The number of distance learning students in the United States in 2000 was approximately 2.2 million. It is estimated to be 100 million by 2004. E-learning is becoming a rich, integrated multimedia, multidiscipline experience. Comprehensive Internet courses will become compulsory not only for employees, but also for anyone who wants to participate in the emerging New Economy. E-learning is much more than canned computer based training courses.
Employees can access the training programs from any location and at any time.
The programs are on the local area network or in a restricted area of the Internet accessible only by password. This means, for example, that an employee can use downtime while on the road to access a lesson on a laptop. Since a typical lesson requires about one hour to complete, the employee can fit required training into small time slots. Online courses individualize instruction. Each employee can select the courses desired and complete the lessons at his or her own pace.