Wearable devices aim to get a grip

Excuse me, while I check my phone

"I like the teaching pattern more than that of a face-to-face class, because I can listen to the audio repeatedly when I don't understand something. Also, we can interact with the teacher during question time," says Liu Yuelu, 22, an agent for directors in Beijing. She studied drama, film and television writing in college.

She prefers learning from an experienced screenwriter because courses at her university are too theoretical.

"Most young screenwriters don't know many people in the same occupation. Such gatherings will help them make friends, and they can keep in touch via the WeChat group after the training has ended," Du says.

He claims that Bianjubang is the first to offer training classes on WeChat, and he's still exploring the model. He says such a teaching pattern can be used for other subjects as well, to teach the basic courses.

However, he admits that a face-to-face class allows for more interaction, and teachers may find it awkward to teach without seeing the students.

Yu, one of the two teachers, couldn't agree more.

"When I stand on the platform in a class to teach, I feel satisfied to see so many eyes staring at me. But when I teach via WeChat, it's like I'm talking to myself because there is no response. You have to adapt to such a big difference," says Yu, who has written many popular Chinese TV series such as The Eternal Wave.

"As nobody is watching me, I can sit or even lie down when I'm teaching," he says, jokingly.

Still, he believes that online learning is a boon for students, who can have classes at home. Those who don't live in Beijing don't have to pay for transportation and accommodation fees.