In today’s talking points How artificial intelligence is changing education in Asia and around the world, online education gaining momentum in China, investment in research is vital to lifting Australia’s position on global university rankings and which country has the most expensive education?
How artificial intelligence is changing education in Asia and around the world
The implementation of artificial intelligence in classrooms is changing the way that education is delivered, and is becoming more accessible to students. For hearing impaired students, the use of Microsoft Translator can create live subtitles during lectures and seminars, instead of relying on the presence of a sign language translator. Foreign exchange students are also able to benefit some this technology, by downloading the Microsoft Translator onto their device, it can translate the live subtitles into their native language. This technology can also generate transcripts of the lessons content, which enables students to focus their attention on listening to the lecturer and can review the transcript after class.
AI-based apps have been developed to enhance a student’s language skills, buy providing a conversation partner to practice. Chat bots are also being explored by countries such as Saudi Arabia and Singapore, to answer students’ questions and free up time for educators.
Source: Microsoft Asia News Center
Online education gaining momentum in China
According to a new report by UBS Securities, the Chinese online education market will grow significantly from the 29billion RMB reported last year.
Liu Jiehao, an analyst at consultancy iiMedia, said that government support, technological progress and a cultural emphasis on education have all contributed to a burgeoning online education market in China.
This combination of factors has given the country’s online education a boost, and analysts point out that Chinese parents are a key driver.
The wider acceptance of online after-school tutoring has led to vigorous competition among education companies in China. VIPKid, a Chinese online education company, recently raised $500m USD in its latest round of financing, the world’s largest-ever fundraising in the online education sector.
The fresh fundraising pushed the company’s valuation above 20billion RMB making it the biggest online education company globally.
Source: The Telegraph
Investment in research is vital to lifting Australia’s position on global university rankings
Since Sydney University was established in 1850, universities, as part of the spectrum of post-secondary education, have supported Australia’s rise as a dynamic and wealthy nation.
But while Australian universities continue to climb up the league tables, many of our overseas counterparts are climbing as fast or faster. In the ARWU rankings, China, for example, had six universities enter the top 500.
Global university rankings are far from perfect measures of university quality or impact. With most being heavily research-based, they underplay areas Australian universities regard as high priorities, including outstanding teaching and learning, knowledge transfer, an egalitarian environment, contributions to thought leadership and global impact.
Source: Financial Review
Which country has the most expensive education?
Danish students spend on average 200 more hours at school per year that the international average. With longer days and less holiday time, Denmark is consistently ranked in the top 5 countries for education. Russia has the fewest amount of schooling hours compared to 33 other developed countries.
Hong Kong is the most expensive country in the world to send children to school, with an average cost of $131,161. This is followed by the United Arab Emirates ($99,000) , Singapore ($71,000) and then the US (58,000).
New Zealand and Iceland have long ‘school life expectancy’, which includes university enrolments. However, Australia tops the list with the longest study average of 22.9 years.
Source: BBC