A narrow definition of the digital divide focuses on access to computers and the Internet for education. But access alone does not bridge this gap. To realize the potential of the Internet and the abundance of information available today, educators need the skills and tools to 'package'  this information into 'Knowledge Units' to effectively transfer such information in a meaningful way. The ability to create and share education-relevant information packaged as 'Digital Courseware' is a huge part of that equation.

There has been so much focus on the boxes and wires to connect schools, colleges and universities to the Internet, and so much information being thrown at students and faculty, that we almost forgot to ask what they are learning once they are wired.  Without a practical way to get faculty and subject matter experts involved in packaging information for studies, the true potential of the Internet for teaching and learning may never be realized.

The missing ingredient in most areas of e-Learning is the Faculty and Subject Matter Experts. Courseware designers, web-masters, website developers, graphic designers, animators and programmers cannot take center stage and be expected to fill this role. The e-Learning Systems hosting company's and e-Learning Application Service Providers (ASP’s) cannot fill this role because selling is their business and is in the best interest of their respective organizations financially. The  Faculty and Subject Matter Experts only offer the  integrity to ensure that there is plenty of diversified e-Learning content to fill the void of 'Knowledge Units' on the Internet. The more courses available on the Internet, the more people will use them and the more will be created - no different than any other industry rule.

Each VU Appliance has a integrated Knowledge Repository. This Knowledge Repository serves as a 'clearinghouse'  for faculty and subject matter experts for the courses that they develop. It offers information about courseware created by authors and provides a way for courses to go through proper Instructional Design Reviews, Peers Reviews and other Editorial Reviews - so that the courseware can stay current and be constantly improved. Anyone with Internet connectivity can access this repository of 'Knowledge Units' and get in touch with the author to obtain the courseware.

The Courseware Knowledge Repository offers Courseware Authors Top

1) Easy access to their On-line Courseware

2) Ability to have others review and comment on their Courseware

3) A  place to 'Showcase' their Courseware to interested organizations, schools, colleges, universities and individuals

4) Learn from others experiences and improve their Courseware

The VU Courseware Knowledge Repository offers prospective Courseware Buyers  Top

1) Easy access to a variety of On-line Digital Courseware

2) Ability to review and select the appropriate Courseware

3) A  place to publish specifications for desired Courseware where qualified individuals can 'bid' and supply the appropriate Courseware

4) The ability to purchase Courseware at competitive prices