Implementing "Modern Distance Education Project" to Build up an Open Education Network and a Lifelong Learning System

20. Modern distance education is a new type of education that has come into being with the development of modern information technology. It is a major means to build up a lifelong learning system meeting the needs of people living in an era of knowledge economy. The "Modern Distance Education Project" implemented on the basis of existing distance education facilities and making full use of modern information technology can effectively take full advantage of available educational resources. This is inline with the international trend of developing science and technology education. In view of the shortage of educational resources, this is a strategic step to extend access to education for the large population of our country and therefore the development of this important infrastructure must be intensified.

21. The demonstrative network CERNET and the existing satellite video transmission system can serve as our basis of development and it is desirable to raise the transmission speed of the backbone network of CERNET, and make full use of the telecommunication resources of the country to further enlarge the transmission capacity and network size of CERNET. We should strive to link all higher education institutions offering bachelor's degree programs and over 1000 secondary schools with CERNET and make access to network possible at home to 50 ,000 university faculty members by the year 2000£® We should develop an integrated information system based on CERNET for online enrollment of students admitted to HEIs, computer-aided management of students , record and status , and network service for new graduates seeking employment.

22. Satellite-relayed television education programs will continue to function in modern distance education. However, the existing TV education transmission network needs to be reformed by setting up a central station, achieving its high-speed connection with CERNET, and connecting a part of distance education sites to computer networks. It is envisaged by the year 2000 most schools in rural areas will be enabled to receive TV educational programs. Excellent teachers and modern teaching methods should be involved to ensure the quality of TV educational programs in an endeavor to meet the educational needs of remote, insular, mountainous, forestry and pastoral areas.

23. The outmoded model of distance education software development, which suffers from unnecessary duplication of efforts, should be discarded£® Here the government should exercise its function of macro-level regulation and full advantage should be taken of the educational resources possessed by schools of various types and levels. Competition and the market mechanisms also should have their role in software development£® All the above-mentioned measures will contribute to the development of high-quality educational software.

24. The Ministry of Education is in charge of the development of our modern distance education program and is responsible for organizing the formulation and implementation of the national "Plan for Developing Modern Distance Education". The strategy for developing the "Modern Distance Education Project" is characterized by governmental support at the initial stage and self-financed operation in the long run. The advanced means of information technology should be adopted in light of China's actual conditions to keep upgrading modern distance education.
To create a favorable condition for the development of modern distance education, it is desirable for the telecommunications companies to give preferential treatment to the operation of the modern distance education network by reducing the rates of fees in accordance with current international practice. Besides, tariff concession should be accorded to imported equipment, including both donated and purchased items , in accordance with applicable legal provisions.

25. We should establish and perfect the continuing education system to meet the needs of lifelong learning and knowledge renewal£® All HEIs with necessary conditions should provide continuing education courses and set up bases for conducting continuing education. With the backing of the modern distance education network we will provide on-line courses taught by first-rate teachers in the country to realize the sharing of educational resources and overcome the constraints of time and space. Various kinds of continuing education courses can be provided for the managerial and professional-technical personnel in all walks of life. The advantages of state-administered examinations for self-taught students at tertiary and specialized secondary levels will be used to constantly increase educational access for all members of society.