Han Chou —
Manager, Blended Learning Centers, Guandong Province, China

Han Chou manages a regional network of “blended learning centers” in the Guandong Province of China. These centers were originated in the late 1990s by an international education and training infrastructure company, which used its multiple, on-site delivery mechanisms to serve students throughout the Pan-Asian territory, including Japan, China, Korea, the Philippines, Indonesia, Southeast Asia, Australia, New Zealand, India, and Pakistan.

Meeting the Needs of Pan Asia. These centers arose in response to the particular needs of learners in remote areas of Pan Asia. Lacking sufficient ICT infrastructure in homes and businesses to support distance learning, distance learning center companies worked with communities to establish locally owned, sophisticated learning labs, with Internet, video-conferencing capabilities, and anywhere from 20 to 120 computer work stations. Subsequently, other smart classroom features were added. Other companies like India-based NIIT and educational providers like Informatics in Singapore, the STI Educational Network in the Philippines, the Australian Centre for Language (ACL), RMIT University in Australia and INTI College in Malaysia were early players in establishing learning centers in various parts of Asia.

Exemplary Transformed Elements

• Initially based on need for ICT-rich physical places for blended learning in Third World
• �Bricks and clicks” combination is key
• Pervasive ICT and knowledge management infrastructure is key
• On-the-ground relationship with learners is strategic ; CRM is a critical discipline
• Relationships with a range of universities and other learning providers, using consistent infrastructures and processes
• Dramatic reduction in the cost/price of the elements of learning � content, interactivity, space, assessment, certification
• Leverage of infrastructure, best practices, and business models � establish centers in U.S., Europe, other developed centers
• Evolution into fused-use physical space for work, learning, and other activities
• Place remains a critical ingredient in the equation

Han Chouÿs responsibilities focus on several key issues:

• working with locales to develop and enhance learning center facilities and attract learners through relationships with government ministries, businesses, and local organizations;
• assuring the successful integration of learning and other support services into the local blended learning centers; and
• providing feedback on satisfaction, continuous improvement, and new services and/or offerings required.