The second Online Learning Education training class for cadres in Pingliang,held recently through the Pingliang Branch of Gansu Radio & Television University (Gansu RTVU), summarized the first session of online learning education for cadres, actively improved previous inadequacies, and went all out to meet the individualized learning needs of students. Innovations were made around aspects listed below, with excellent results achieved.

First, the volume of learning tasks was cut by refining learning processes. In order to reduce the amount of time students spent learning blindly, online learning was developed into a step-by-step process. Before the class opened,Pingliang Branch,centred around the general teaching requirements set by the Organization Department belonging to Pingliang’s Party Committee,drafted learning schedules for the second session of cadres learning online. Learning was divided into different phases, with clear learning requirements in each stage, so that students could arrange their study time and select learning content independently. Thus, both the effectiveness of learning online and students’ motivation to do so were enhanced.

Second,the channels of communication between class tutors and students have been broadened. In response to the needs of the majority of cadres training through the second online class, class tutors mainly contact students one-on-one, while liaison personnel supplement communication with students. This direct contact effectively simplified the process to motivate students, speeding up the progress of study. When students encounter a problem, they are able to consult a class tutor directly, while the tutor will also be able to give direct feedback to students regarding their learning, as well as make suggestions and give reminders.

Third, innovations have been made in learner support methods. To provide more convenient services for students to understand learning arrangements and begin learning step by step, Pingliang Branch fully utilized communication technology and innovated learner support methods. First, student account and class QQ group numbers are printed on each student card. Every student is asked to join the class' QQ group. According to a survey,every trainee in the class joined the QQ group. Secondly, collaborative communication with China Telecom has been established so the class tutor can send group messages directly to students’ phones, or choose to send to particular recipients. Thirdly, a special column entitled, "Cadres Online Education" was opened on the RTVU’s public WeChat platform to release information on learning arrangements in advance, before shifting to another learning process or assessing learning conditions, functioning as both an early-warning and reminder for students.

By Gansu RTVU