Imagine attending a class that’s 3,300 kilometers away without stepping outside your school. That’s now a reality for students at Yongxing School in China’s southernmost city, Sansha. Through an innovative “cloud classroom,” they’re connecting with top educators in Beijing, bridging the vast distance with the click of a button.
“Today, I learned a Beijing nursery rhyme and sang songs with the teacher. I hope I can visit Beijing someday,” exclaimed Cai Jiayu, a primary school student, after participating in a real-time online music class. The class, led by Wang Jin from the Experimental Primary School of Beijing Normal University, introduced the students to the rich culture of the capital.
Cai’s classmate, Yang Juncheng, is equally enthusiastic. “I love learning this way. The teacher on the screen always introduces us to something new,” he shared.
Located on Yongxing Island in the South China Sea, Yongxing School once faced significant challenges due to its remote location and limited access to educational resources. That changed in 2019 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 Jin.
To make the most of this partnership, Yongxing School upgraded its internet infrastructure and equipment. According to Guo Xing, the school’s principal, “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.”
This innovative remote education model is more than just a local success story; it’s a glimpse into the future of education across China. By harnessing technology, children in remote areas can overcome geographical barriers and access premium educational resources through digital “cloud classrooms.”
Initiatives like Yongxing School’s “cloud classroom” are turning the vision of educational equity into a tangible reality. This approach aligns with the government’s emphasis on promoting high-quality, balanced development in compulsory education, ensuring that no student is left behind due to where they live.
