A study on applying American distance education technologies to distance education in China

The study discusses how to apply telecommunication technologies used in American distance education to Chinese distance education. The main study method was library research. In addition to library research, there was correspondence with two American universities and a visit to an American university. Through an analysis of the ways in which telecommunication technologies are used for distance education in America and China, it was found that Chinese distance education needs to borrow from the American experience in and technologies for distance education. Several kinds of American technologies were selected as applicable to Chinese distance education. The technologies that can be borrowed from America are fiber optic technology, audioconferencing, audiographics, and slow-scan video. Various interactive methods used in America can also be used in China. Likewise, some experiences such as partnership in distance education, regional distance education networks, etc. can be borrowed by Chinese distance education. A regional distance education model using fiber optics and several models using narrowband technologies were discussed for application to Chinese situation.;The study supports the conclusions that Chinese distance education could: (1) use the latest telecommunication technologies; (2) use narrowband telecommunication technologies; (3) set up regional distance education delivery networks; (4) form a consortium or partnership of distance education; (5) use existing telecommunication facilities as much as possible; (6) use live and interactive methods; (7) combine various telecommunication technologies; and (8) combine electronictmedia with other media.