Ma Fujun, 48, is the only registered teacher in Huayagou Primary School in Xinmin village, Northwest China's Ningxia Hui Autonomous Region. The school has 22 students across grade one, two and three.

"It's hard to attract teachers because of transportation issues," Ma said. "I cannot teach all three classes alone."

The digital program has really helped Ma.

"We can offer all compulsory subjects now. Distance education means our kids can have music, art and English classes, and their Chinese and math levels are advancing thanks to other people's teaching methods."

"We like to have classes on the computers, especially music ," said student Yu Jiaojiao, 8. "We've learned several songs. It's fun."

Primary schools are required to offer eight courses to grade one, two and three students in China -- Chinese, math, English, ethics, science, music, art and PE.