Aspiring to be the seat of e-Learning in Thailand
Cathedral of Learning
The ‘Cathedral of Learning’ in Banga, Bangkok is spread across a picturesque green area with modern buildings cloaked in a mantle of intriguing architecture, nestled in this natural environment. The imposing stone structures, roman arched doorways and columns, in an immaculate green landscape, is a perfect model of a ‘University in a park’. This place creates an atmosphere that is healthy and refreshing to the active mind, intellectually stimulating and enriching, in other words, an atmosphere conducive to learning. This ‘Cathedral of Learning’ is the Assumption University of Bangkok.
The University is a non-profit institution administered by the Brothers of St. Gabriel, a worldwide Catholic religious order, founded in France in 1705 by St. Louis Marie De Montfort, devoted to education and philanthropic activities. The congregation has been operating many educational institutions in Thailand since 1901. “Assumption,” besides its religious connotation in glorification of the mother of Christ, has yet another meaning in Thai language, “the Abode of Abiding Knowledge.” Assumption University was initially originated from Assumption Commercial College in 1969 as an autonomous higher education institution under the name of Assumption School of Business. In 1972, with the approval of the Ministry of Education, it was officially established as Assumption Business Administration College or ABAC. In May 1975, it was accredited by the Ministry of University Affairs. In 1990, it was granted new status as “Assumption University” by the Ministry of University Affairs. Assumption University has aimed to provide scientific and humanistic knowledge, with an emphasis on business education and management science. With two campuses in Thailand, the University has more than 25,000 students, faculty and departmental staff. The University has many business and academic partners in Asia, including Hong Kong, India, Bangladesh, Korea, Malaysia, Vietnam, and the People’s Republic of China, as well as international students from more than 58 countries. Assumption University has 26 IT related programs. Assumption University is recognized in the USA and other countries and the transfer of credits from the University are accepted abroad. Graduates from the University can pursue advanced Degrees anywhere in the world.
Srisakdi Charmonman IT Center (SCIT Center)
Recognising the importance of allowing those interested in education the opportunity to continue their studies conveniently and promote Life-Long Learning by using the Internet, the Assumption University expanded its outreach from traditional classroom-based education to Internet-based distance education. The College of Internet Distance Education is the first educational institution in Thailand to offer complete eLearning degree programs. Although the Board of Trustees of Assumption University has approved the establishment of the College of Internet Distance Education on April 25, 2002, the government of Thailand legalized eLearning degree programs in 2005.The College is located at “Srisakdi Charmonman IT Center (SCIT Center)”. The College of Internet Distance Education is housed at the Srisakdi Charmonman IT Center (www.scitBuilding.com), constructed at the cost of about US$ 15 million. The center has 12 floors of 12,000 square meters, more than 1,000 Internet terminals, and a Network Operation Center (NOC) with a diesel generator for power backup. The facilities at SCIT Center spead
across 12 floors includes Computer Labs and Internet Access Room, Courseware Development Center, Assumption University TV Station (ATV), Training Rooms for the Blind, the Deaf, the Retired, and Gifted Kids, Video Conference Room and Mini- Theater, IT Training Room with 408 Computers Online and other facilities.These excellent facilities are complemented by an equally excellent faculty and staff. With its high standards and full accreditation, the College offers “one-stop services for worldwide eEducation for anyone, from anywhere, and at anytime”. The college at present provides a
Master of Science in Information and Communication Technology (1 Year), Master of Science in Management (1 year) and Master of Science in eLearning Methodology (1 Year) that teaches designing, implementing, and operating eLearning. Assumption University of Thailand aims to offer more eLearning programs at all levels of education – Ph.D., Master’s, Bachelor’s, Associate Degree, and short courses in future. In addition to programs originating at Assumption University, the College also aims to offer accredited degree programs from the United States of merica, the United Kingdom, Australia, and Asian countries, eventually, serving about 100,000 students per year.
