Beijing Olympic Education Site

This website, designed and hosted by the Beijing Olympic committee, is designed to be a media resource outlining China's relationship between its education and the olympic games. There is a small section that would be useful for students that outlines the Olympic history, key players in the international peace movement, the most notable would be Nelson Mandela - who I find especially surprising in the midst of all of the discussion about human rights in China. The website seems to fall short in its content depth. It is a great start and has a wonderful appeal, but there isn't much substance. There have been three news articles pubished since 5/30/08. The few programs that they do highlight - a Poster Program and an intiative known as Heart-to-Heart, do not have much description. A quick few paragraphs, outweighed with pictures of smiling children and schools. It again brings me back to my reflections of the opening ceremony. A wonderful image, lofty public initiatives, but not much depth or explanation. To the reader, I was curious about these programs and wanted to see greater depth and explanation, but there were no links present off the page to gain further information. After just reading an article about the young girl who was chosen to sing, but was hidden behind a curtain during the ceremony, while a prettier girl lip-sinked the performance. Then hearing how the fireworks had been digitally enhanced, this focus on outside image, makes me wonder how much substance is in these educational initiatives.


With all of the discussion about Olympics and culture, I found it hard to believe that the IOC stood behind China's decision to replace the 'uglier' singer, calling it "a casting or technical decision by the producer." China sent the wrong message to the youth of the world when it chose to make that decision. The Olympics is about education and cultural acceptance, according to its mission, far before theatrical production. The communist nature of China leads to a very top down approach - thus making this decision again feel as if the individual is lost within the system and again China is concerned more with its outside image and what's best for the masses. Maybe a minor issue, but I feel as if this is a small example that speaks again to the a larger political issue.







The Beijing Games committee sponsored a large poster contest among primary school students. The goal of the program wa
s too, "spread Olympic culture among the country’s young people." Although it seemed like more of a media feeding frenzy than an educational initiative, it with no doubt had the potential to have an incredible impact on students.

Another major initiative was the Heart to Heart, which consisted of 200 primary and secondary schools partnering with 205 National Olympic Committees. The goal of the program was to create a stronger international link between countries and expose students to greater diversity. This program seems very interesting, yet there is very little information available. The website had a little more than a page of pictures and text with an accompanying list of participating schools. I googled the topic, and only found similar press releases on the official olympic site and various major media outlets.

What are the Learning goals that the site is geared toward?


This website focuses on two major initiatives that both work to foster Olympism and international relations. The website is geared more towards the media than a true tool for educators and students. It's content is minimal and could be strengthened by incorporating more discovery opportunities for students on the website. There aren't many opportunities for outsiders and Chinese students to learn by using the website. It's potential impact could easily be strengthened. Despite having 200+ schools, the Heart-to-Heart initiative could include more Chinese schools. The amount of students that it actually reaches seems minimal in comparison to China's overall population.

When reading this, I thought back to Erickson and his discussion on the functionalist perspective and how it does not account for change. To me, Communism tended to breed this repetition of culture that was constantly being passed on to the younger generations. As globalization continuly forces China to open its door, it demonstrates the flaw that Erikson points out, that it does not account for change. (p 300) The Olympics are a prime example of this shift and push towards the individual. While it is a small step, it seems obvious that social structures and process are being re-invented with increased attention on the individual. Perhaps you could even say that China is going through a period under Conflict Theory, where the youth - in the age of increased access to the internet and exposure to globalization - are begining to see culture as something other than communism. Time will tell.


How does the site account for the intersection of culture and schooling?

The site clearly shows that China is working to take advantage of the learning opportunities associated with hosting the Olympic Games While, this may not be a great resource for teachers and students, it does show evidence that China is attempting to have a significant impact on its students. The concern with these programs is whether there is substantial impact being made, or whether this is more of a media blitz.