These changes stand to benefit not only the employer and the employee, but also society in general. Following is an Idea Group Publishing interview with France Belanger, Ph.D., an assistant professor of Information Systems at Virginia Tech and well-versed researcher in the area of distance learning technology, who offers her expert opinion on the opportunities available to businesses and organizations upon the adoption of a distance learning technology program. Distance learning is one means through which organizations can offer continuing training to their employees. It allows employees to take training courses without having to travel to education locations and without having to spend time away from their regular work environment. By providing easy access to high quality training to all of their employees, organizations can continue to increase the knowledge base of their organization through individual learning.
Distance learning is a complement to the traditional learning environment.
As such, it will not replace traditional education in the foreseeable future. By using distance learning as an add-on to traditional classroom education or as a replacement for some courses, institutions can develop a richer overall learning environment available to a greater population base. Courses where physical presence is necessary can use Web-based learning as a complement to traditional courses. Other courses where learning is individual and experiential in nature could be best offered via Web-based learning alternatives. The type of audience and material taught should be considered in making this decision.