Developing a Learning Society in CHINA:
Opportunities and Challenges for Chinese Open Universities

Prof. & Dr. Ge Daokai
President of China Central Radio & TV University

Prof. Li Yawan
Director of International Cooperation & Exchange Division of OUC

Abstract

Since the implementation of Reform and opening-up policy, Chinafs economic strength has increased substantially. Especially in the first decade of 21st century, establishing a learning society has been placed on the agenda of Chinafs social construction against the background of globalized economy and network-based information. Communities, as the basic units of governmental administration and local residentsf autonomy, are more and more important in developing a learning society.

Building a learning community is to construct and develop learning activities in the community. Learning becomes not only an important aspect of community development, but also a means of promoting community development and interpersonal communication. Thus, learning activities are carried out in convenient locations, with diversified learning themes and reasonable-size learning groups with special interest. The planning, organizing and implementing of learning activities should follow the principles of learner centeredness, learner autonomy and community learning purposes. As the key participants of learning activities, local residents in the community can choose whatever they are interested in, and form effective learning groups, and contribute to community development. Technology enhanced learning environment of communities is conducive to the realization of these principles better.

With development in the last thirty years, Chinese Open Universities have become a significant support and valuable resource of developing a learning society. To develop community learning activities based on the three principles advocated, Chinese Open Universities can, first, provide experience in open learning through participating in or organizing open learning activities in community with necessary structural adjustment; second, provide services for community learning activities by employing the structural network and technology of Chinese Open Universities system and integrating educational resources of communities; and third, plan a community learning network to promote communication and exchange among communities by learning from successful learning experience.