Classroom stream called off after parental backlash

A live-broadcasted class by a primary school teacher was suspended after drawing a mixed response.

Huang Chao, a teacher at Fuli West Road Primary School in Lanzhou, capital of northwest China's Gansu province, started broadcasting his Chinese class for second-grade students using a mobile phone app on Sept 4.

He said he began the stream because he learned that some parents were keen to know the performance of their children at the classroom.

"The classroom [stream] has proved a success. Students become more devoted to the class because they feel the attention from their parents," Huang said.

During the first live-streamed class, more than 300 spectators watched it on the online broadcasting platform Yingke, which translates into "broadcaster". 

After the news was posted online by netizens, there were people who praised Huang for his innovative teaching approach.

A netizen on Sina Weibo said: "Considering the huge gap in education between urban and rural areas in China, the stream is beneficial in bringing quality education resources to underprivileged students."

However, the movement also drew criticism.

A parent told China Youth Daily, "There might be a security risk if the children's photos were captured by people with bad motives."

Another parent said he feared the students would feel pressure under close watch by their families.

There were others who criticized Huang for profiting from the live-broadcasting. In response, Huang said he only received 12 yuan ($1.8) as gift money from parents during the three lessons streamed online.

To prevent more negative reaction, on Sept 6, the primary school suspended the streaming of the Chinese class, claiming Huang's intentions were good and the decision was made after a discussion with him.