Several months ago, YNRTVU also asked Metro State to submit a grant application with them to the Office of Chinese Language Council in Beijing for $150,000 in seed money to start a Confucius Institute (CI). If the institutions are successful, this award will fund a CI center on campus. The CI will offer credit and non-credit courses in Chinese, including Chinese language instruction and certification to teachers, Chinese cultural events to the campus and community, and will advance academic research.
When the delegation arrived at the 15-story YNRTVU, we toured the facility, which included a very-impressive telecommunication infrastructure. Professors teach in one classroom, while two other locations receive a high-quality video signal, along with multimedia elements. The three simultaneous classrooms can interact with the Professor and each other in real time.
Following the signing ceremony, Dr. Jordan thanked the YNRTVU hosts for being so gracious, and indicated that he looked forward to “…a long, happy, collaborative, and utually-beneficial relationship.” Then the celebration began, Kunming style.
The YNRTVU proudly hosted a spectacular banquet for the delegation, including many local
specialty dishes and entertainers. To the delight of our hosts, the delegation also participated in the singing, dancing, and traditional customs.
-Lisa Ortiz
The Yunnan Radio and Television University
An electronic welcoming sign at the university
YNRTVU multimedia professor, Mr. Gao,
demonstrates how he uses advanced technology
to teach in 3 locations simultaneously
Two university presidents exchange gifts to
honor the collaboration of schools.
Pictured are Dr. Xu Bin (L) and Dr. Stephen Jordan (R)
The official signing ceremony between the two universities
Dr. Donald Chang is warmly welcomed by
traditionally costumed greeters
The welcoming committee at the formal banquet
honoring the delegation
Local performers reinact folk tales through song
and dance, entertaining all
-photos by Lisa Ortiz
