Industry promoting smart learning

Abstract

This chapter discusses the developmental stage and main features of smart learning industry in China. The analyses are based on the data and facts described in industry reports published by research institutes and Internet companies (e.g. Baidu, Tencent, Alibaba, etc.). In addition, the project team of this book has carried out online questionnaire surveys to collect supplementary data. The analysis of these data shows that the industry of smart learning develops rapidly in China as a result of increasing market demand, the strengthened support from governmental policies, and the encouragement from capital investors. It cultivates three typical business models: the digitization of traditional regular education, development of learner-centered learning platforms, and creating online schools for professional training in subdivided fields. The industry chain that helps to build the flexible lifelong education system has almost reached the point of maturity.