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In a world where technology has revolutionised nearly every aspect of human lives, the field of education has not remained untouched. The integration of digital technology into the educational landscape has emerged as a transformative endeavour, ushering in a new era of learning and examination preparation. This paradigm shift represents a leap forward, particularly in the realm of how students approach and navigate the complexities of entrance exams. An illustration of this transformative potential unfolds in the innovative efforts of three students at Khon Kaen University.
A group of enterprising first-year students from the Faculty of Engineering at Khon Kaen University has taken the initiative to develop a website called “XZAM” that caters to the needs of students preparing for their entrance exams. “Exams can be daunting for us, and this innovative platform aims to provide a comprehensive and centralised resource for students seeking practice tests and answer keys,” asserted Tanyalak Sasiwarinkul. He added that the XZAM emerges as a beacon of support and guidance, aiming to alleviate the stress associated with exam preparation.
Teetawat Butrthai has observed that with new tests being continuously produced and scattered across various sources, the task of gathering and utilising these resources can be overwhelming and time-consuming. To address this issue, the XZAM consolidates tests and answer keys for various subjects into a single, easily accessible platform, saving students the hassle of searching through multiple sources.
Teetawat elaborated that the XZAM is built using React, a JavaScript library, and Bootstrap CSS framework, ensuring a user-friendly interface that adapts to different screen sizes. The Firebase Authentication API and Firebase Cloud Firestore empower users with secure logins and data storage within the platform. This ensures the protection of user information while maintaining a seamless user experience.
Putthipong Kitisriworapan, one of the students, explained that not all students have equal access to resources or the time to prepare for their exams thoroughly. This platform addresses this disparity by providing a free and convenient way for students to access practice materials, regardless of their socioeconomic background or learning style. The ability to bookmark tests allows students to revisit important questions and track their progress easily.
The XZAM team adheres to intellectual property rights by not directly hosting test content on their platform. Instead, they utilise search-based methods to identify relevant tests and attach links to the sources. This approach ensures that copyright holders retain their ownership while providing students with easy access to valuable practice materials.
The XZAM stands as a testament to the power of technology to democratise education and empower students. Assoc Prof Kanda Saikaew, PhD, a lecturer of the Department of Computer Engineering and one of the students’ advisers, explained that by providing a centralised and accessible platform for practice tests and answer keys, the XZAM has simplified the exam preparation process for students of all backgrounds, fostering a more equitable learning environment.
“The XZAM’s extends beyond being a practical tool for exam preparation. For us, it stands as a testament to the transformative power of collaboration, community, and forward-thinking in the dynamic convergence of education and technology in Thailand’s education,” concluded Prof Kanda.
OpenGov Asia reported that KKU has committed to upgrading its education with digital technology. It has been steadfast in delivering an inclusive, technology-centred education, geared to prepare students for the demands of the digital era. Through collaborations with industry pioneers, the university is resolutely focused on empowering students with the essential skills and knowledge vital for success in a digital landscape.
In alignment with this vision, KKU showcased its commitment during the 60th-anniversary celebrations by hosting speakers from the United States, Singapore and Finland as part of the Education Transformation Project.
