiran at the opening ceremony of the Conference on Educational Leadership.

 

President Dr.Bancha Saenghiran and Vice Presidents Dr.Visith Srivichairatana and Dr.Srisakdi Charmonman conducting Khun Abhisit Vijjajiva around Bang Na campus on November 25, 2005

H.E Abhisit Vejjajiva, Leader of Democrat Party, in his opening remarks highlighted the emerging issues and challenges in Education and the reforms that are being implemented in Thailand over the years. He emphasized on the political commitment for quality education and mentioned that peace and prosperity are necessary for any progressive society and education has a major role to play in this regard. Educational institutions need to design a learning process by keeping in mind the dynamic nature of society and plan strategies to make the realistic plans into effective programmes by involving all the stake-holders of education to build an harmonious nation which is pluralistic in nature. 

Dr Narottam Bhindi, in his keynote address titled “Educational Leadership in culturally diverse contexts” mentioned that the educational system is facing considerable turbulence, reform and debate about, ideology, quality, relevance, delivery, access and costs. Globalization has made avenues for cross border and cross-cultural educational contexts. Leaders operating in such contexts need to address at different key challenges namely, understanding contextual complexities, cultural relativism, acculturation adaptation, managing conflict and harmony and developing cultural savvy. Culturally sensitized leaders are better equipped to deal with the complexities of cultural diversity than those who aren’t. It was also argued that while human behavior, leadership and management practices were substantially culture bound and therefore they need to be harmonized with humanistic, ethical and moral values as core elements, which cut across all cultures, the way of living and pulsating testimony, symbol and explanation of who we are and why we are and what we are.

 

Prof.Dr. Terry Burke from University of Wollongong Australia, Dr.Ediberto C De Jesus, Director of SEMEO Secretariat, Dr.Jintavee Monsakul presiding over the Educational Leadership Conference at Bang Na campus on November 25, 2005

 

Acommemorative photo with Prof.Dr. Kriengsak Chareonwongsak, President of Social Science Association of Thailand, Dr.Methi P. and participants during International Leadership Conference on November 25, 2005

The two-day conference focused specifically on the themes such as Integrating IT for Educational Leadership, Educational Leadership for Lifelong Learning and communities of learners, Leadership for student centered learning, Leadership for student centered learning, Leadership in curriculum and instruction and building leadership skills through effective communication.

Prof. Srisakdi Charmonman, the vice president and CEO of College of Internet and Distance Education, Assumption University presented a worldwide scenario on Information and Communication Technology in Educational Leadership. He highlighted that the IT can be of great use in every aspect of Management in education; curriculum development, delivery, assessment, data management, information management and student welfare services. He is of the opinion that every education institution must make use of IT potentials and develop quality education system. Prof. Lee Bu Sung from Singapore elaborated how virtual classrooms and international networking of institutions are working effectively in collaborating teaching, research and development activities. E learning and its potentials were thoroughly discussed and provided best collaborative practices in Singapore, United States of America and other developed countries.

Dr. Ediberto from SEMEO raised the social, cultural and political perspectives of life long learning and called for the concerned efforts and leadership for lifelong learning. Dr. Jintavee’s presentation focused on the potentials of ICT for promoting life long learning and also highlighted the community of virtual learning contexts. Prof. Kriengsak Chareonwongsak proposed a model of specialized universities to improve the quality of higher education in Thailand. He advocated for the transformation of higher education in Thailand from comprehensive Model to specialized university system to promote quality of research and teaching for excellence.

Prof. Deanne Magnusson, University of Minnesota, USA delivered a keynote on the leadership for student centered learning by elaborating on current practices and successful experiences of United States of America. The session on Leadership for Curriculum and Instruction focused on the different curriculum practices in Thailand namely British curriculum, American Curriculum and Thai curriculum. The presentation stressed the importance of context-based curriculum implementation in schools to promote quality education and thereby meet the demand for instructional leadership.

Dr. Maria Bamforth emphasized on the need for developing leadership skills among educational leaders to make things happen in the organizations. She advocated the assertive leadership qualities necessary for quality educational leaders. Dr. K. Pushpanadham, focused on the persuasive communication and demonstrated how organizational communication needs to be structured to make things easier and to avoid misunderstanding and develop collegiality. Dr. K. Pushpanadham was of the opinion that the quality educational leaders must be assertive and practice healthy organizational ethos through persuasive communication. Communication is lifeblood of any organization to perform the four fundamental activities such as envision, enable, empower and enact. If leadership is to influence people in the organization, it has to follow persuasive communication models.

Apart from the keynote presentations, there were about 25 paper presentations on various themes of the conference. Participants had discussed the ideas presented by the speakers thoroughly and made the conference an intellectual brainstorming event. Prof. Methi Pilanthananaod, Dean, Faculty of Education and the Director of the International conference proposed in his closing remarks that Leadership is the energetic process of getting people fully and willingly committed to a new and sustainable course of action, to meet commonly agreed objectives by having commonly held values. People do not need the intricate directions, time lines, plans, and organization charts. These are not how people accomplish good work; they are what impede contributions. But people do need a lot from their leaders. They need information, access, resources, trust, care, love and follow-through. Leaders are necessary to foster experimentation, to help create connections across the organization, to feed the system with rich information from multiple sources-all the while helping everyone stay clear on what is agreed and what must be accomplished. Dr Methi thanked all the participants for their co-operation and students for their active involvement in organizing the conference. Associate Professor Dr. Kitima Preedeedilok coordinated this conference with her team of students and the faculty staff.  

 

Contributed by

Dr. K. Pushpanadham

pushpandham@yahoo.

  

แหล่งที่มา : ABAC TODAY (Vol. 20 No. 6 December, 2005) หน้า 8-10

A.U. CONSOLIDATION IN STRATEGIC PLANNING AND DEVELOPMENT III 

APRIL 10-12, 2006 

BANGNA CAMPUS.  

An important seminar on planning and development was organized under the aegis of the Office of Vice President for Academic Affairs, and it was attended by heads of undergraduate and graduate schools and directors and senior executives of various departments and offices of Assumption University.  

 
 Peresident Dr. Bancha Saenghiran speaking on “Overview and Directions”
during the Seminar held at Bang Na campus on April 10, 2006

The President delivered an address entitled “Overview and Directions” and since his talk referred to significant progress and milestones achieved by the university in its activities and policies, it is reproduced in this issue of ABAC TODAY for the benefit if our readers. Other presentations include a speech by Vice President for Academic Affairs, Dr.Visith Srivichairatana,, entitle “From Credo to Attempt and Achievement”, “Quality Assurance Midterm Review 2002-2004 by Dr.Teay Shawyun” of the Centre for Excellence and the following interesting topics of discussions.

  1.  “Instructor and Student Competency Index and One-Year Plan 2006” by graduate and undergraduate schools.

  2.  One-Year Plan 2006 including “Super Ideal Students, Service Learning, Student Development Cordinators” by Resource Institute of Assumption University and Student Affairs Department, “Super Ideal Resource Providers” by representatives from various centres. 

SEMINAR ON AU CONSOLIDATION IN STRATEGIC PLANNING AND DEVELOPMENT III 

Presentation by 

Dr. Bancha Saenghiran 

April 10, 2006 

AU STRATEGIC DIRECTION 2003-2007 

AU Phases of Development 

Phase I: Stabilization (2003-2006)

Every aspect of the university life will be put in proper perspective.

Phase II: Raise the bar of quality (2007-2011) 

Phase III: Attain Excellence (2012-2020) 

Our Achievements (2003-2005)

a) The Quality Assurance System stabilized

  • The University (as a whole)

  • Different units (both academic and supporting units)

 b) The establishment of 6 sets of the University index:

  1. SAR Performance Index (SPI) …2002.

  2. Stakeholders Satisfaction Index (SSI)…2004.

  3. Service Quality Satisfaction Index (SQSI) …2005.

  4. Instructors’ Competency and Effectiveness Index (ICEI)…2006.

  5. Students’ Competency and Effectiveness Index (SCEI)…2006

  6. Resource Providers’ Competency and Effectiveness Index (RPCEI)…2007. 

AU Institutional Mission

  • Services of Humanity

  • Education Excellence The strategic direction for AU towards a balanced approach to “Education Excellence” in the Phase I is defined as:     “Laying and strengthening AU foundation leading to Education Excellence”. 

A Balanced Approach

a) Revenue Mix …

  • a composite of innovative  

AU CONSOLIDATION 

Educational products and services offered,

b) Educational Excellence …

  • a composite of quality students, faculty, curricula, facilities and infrastructure, and

c) Operational Excellence …

  • a composite of the administrative excellence, processes conducive to growth & development and learning of a person…

 Strategic Themes 

     To achieve its Phase I, strategic direction, AU has defined these strategic themes that serve to guide the University towards its vision as follows:

Theme 1: Teaching & Learning

     Creating and strengthening quality in learning and teaching

Theme 2: Academic & Research Achievement

     Furthering quality in academic and research achievement

Theme 3: Services

     Developing stakeholders-University engagement

Theme 4: Resources

     Developing and managing resources 

Theme 5: Core and Support Services

     Improving core and support processes

Theme 6: People 

     Valuing people and creating a high-performing organization

  Theme 1: Teaching & Learning Strategic Goals: 

  1. Create a positive learning environment.

  2. Create curricula meeting highest standards

  3. Programs should develop students’ competency and effectiveness 

  4. Continually improve the quality of our program offerings and their delivery

  5. Develop a system for academic advising that meets the needs of the students and leads to academic success.

 Theme 2: Academic & Research Achievement 

Strategic Goals:

  1. Create a culture of assessment and evidence-based decision making

  2. Develop mechanism to insure that teaching and learning are consistent at an acceptable level

  3. Emphasize on research as means to teaching and services excellence

  4. Initiate interdisciplinary and multidisciplinary research

  5. Graduates and alumni should be recognized leaders in their respective careers. 

 Theme 3: Services 

  1. Develop relationships with various sectors 

  2. Develop closer and effective partnerships with other universities 

 Theme 4: Resources

  1.  Operate according to planning and review processes that drive achievement as set in strategic objectives

  2.  Maintain the University commitment to financial sustainability 

  3.  Provide facilities and infrastructure that supports teaching, learning, and research of the highest quality 

  4.  Identify areas of wasted resources and get rid of them.

 Theme 5: Improve Core and Support Services

  1. Maintain and improve on an annual growth rate of full-time equivalent students.

  2. Create a distinctive international and educational experience for AU students.

  3. Nurture personal and intellectual growth of students by building up community in different areas.

  4. Provide technologies to meet the needs and requirements

  5. Develop or update strategic plan of each unit.

  6. Identify AU traditions & culture, values etc… to create an identity of its own. 

  7. Create a community of service culture.

 

Administrators and faculty members listening to speeches by President and V.P. Academic Affairs.

Theme 6: Valuing People

  1. Promote higher faculty and student interaction through a clear and open line of communication.     

  2. Focus on Faculty and staff development and performance expectations to maximize the effectiveness of human resources. 

  3. Create environment conducive to teaching, learning and research that support personnel to reach their full potential.

Implementation

  1. Understand the University Strategic Plan 2003-2007

  2. Develop unit’s five year Strategic Plan and one-year Action plan.

  3. Align your five-year and one year Plan on the following inputs:

  • AU Strategic Plan 2003-2007.

  • Unit’s SAR and Internal Audit Reports of 2002-2005.

  • Unit’s existing annual reports.
 
 
 

        แหล่งที่มา : ABAC TODAY (Vol. 21 No. 2 March - May, 2006) หน้า 15-16