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Digital Learning Helps Equalization of Education Resources New VR Technology Brings Deep Changes in Education
At the Fourth World Internet Conference in Wuzhen, the “Interactive Dreamer†pavilion became a major attraction for both domestic and international visitors. Before the school’s online booth, long lines of people waited to experience VR-based educational tools, showing growing interest in digital learning.
Today, with wearable devices and virtual reality technology, students can “ride†the Shenzhou spacecraft or “swipe†through ancient dragons to dive into the ocean—all from the comfort of their homes. Whether you're a scientist on the Snow Dragon expedition or a student in a rural village, you can access the information you need through your computer or mobile phone, breaking down traditional barriers to education.
The 19th National Party Congress emphasized the goal of building a digital China, calling for improved online education and ensuring that every child has access to quality learning opportunities. According to Zhong Binglin, president of the Chinese Education Association, the rapid development of the internet, virtual reality, and mobile communication has fundamentally transformed how people acquire knowledge. Advanced technologies are helping to bridge the gap between the high demand for quality education and the limited availability of resources.
In the digital age, knowledge is no longer confined to textbooks or classrooms. Learning is now more accessible, shifting from “paper†to “fingertips,†and becoming “ubiquitous.†Experts predict that the internet will soon offer the best courses available—more than any single university could provide.
Over the past two decades, China's internet landscape has evolved dramatically. In 1997, only 620,000 people were online. By June this year, that number had surged to 751 million, with mobile internet use continuing to rise. The level of education informatization has also grown significantly, with over 90% of schools now having broadband access—up from less than 25% five years ago.
According to market research, there are currently 144 million online education users in China, with 120 million using mobile devices. The online education market is expected to exceed 300 billion yuan in 2018.
Yang Zhijian, president of the National Open University, believes that online education aligns with the needs of lifelong learning and is essential for social progress. More than half of the university’s students are located in central and western China, many of whom come from rural and minority communities.
As part of Beijing’s public service initiatives, the Beijing Digital School was launched last September. Students in compulsory education across the city can now access lessons from top teachers through an online platform, bringing high-quality education to their homes.
“This is an attempt to blend real and virtual schools, creating a new model for sharing public services with a capital-driven approach,†said an official from the Beijing Municipal Education Commission.
While online education promotes equity by spreading quality content widely, it also faces challenges, such as the difficulty of completing certain tasks without direct supervision. Traditional classrooms may not meet individual learning needs, while self-directed online learning requires strong discipline.
How can we combine the structured environment of school with the flexibility of online learning? How can we turn mobile phones from distractions into powerful learning tools?
A 2017 survey by iResearch found that among 18–30-year-old learners, more than half were male, and many held bachelor’s degrees. Language and vocational training were the most popular, with personal growth being the main motivation. Access to expert explanations played a key role in attracting students to online learning.
Wang Shuaiguo, director of Tsinghua University’s Online Education Office, described an integrated approach where pre-class materials are sent via WeChat, class slides are synchronized to students’ phones, and questions can be submitted instantly. Post-class assignments and review materials are also delivered directly to students.
Feng Feng, founder of Aurora Ventures, envisions a future where digital learning combines personalization, intelligence, and interactivity. Teachers’ roles will evolve, content will become more open and accessible, and traditional models will be redefined through continuous innovation.
Many educators admit they feel pressure if they don’t keep up with the latest trends. In the digital era, students have access to vast online resources, which can sometimes make them more knowledgeable than their teachers in certain areas. To stay relevant, teachers must continuously improve their ability to find, evaluate, and apply new knowledge, while also innovating curriculum design and enhancing classroom interaction.