A Strategy to Expand the University Education Paradigm: Selling Online Class Resources.

Abstract

To date most online content and experiences have been packaged in a traditional “class” format and delivered using a web site posted on a provider’s server. This chapter suggests a slight deviation from this approach for packaging and delivering Internet education. It suggests a look beyond the “class” delivery approach. The premise for this strategy is the belief that the greatest strength of the Internet for education may lie in delivery of class “components,” not classes, themselves. These online components can be used to supplement and add value to the traditional class experience, not replace it. The strategy proposes that the university provide, sponsor, administer and maintain an automated online portal to post and sell faculty-created material. An “e-store” selling products developed by the university’s faculty members. It is hoped that universities will explore this idea to develop new ways of packaging and delivering education that better reward the faculty developer, help pay for the service and also add “value” to the education experience.