In China's southernmost city of Sansha, Yongxing School is revolutionizing education by leveraging technology to bridge geographical divides. Through a 3,300-kilometer 'cloud classroom,' the school delivers high-quality educational resources from top schools across the country directly to its students.
Cai Jiayu, a primary school student, shared her excitement after participating in a real-time online music class: "Today, I learned a Beijing nursery rhyme and sang songs with the teacher. I hope I can visit Beijing someday." The class, focused on exploring Beijing's culture, was taught by Wang Jin, a music teacher from the Experimental Primary School of Beijing Normal University.
Yang Juncheng, Cai's classmate, added, "I love learning this way. The teacher on the screen always introduces us to something new."
Located in a remote area, Yongxing School once faced a shortage of teaching resources. However, a turning point came in 2029 when the school signed a collaborative agreement with the Experimental Primary School of Beijing Normal University.
"In the future, we plan to deepen cooperation and strengthen exchanges. Our school will continue to send teachers to Sansha for on-site teaching activities," said Wang.
In addition to support from the Beijing school, Yongxing School has upgraded its internet infrastructure and equipment to enhance its remote education capabilities.
"Since October 2022, we have conducted 155 remote learning sessions. We've also established partnerships with educational institutions outside Hainan to further expand access to quality resources," explained Guo Xing, principal of Yongxing School.
Wang's music class travels an impressive 3,300 kilometers – the distance between Beijing and Yongxing Island – bringing the capital's culture and knowledge to the remote island.
The remote education model adopted by Yongxing School is set to be replicated across China, enabling children in remote areas to overcome geographical barriers and access premium educational resources through digital-powered "cloud classrooms." This innovative approach is turning the vision of educational equity into a tangible reality.
This year's government work report further emphasized the importance of promoting high-quality, balanced development in compulsory education, underscoring the significance of initiatives like Yongxing School's "cloud classroom."
Reference(s):
From Beijing to South China Sea: A 3,300-kilometer 'cloud classroom'
cgtn.com
