View & Download Full Text
Review of China's Online Education Policy, 1999–2022 - Yu Jiang (蒋宇), Junjie Shang (尚俊杰), Lizhen Jiao (焦丽珍), 2023 (sagepub.com)
Article Information
Manuscript received: July 16, 2020
Revision received: January 12, 2022
Manuscript accepted: March 30, 2022
Published online: May 17, 2022
Issue published: February 2023
Author
Yu Jiang (蒋宇)
National Center for Educational Technology Peking University
Junjie Shang (尚俊杰)
Peking University
Lizhen Jiao (焦丽珍)
Tsinghua University
Abstract
Purpose: This study traces the development of China's online education policy over the past 20 years.
Design/Approach/Methods: Employing a textual research method, this study examines online education policymakers, policy content and influence, and related policies and regulations.
Findings: This study identifies the starting point of China's online education policy and divides its development into four stages: namely, the pilot exploration stage (1999–2002), the standard development stage (2002–2012), the transformation stage (2012–2017), and the governance improvement stage (2017–present). Policy development reflects three characteristics: the need to meet the requirements of the times, shifting from a single management to multiple governance approach, and developing from one object for some people to one object for everyone. Current policy focuses on regulating institutions, content, and products, as well as guiding social capital to participate in online education.
Originality/Value: This study systematically analyzes the development of China's online education policies, discerns policy characteristics, and identifies current policy priorities. In doing so, this study enhances our understanding of the current status and potential needs of online education in China so as to promote its development from the perspective of education policy and governance.
Keywords
China, education policy, online education, policy change