“Internet Plus” Integration in Rural Education in China
This chapter examines the role of information and communication technology (ICT) in improving rural schools in China. China has experienced rapid development in rural education during recent decades. However, a large gap between rural education and urban education remains. Because ICT plays an essential role in rural education, China has prioritized the construction of ICT facilities. A lack of communication among colleagues constitutes an obstacle for teachers who attempt to integrate ICT into teaching practice. Therefore, China's national government initiated an “Internet Plus” strategy to build connections between rural schools and the broader education system through ICT. This chapter concludes that Internet Plus Rural Education paves a potential way for rural teachers to participate in teacher communities and to develop their teaching practices.