Abstract:

In this paper, the author discusses the benefits of digital information content to the higher education landscape. The growth of Open Educational Resources ( OER's ) are very relevant to African Higher Institutions where the cost of accessing learning materials is on the rise. Africa is still struggling with fundamental technological challenges such as very limited bandwidth and inadequate IT infrastructure critical to successful exploitation of these education resources. The author expresses the concern that efforts have to be made in order to prevent the widening of the digital gap, thus enabling Africa to compete globally. Fortunately, certain initiatives are beginning to mobilize resources within African tertiary institutions in efforts to improve the current status. The author identifies the African Virtual University ( AVU ) as an institution that has taken up this challenge and it is currently engaged in initiatives that attempt to overcome the bandwith challenge on the continent. The background of the AVU as well as its learning architecture are discussed. A detailed description of the AVU learning resources are provided such as the " Digital Library " and the " Open Educational Resources Initiative". In conclusion the author discusses the problems associated with information access and mentions possible solutions to this dilemma.    

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Ngimwa, Pauline. An African experience in providing a digital library service: the African Virtual University example Presented to the 4th Pan Commonwealth Forum on Open Learning, Ocho Rios, Jamaica, 30 October - 3 November 2006