China opens online learning platforms as a measure against further spread of coronavirus

After postponing the start of the spring semester due to spread of coronavirus epidemic in China, the Ministry of Education (MoE) mobilised major educational government bodies in Beijing, Shanghai, Sichuan Province, and Zhejiang Province in order to encourage sharing online learning resources free of charge to support students at all education levels to continue studying at home. The ‘Home Study’ initiative will last until schools reopen.

Leading Chinese universities have been asked to support the initiative by providing their free services in order to meet the needs of diverse learners. The Open University of China opened multiple e-learning platforms to support various education institutions.

However, both teachers and students from traditional school systems are facing different challenges in the process followed by the MoE’s announcement of the launch of a national Internet cloud classroom scheduled for 17 February in the effort to address the current health crisis.