Beijing Jingshan School has developed a system of long-distance, computer-based learning to provide education to its students during periods of heavy air pollution, when schools may be forced to close.

Qiu Yue, vice-principal of the school, said work on the long-distance learning system began after the Beijing municipal government issued contingency plans for days of severe air pollution on Oct 22.

According to the government plan, on days when official warnings predict air pollution to be Level 1, the highest level on the scale, schools should suspend classes but ensure that students can keep learning at home.