A policy research study for the formulation of internet use policy for Thai higher education institutions

Abstract

Examine possible alternatives to Internet use policy. The policy research was employed for the study. Ann Majchrzak' methods for policy research was adapted. Interview, questionnaire survey, and focused synthesis were used for data collection. The interviews were conducted with rectors of the universities/institutions and experts in the preparation process of the study, and the interviews were also conducted with rectors and the representatives in the technical analysis process of the study. Questionnaires were distributed to deans of faculties, directors of divisions, and heads of departments as the representative of policymakers of the study. The questionnaires were also distributed to instructors, staff, and students as the representative of Internet users of the study. Moreover, the questionnaires were distributed to rectors, chief information officers, and directors of the university computing centers as the representative of key policy decisionmakers of the study. In addition, focused synthesis were made on literature, official documents, and data and information from the Internet Resources. The findings can be concluded that key issues which should be included in the Internet use policy for Thai higher education institutions are the following fourteen issues, namely; user entitlement, statement of objective, proper use, responsibility, intellectual property, privacy, equity, security, ethics, network etiquette, academic freedom, freedom of expression, data and information, and service charge. The study found the alternatives to address each key issues. Some alternative are coincided with Western ideas, some alternatives reflected the value of Thai culture and norms. And the mechanisms that the respondents of the study preferred to use for supporting the Internet use policies involved mostly the dissemination of data and information measures such as training, circulation of documents rather than the operation and control measures such as rigid and complex rules and regulations