The growth of online education in China

The growth of online education in China

A report detailing the development of e-learning and online education in China was recently released. The Companiesandmarkets.com report states that the sector has reached its “growth phase” and its market volume increased by 20.7 percent between 2006 and 2007 (from RMB 14.5 billion to RMB 17.5 billion). How will the industry evolve from here? And what can the West learn from the success of Chinese distance and blended learning systems?

Distance learning, online degree programs and adult education have long been popular in China. This is due to a number of factors such as: E.g. the country's extensive and rural geography, the strong competition for fewer enrollment places (at least comparable to the UK or US) and recent government incentives to ensure compulsory learning for all, e.g. B. the National Project of Compulsory Education in Poor Areas (founded in 1995).

With regard to e-learning and its participation in pre-, primary and middle school formation, the latest report does not reflect complete consolidation of the country's huge school system-which distinguishes it from others. Those who offer online education services for preschool children are private individuals and companies, while the most traditional primary and middle schools are supposed to use e-learning techniques and offer remote lessons. The market for primary and middle school lessons rose by 18.5 percent between 2006 and 2007.

For higher education and older learners, the report shows growth and diversification of online education, but an unimpressive continuation of doubts among the public about the value of diplomas from online institutions. Nonetheless, there is a healthy enthusiasm for online education for professional certification and an increased demand for customizable services. In addition, companies are increasingly integrating e-learning into their business in the hope of improving services - especially in the last year. As a result, forecasts suggest that corporate e-learning will grow by 40 percent year over year through 2011.

China is an interesting country of discussion when it comes to long -distance lessons - due to the rural country and the unique provincial education administration and its huge population. As a result, the country did pioneering work by using online courses and media for certain aspects of education. This includes not only a central radio and television university, but also distant institutes that serve niche markets such as adult farmers and workers- it will be fascinating to see how technological progress and better accessibility for education will develop in the next few years.