The purpose of this study is to identify, describe, and compare the use of computers in the various types of public universities in Thailand utilizing as factors (a) the general use of computers in administration, instruction, and research, (b) the budgeting allocation and accounting of computer resources, (c) the administrative organizational structure of computing facilities, (d) the policy formulation regarding computer use, and (e) the utilization of hardware systems and computer languages. All twelve public universities plus the eight campuses of Srinakharinwirot University in Thailand were sent questionnaires. The following major findings and conclusions are based on the information gained from the study: 1. The average number of years computers have been used by Thai public universities is seven years; 2. A greater emphasis is placed on instructional use of the computer than on other uses; 3. The majority of institutions have special funds allocated and budgets established for computer usage; 4. More money is spent for research computing; 5. The majority of the institutions have one centralized computing center that either provides the services without charge or charges only for a part of the services and software costs; 6. Directors of computing centers are primarily and directly responsible for computing, followed by vice presidents for administration; 7. The most frequently reported computing policy formulators are vice presidents, computing center directors, computer usage committees, and ad hoc committees; 8. The computer hardware systems used by Thai public universities vary both in size and in manufacturer, and there is no standardized use of computer languages. Since more importance is placed on instructional uses of the computer, budgets for computer usage should be reviewed for appropriate financial allocations. In addition, increases in computer course offerings and in computer literacy requirements in Thai public universities may result in serious faculty shortages.
Place Name coordinates. (May be approximate.)
Place Name coordinates. (May be approximate.)
