There are many ways to organize virtual learning programs, some very expensive and complex, and some quite reasonably priced and simple. There are also lots of folks out there trying to sell their wares in this. The main platforms are very similar, in that they offer content, web links, evaluations, conferencing and chat. They are quite good for straight 'content delivery' and some discussion. But they are basically content delivery programs.
Computers are text unfriendly, and graphics friendly.
This, together with the problem of engaging the learners when they are working at a distance and alone, should lead to much more thought than many of the present online courses exhibit. If the outcome of these virtual programs matches that of the old 'correspondence' courses, then they will fail, and a huge investment with them. All rights reserved.