During the 1960's China undertook a new way of learning by introducing television universities (TVU's) which encourage distance learning. As 'weird' or 'different' it may seem 8,000 students graduated in the space of 6years. It was when China entered to the socialist modernisation project in need for more trained people that the TVU's were in demand, especially as the number of trained technicians of accounted for '2.5%' of the countries work-force.
When i first heard of distance learning i didn’t think much to it and wondered how it was really benefited anyone or their country. However after to reading why China had to have the TVU's it makes more sense. Their Higher education rates in enrolment were very low and the country needed for trained people to help the country through a stage and the TVU's did this by increasing the rate of enrolment and graduation in China for higher Ed.
Furthermore its be proposed that it need fewer funds that traditional teaching as well and this can only be a good thing? Furthermore in China they 'can train more people in a shorter period of time' helping everything run better. The Universities developed into radio and tv broadcasting, and PTUV's which could reach the rural areas. I used to think it wasn’t 'proper learning' and not beneficial however if it is reaching and encouraging people who wouldn’t and couldn’t normally attend Higher Education then it is a great thing. This is not just my opinion though it is mentioned in the article that from the radio and television universities '590,941 students have graduated'.
All the way though i have been questioning and wondering about how 'academic' the studies really are, and are they 'real' qualifications. The article goes on to say though that in 1986 students had to pass a national entrance exam. Furthermore 'presenters are chosen from key universities' and textbooks have to be used in order to complete the courses. There are tutors which you can see face to face as well which are responsible for correcting work. Finally during the practical technician course they are required to practical work in factories etc for the credits are awarded.
My only reservations are that the article doesn't mention any figures of cost or comparison to real universities, so i am unsure how much cheaper it would be? However it did mention no tuition fees and only paying for entrance to exams, but once gain i do not know how much?
The downside i can see is that with it all being technology run, you are relying on it not failing and we all no technology doesn’t always run smoothly and it even mentions in the article that there was 'delayed distribution of teaching materials' and 'shortage of staff'. However overall it has increased China's ratio of students from 0.7% in 1975 to 4% in 1987 which can only be a good thing for the country and its developing industry. I just wonder how long it will last?
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you are asking some good questions here Kerry - critical ones which take issue with the article - like how much, actually, does it cost, etc? this is a good habit to get into - we all know that every piece of writing has its own purpose. Your point about the unrelaibiltiy of technology is also very apposite. And finally the issue of how long it wil last is also relevant - as China 'modernises' and becomes more capitalist-oriented and affluent, will we see the erosion of the social principles that have driven this desire to educate all, or will the concern for bringing in those who are education-poor be enhaced?
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