Overall SDG Alignment Evaluation:
The Doctor of Philosophy Program in Innovation, Technology, and Learning Science (Revised Curriculum 2022) is deeply committed to advancing sustainable development through the transformation of education. By integrating advanced digital technologies, neuroscience, and entrepreneurial skills into its core philosophy[cite: 94], the program directly supports SDG 4 (Quality Education) by producing experts capable of creating inclusive and effective learning environments. Its strong focus on "Innovation," "Artificial Intelligence," and "Digital Technology" aligns robustly with SDG 9 (Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure), fostering research that upgrades the technological capabilities of the education sector. Furthermore, the inclusion of specific tracks in neuroscience [cite: 334, 843] contributes to SDG 3 (Good Health and Well-being) by linking brain science to learning and mental health. The program also promotes SDG 8 (Decent Work and Economic Growth) through its emphasis on educational entrepreneurship[cite: 293, 745], preparing graduates to drive economic value. Finally, as a doctoral program requiring high-level dissemination of knowledge, it inherently fosters SDG 17 (Partnerships for the Goals).
Best Practices
Doctor of Philosophy Program in Innovation, Technology, and Learning Sciences, Khon Kaen University, has driven its role as a Ph.D.-level innovator and researcher, a leader in creating sustainable digital innovation for education.
The program aims to solve the challenges of the Digital Divide and the design of accessible learning experiences. The curriculum thus integrated advanced knowledge in design and innovation dissemination through core subjects, such as ED 359 352 Development of Learning Innovation...based on Design Thinking. This enables students to integrate learning sciences and advanced digital technology in creating educational innovation that can be scaled and widely accessed by learners in remote areas.
The empirical results from piloting digital learning system innovation in educational institutions created concrete results in elevating the accessibility and quality of learning in the digital era.
The broad, sustainable impact is serving as a key mechanism in closing the digital inequality gap through the production of sustainable innovation and personnel with expertise in effectively managing and disseminating technology. This operation thus strategically aligns with the Sustainable Development Goals clearly: SDG 4 (Quality Education) by using technology to ensure access to quality and equitable learning for all; SDG 9 (Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure) through promoting the creation of digital innovation that supports information technology infrastructure for education; and SDG 10 (Reduced Inequalities) by focusing on reducing inequality in access to technology and high-quality learning.
Alignment Summary: This program includes a specialized track in "AI and Neuroscience in Education". By integrating neuroscience with learning, the curriculum addresses mental health and cognitive well-being, contributing to the understanding of brain functions essential for healthy lives.
| Course Code | Course Title | Alignment Rationale |
|---|---|---|
| ED 359 301 | Neuroscience and Learning | Aligns with SDG 3 by studying neural systems and human behavior related to brain functions[cite: 843], contributing to mental health research (Metric 3.1). |
| ED 359 302 | Instrumental Research in Neuroscience for Learning | Supports research on health and well-being by teaching research techniques and instrumental measurement in neuroscience[cite: 850], facilitating clinical and health-related discoveries. |
Alignment Summary: As an education-focused doctoral program, this curriculum is intrinsically linked to SDG 4. It aims to produce leaders who can design, develop, and research innovative learning environments[cite: 97], ensuring inclusive and equitable quality education and promoting lifelong learning opportunities.
| Course Code | Course Title | Alignment Rationale |
|---|---|---|
| ED 359 018 | Advanced Design of Constructivist Learning Environments | Directly supports Target 4.7 and 4.c by training educators to design effective learning environments based on constructivist theories[cite: 713], improving the quality of instruction. |
| ED 359 000 | Innovation, Technology, Learning Sciences and Educational Development in Digital Age Era | Addresses the need for relevant skills for the future (Target 4.4) by analyzing the role of technology and innovation in modern education[cite: 697]. |
| ED 359 020 | Design and Development of Extended Reality Learning Environments | Promotes innovative teaching methods (Target 4.4) by utilizing VR/AR technologies to create immersive educational experiences[cite: 725]. |
| ED 359 351 | Design technology and innovation for early childhood and elementary education | Specifically targets early childhood education (Target 4.2), focusing on designing appropriate technologies for young learners[cite: 862]. |
Alignment Summary: The curriculum includes a specific focus on "Educational Entrepreneurship". It equips students with the skills to create educational businesses and products, fostering creativity, innovation, and job creation.
| Course Code | Course Title | Alignment Rationale |
|---|---|---|
| ED 359 101 | The Entrepreneurship Education | Directly aligns with Target 8.3 (promote development-oriented policies that support productive activities, decent job creation, entrepreneurship) by teaching business planning and management in education[cite: 745]. |
| ED 359 102 | Advance Designing Business and Educational Products based on Design Thinking | Supports economic growth through innovation (Target 8.2) by applying Design Thinking to create new educational products and business models[cite: 749]. |
| ED 359 151 | Design technology and innovation for occupations department | Enhances vocational skills (Target 8.6) by designing technology for occupational learning, bridging the gap between education and employment[cite: 769]. |
Alignment Summary: The program places a heavy emphasis on "Innovation" and "Technology"[cite: 26]. Courses on AI, computational science, and digital media contribute to upgrading the technological capabilities of the education sector and fostering research and development.
| Course Code | Course Title | Alignment Rationale |
|---|---|---|
| ED 359 951 | Educational Technology Innovations and Diffusion | Supports Target 9.5 (enhance scientific research, upgrade technological capabilities) by analyzing the diffusion and adoption of educational innovations[cite: 897]. |
| ED 359 303 | Advance Artificial Intelligence in Education and Learning Human Resources | Promotes innovation (Target 9.5) by applying AI techniques, expert systems, and machine learning to educational management and human resource development[cite: 854]. |
| ED 359 202 | Computer Learning and Computational Science for Learning | Aligns with industry innovation (Metric 9.1) by focusing on advanced computational science applications in education[cite: 804]. |
| ED 359 021 | Design and Development of Advanced Gamification for Learning | Fosters digital innovation (Target 9.c) by developing advanced gamification, 2D/3D animation, and applications[cite: 730]. |
Alignment Summary: As a research-intensive doctoral program, collaboration and knowledge dissemination are fundamental. The curriculum requires students to engage in high-level research, seminars, and dissertation work that contributes to the global body of knowledge.
| Course Code | Course Title | Alignment Rationale |
|---|---|---|
| ED 359 992 | Doctoral Seminar in Innovation, Technology, and Learning Sciences | Promotes knowledge sharing (Target 17.6) by requiring critical analysis and discussion of published research, fostering academic exchange[cite: 902]. |
| ED 359 998 | Dissertation | Contributes to global partnerships (Target 17.16) by creating original knowledge and requiring publication in national or international journals[cite: 903]. |
| ED 359 022 | Advanced Research in Innovation, Technology, and Learning Sciences | Supports capacity building (Target 17.9) by training students in advanced quantitative and qualitative research methodologies to solve complex problems[cite: 739]. |