In a landmark collaboration, Khon Kaen University and Thailand’s Ministry of Higher Education, Science, Research and Innovation unveiled an innovative approach to digital education, marking a new chapter in APEC’s educational landscape.
The APEC Khon Kaen 2024: Second Workshop for Lesson Study 2.0, focusing on Unplugged Computational Thinking, launched in November 24, 2024, bringing together educational pioneers from across the Asia-Pacific region.
The prestigious event was chaired by Dr. Laksamon Samansin, Director of the International Affairs Division, representing the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Higher Education, Science, Research and Innovation. Adding international gravitas to the occasion were Mr. Komatsuzaki Yasutaka, Deputy Director of the International Affairs Division from Japan’s MEXT, and Mr. Yuchi Zhao, APEC HRDWG Education Network Coordinator.
“We’re not just teaching; we’re transforming the future of education,” declared Dr. Laksamon Samansin in her compelling opening address. She emphasized how unplugged computational thinking is revolutionizing early education, preparing students for the challenges of tomorrow.
Project leaders Assoc. Prof. Dr. Maitree Inprasitha and Prof. Dr. Masami Isoda from the University of Tsukuba, Japan, unveiled their groundbreaking vision, while Assoc. Prof. Dr. Kittichai Triratanasirichai, Vice President of the Higher Education Commission and the Council of Rajamangala University of Technology Lanna, endorsed this innovative initiative.
Asst. Prof. Dr. Phongthanat Sae-Joo, Acting Director of the Institute for Research and Development in Teaching Profession for ASEAN at Khon Kaen University, highlighted the program’s unique approach: “We’re breaking new ground by teaching computational thinking without computers, fostering critical thinking and creativity from the ground up.”
The workshop showcased three pioneering demonstration classes: “Staircase” for Grade 6, “Coloring Book” for Grade 3, and “Robotics and Coding” for Grade 9
Drawing over 130 participants both online and in-person, the event demonstrated the growing momentum behind this educational revolution.
This initiative builds on a remarkable 20-year partnership between Khon Kaen University and the Ministry, evolving from APEC Lesson Study 1.0 (2006) to the current 2.0 version (2018). The program now incorporates cutting-edge data science and AI approaches, positioning Thailand as a leader in educational innovation across the Asia-Pacific region.
This transformative initiative represents more than just an educational program – it’s a bold step toward reshaping how we prepare the next generation for an increasingly digital world.
