14.03.03
Βι¶ΉΤΌΕΔ
to provide English language teaching in China via mobile telephones
Βι¶ΉΤΌΕΔ Worldwide and Βι¶ΉΤΌΕΔ World Service have joined forces to provide
educational content for an English language teaching service via
mobile telephones in China, following a historic contract signed
in London today (Friday 14 March).
The
contract, between Βι¶ΉΤΌΕΔ Worldwide and Sina.com, China's largest website,
will enable the 200 million mobile telephone users in China to learn
English via their mobile telephones. It is the first time that an
international educational content supplier has used mobile technology
in this way.
Users
will receive a daily text message on their mobile containing a phrase
in English together with the Chinese translation; they can then
log onto Sina.com to listen to and read the phrase as part of a
longer dialogue, and to read explanations about the language.
The
messages will cover a range of business, sport and lifestyle topics,
from "Danni quashes those Justin rumours" to "Do
you know how to get into this computer?" - all designed to
extend the user's English language repertoire and encourage them
to log on to Sina.com to expand on the material contained within
the text message.
The
new service is an excellent way to learn authentic spoken English
for busy learners on the move in the world's single largest mobile
telephone market. Particularly in Chinese cities and urban areas,
mobile telephones have become increasingly popular.
The
market for learning English in Beijing alone is an estimated $2.8
billon per annum, with students spending an average of 20% of their
income on learning English.
Raymond
Li, Editor of Βι¶ΉΤΌΕΔ Chinese.com, who visited Beijing in December,
said: "China's accession to the World Trade Organisation and
the country's successful bid for the 2008 Olympics has generated
a strong desire among Chinese people to learn English, especially
among the young and business community."
Martin
Mulloy, Director of English Language Teaching and Languages, Βι¶ΉΤΌΕΔ
Worldwide, commented: "The project with the World Service and
Sina.com to create this imaginative and innovative mobile telephone
service is one of several new initiatives we are pursuing in China.
China is the world's largest emerging market for English language
learning and we are confident that this service will help to extend
the Βι¶ΉΤΌΕΔ brand significantly."
Daniel
Mao, Chief Executive, Sina.com said: "English learning is an
exciting new area in which we can utilise our technology. With this
new service through the mobile telephone platform, English can be
learned anytime, anywhere - and provide lots of fun at the same
time."
The
contract will be signed by Daniel Mao, Chief Executive, Sina.com
and Martin Mulloy, Director of English Language Teaching and Languages,
Βι¶ΉΤΌΕΔ Worldwide. The mobile telephone service and a complimentary
website will be available in China from April.
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