Digital competencies of secretarial students in Thailand

Abstract

This quantitative research endeavors to assess the digital competencies of secretarial students across Thailand. The study population comprised secretarial students from vocational colleges under the Office of the Vocational Education Commission. A sample size of 400 participants was identified using Taro Yamane's principle of sample size determination. The evaluation was conducted through a comprehensive survey questionnaire, exploring key domains such as digital literacy, digital utilization, problem-solving with digital tools, and adaptive digital transformation. Mean and standard deviation were measured from the structured survey data, encompassing various aspects of digital competencies. The analysis revealed that secretarial students exhibited a high level of digital literacy, demonstrating competence in multifaceted tasks. This proficiency extended to the effective utilization of diverse digital tools, showcasing mastery in problem-solving within the digital realm. Furthermore, the study delved into adaptive digital transformation competencies, revealing students' adaptability to the digital ecosystem, and its various dimensions, including personalized learning approaches, idea generation, engagement with new media trends, transdisciplinary understanding, design thinking, negotiation skills, and multitasking abilities. These findings underscore the readiness of secretarial students to navigate the complex digital landscape in their future professional roles. These results provide valuable insights for educational institutions and policymakers to tailor digital literacy programs and curricula aligned with the specific needs of secretarial professionals in the dynamic context of the digital era.