Big data technology helps Chinese students prepare for IELTS tests

Zhang Yangyang, a sophomore studying in Australia, experiences New Oriental's interactive O2O program using big data technology. [Photo / chinadaily.com.cn]

A leading private education provider in China rolled out an interactive O2O program using big data technology helping Chinese students score better on their IELTS tests.

The design of the Online to Offline program is based upon a comparison study of big data on IELTS test-takers scores and study programs from dozens of countries over the past several years, and it highlights and targets the particular learning difficulties faced by Chinese students, said Song Penghao, deputy director of overseas tests marketing and management center of New Oriental School.

Standing upon interactive data, the program is oriented toward the specific situation of each user and provides tailor-made smart one-stop training to IELTS test-takers,” said Fan Meng, director of overseas tests marketing and management center of New Oriental School.

"I'm on a short vocation and I'm curious about and very interested in online learning," said Zhang Yangyang, a sophomore studying in Australia.

With a given account, students can access the IELTS learning program through PC, iPad, mobile app, and WeChat to manage their study progress, take mock tests, receive evaluations, and exchange messages with teachers and fellow students.

The mock test system is similar to the system for the newly adopted computer-based IELTS tests. "For example, the system will automatically save the essay and display a word count on the screen when students take the mock test for the writing part,” said Song.

Nineteen people took the first computer-based IELTS UKVI test in the Chinese mainland on March 31 in Beijing.

With half a million people taking the tests in China every year, IELTS has become the most popular language test for Chinese to study overseas.

Besides UK, Australia, New Zealand, and Canada, more than 3,000 colleges in the US also started accepting IELTS scores.

Although I don't have a clear picture about the role of artificial intelligence in education, I'm sure the future of education will involve both mankind and AI to engage in more creative activities, said Yu Minhong, chairman of New Oriental Education & Technology Group.