online onsite learning ecosystem providing English content launched in China

The XJTLU Learning Mall (XJTLU-LM) , an online-onsite learning ecosystem to provide English-language educational experiences was launched in China (May 22, 2020) with an MOU signing ceremony followed by a  roundtable discussion with partners on campus.

Xi’an Jiaotong-Liverpool University through a diverse range of content providers, launched a new virtual learning mall, which includes other universities and industry partners from within China and overseas. The learning hub also has Chinese and bilingual Chinese-English content.

Students in a state-of-the art classroom in China wear virtual reality (VR) headsets, gesturing in the air as they work on a design. Students at home in Abu Dhabi, in London, and in Ireland do the same, all led by one instructor in real time as they collaborate on a project, from around the world. “It will challenge the conventional norms for learning engagement,” said Professor Youmin Xi, executive president of XJTLU.

Dr. Bill Boland, Director of the XJTLU Learning Mall, explained “The XJTLU Learning Mall will provide premier resources for lifelong learners, including skills for the industry leaders of tomorrow as they prepare to meet the challenges of the Fourth Industrial Revolution. Someone might initially visit the XJTLU Learning Mall platform for a business course, but then decide to sign up for English and career-specific industry skills courses as well. Providers will benefit from a collaborative platform since they can gain customers who previously might not have been aware of their offerings,” he added.

Those who have an online, onsite, or combination “store front” in this learning hub will not be limited to educational offerings. Innovators, inventors and researchers will also have spaces, enabling the cross-seeding of ideas to generate  educational products. This will create opportunities for students to connect with mentors in startup companies and find internship, job and career opportunities and information.

The XJTLU Learning Mall platform is expected to be operational in about three months. Its main physical facility, to be located on the XJTLU Entrepreneur College (Taicang) campus, will be completed in approximately 24 months. Initial users will be XJTLU students, faculty, parents, and alumni, and then users will expand to Jiangsu Province, Greater China and then globally.

“Offerings at the XJTLU Learning Mall will constantly evolve based on users’ needs and its providers will be able to choose how much support they want from the learning hub’s staff,” Professor Xi said. He added “We are directly involving all stakeholders in informing our evolving platform.This differentiates us from other organisations.”

Source: Xi’an Jiaotong-Liverpool University