This article provides an overview of the recent development of information and communication technology (ICT) utilized in Chinese elementary and secondary education. Specifically, the chapter discusses the positive impact ICT has on Chinese education, as well as the existing problems in the application of ICT. The potential for further developing education with ICT in schools is considered. In addition, challenges are discussed, and recommendations are made with regard to providing better learning experiences to every child with ICT.
TopIct In Elementary And Secondary Education
The significant social development in China requires that elementary and secondary education be available for all children. It also requires that education be effective, efficient and engaging, as described by Spector and Merill (2008). In making elementary and secondary education available for all and in making it more effective, efficient and engaging, contemporary information and communication technology (ICT) can play a role. The rapid ICT progress may help the Chinese education system deal with the challenges brought about by the increasing demand to make education available for all and to improve the effectiveness of the education system.
Although China has a vast population, it still lacks sufficient human talent. One of the country’s main strategies is to develop talent by turning its large population into an advantage, changing its economic growth model from mainly a resource-intensive and labor-intensive one to a knowledge-intensive one. To develop talent and build a knowledge economy, China needs to expand preschool education, improve elementary education and universalize secondary education. In addition, some Chinese learning facilities and teaching methods are out of date (Li, 2007). In renovating learning facilities and updating teaching methods, ICT should be helpful. The Chinese government is developing satellite and broadband-based distance learning to increase education availability, improve learning effectiveness, reduce operational costs, and provide equitable learning resources for all students.
In 1997, the Chinese Ministry of Education started a project of experimental schools for the development of educational technology. Over the years these experimental schools have made progress in building an ICT environment and in promoting the application of ICT in teaching and learning. These schools have made strong efforts to create and improve systems that apply ICT to teaching and they have also provided ICT education to all their students.