DEVELOPING DIGITAL LEADERSHIP IN THAI VOCATIONAL EDUCATION: A MODEL FOR SOUTHERN REGION ADMINISTRATORS
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.14456/aelr.2025.10Keywords:
Digital Leadership Development, Vocational Education, Leadership ModelAbstract
This mixed-methods research investigated the current state and ideal characteristics of digital leadership among vocational education institution administrators in Southern Thailand. Subsequently, it developed a comprehensive model for its enhancement. The study involved a large sample of 415 participants from 28 vocational institutions across 14 provinces. The quantitative analysis utilized descriptive statistics, standard deviation, and the Priority Needs Index (PNI Modified). Qualitative analysis involved content analysis of interview data, drawing on relevant literature. Results revealed a significant gap between digital leadership's current and ideal states. The proposed model comprises five key dimensions of digital leadership: modern visionary leadership, digital communication strategies, management system integration, vocational innovative organization, and digital learning ecosystems. Five development methods were also identified: digital self-learning, online self-learning, online training with programmed instruction, online study with certification, and AI-enhanced learning. The model's accuracy, suitability, feasibility, and usefulness were evaluated and deemed highly effective. The study concludes by offering recommendations for fostering digital leadership among administrators, emphasizing the importance of continuous professional development aligned with Thailand's evolving digital vocational education landscape.
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