How does the DEMRI Portal differ from other types of Web-based educational solutions?
The DEMRI Portal differs from other Web-based education offerings in that it is free and open, because of its proposed depth and breadth, and because it takes an institutional approach to cultural development and personal empowerment. The DEMRI Portal is not a distance-education or degree-granting initiative. Distance education involves the active exchange of information between staff and students, with the goal of obtaining some form of a credential. DEMRI Portal is not meant to replace degree-granting higher education or for-credit courses. Rather, the goal is to provide the development tools and content that supports education and cultural development. Many individual members at the DEMRI and at universities already use the Web extensively to make materials available to their students and peers. Some colleges and universities now require a Web site for every class. But, to a large extent, these Web sites are designed for, and access is only provided to, the students enrolled at thes
