THE TRANSFORMATION OF EDUCATION IN CHINA
The Financial Times will gather senior public and private sector decision-makers on the sidelines of Shanghai World Expo 2010 for a major half-day conference on the transformation of China's education sector.
The inaugural FT Innovation in Education Forum, organised in partnership with the UK Programme of Events at the Expo, will explore the latest innovations in the delivery of learning and knowledge, inside and outside the classroom, as well as the enormous investment opportunities being generated in this key market as China strives to substantially increase its talent pool.
Speakers include Jin Huang, Founder, President and CEO of Ambow Education, and Mark Anderson, President, Global Strategy & Business Development at Pearson International. The Forum will be chaired by Jamil Anderlini, Beijing Correspondent for the Financial Times and the winner of the 2010 Journalist of the Year Award given by the Society of Publishers in Asia.
Issues to be addressed include:
- How has the increased use of technology in the classroom for the delivery of educational content changed education methods in the UK, China and elsewhere? Are innovations such as online textbooks, interactive homework tools, and automated assessment tools easily adapted to different cultures, teaching environments, and age levels? What factors need to be in place to assure success?
- Distance learning continues to develop rapidly in China and in other countries and is seen as an effective way to reach larger and larger numbers of learners. Is a pure online educational experience more suited to some subjects or learner cohorts? How can consistent education quality be assured? What are the implications for traditional "brick and mortar" schools and colleges in the decades to come?
- What impact will increased technology in the classroom and more distance learning have on the role of the teacher? What are the implications for teacher training and assessment? What skills will teachers of the future need and are we preparing for that now?
- Innovation in the delivery of education relies on the development of learning management systems, digitised content, automated assessment tools, and a wide range of new educational software and hardware -- such as Interactive White Boards and handheld learning devices. What is the state of the educational software and hardware market in China? What is the level of indigenous innovation? How will this market develop in the next decade? What are the main obstacles, if any, to future rapid growth? Are regulatory conditions conducive?
- China's education sector has become a major target for private equity and venture capital investment due to the favourable economic environment. Is the market correctly valued or is competition leading to inflated prices? What is the outlook for M&A and IPOs over the next 12 months? Which areas of the market offer the best prospects and the best value?
- What is the extent of China's talent gap and what role can technology play to ensure the country has sufficient human resources to support its rapid development not only as an industrial powerhouse but as a regional and potentially global services centre?
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