Positive progress has been made in the research and development of the OUC online platform. The development of the basic framework of the platform has been completed and a pilot version will be presented in this May.

In line with the OUC Development Scheme, the online platform under construction

is one of the core projects for service provision. Its aim is to build a one-stop, open-ended and extensive software system for shaping an online campus accessible from all directions as a self-contained system; to make use of advanced IT network to achieve high-speed connection between the OUC headquarters and its subsidiary schools, local schools, professional schools and study centers; to undertake social service; to support the OUC in conducting high level degree and non-degree continuing education and to carry out scientific research and the credits certification for continuing education; to adapt to the requirements of training mode reform and mechanism innovation; to meet learners' diversified needs in lifelong learning and to become a main online platform for constructing the state's lifelong learning system; and finally, to foster links with various educational institutions of different levels at home and abroad and to become a center for developing and sharing quality resources.

The major work for building the platform and its functions include: IT specifications, portal websites, the user authentication and management system and the portal system; systems of teaching, management, scientific research, e-commerce, credit banks, virtual experiments, quality assessment, distance reception, logistics management, video and audio interaction, and administrative support and service; resource management and resource pooling; a database of network, storage and server, and hardware facilities like distance-response center, examination surveillance center, remote conference center, study experience center, and digital satellite TV system.

The pilot version of the OUC online platform will be officially put online in this December.

Hu Suwang, OUC