A recent report has been published on the development of e-learning and online education in China. Companiesandmarkets.com's report finds that the industry has reached its "growth phase", growing by 20.7 percent between 2006 and 2007 (from RMB 14.5 billion to RMB 17.5 billion). So how will the industry develop from here? And what can the West learn from the success of China's distance learning and blended learning systems?
Distance learning, online degree programs and adult education have been popular in China for some time now. This is due to a number of factors, such as the country's vast and rural geography, strong competition for fewer enrollment places (at least comparable to the UK or US), and recent government-incentivized incentives to ensure compulsory education for all, e.g. the National Project Compulsory Education in Impoverished Areas (founded in 1995).
With regard to e-Learning and its involvement in pre/elementary/high school education, the latest report does not reflect an outright consolidation of the country's comprehensive school system - something that makes it very different from others. Those offering online education services to preschoolers are individuals and companies, while most traditional primary and secondary schools would use e-Learning techniques and offer distance learning. The size of the education market in primary and secondary education increased by 18.5 percent between 2006 and 2007.
For higher education and older learners, the report shows a growth and diversification of online education, but an unimpressive lingering doubt among members of the public about the value of degrees from online institutions. Despite this, there is a healthy enthusiasm for online vocational certification education and an increased demand for customized services. In addition, e-learning for businesses is increasingly being integrated with business in the hope of improving services - especially in the past year. As a result, projections suggest that e-learning for businesses will grow 40 percent year over year through 2011.
China is an interesting country to discuss when it comes to distance education - due to its rural country and unique provincial governance of education, as well as its huge population. Consequently, the country has pioneered certain aspects of education by using online courses and media. This included not only a central radio and TV university, but also remote institutions specifically targeting niche markets such as mature farmers and laborers - it will be intriguing to see how technological advancements and increased accessibility to education will take place in the coming years.
Comments
Post a Comment