Because we took the instructors and coaches out of the picture. A ringing phone interrupts a standalone learning exercise, and CD-ROM courses become shelfware. Learning is social.
People learn from one another.
The Internet turbocharges learning because it brings people together. They participate in online discussions, both realtime and anytime. They connect with fellow learners, learning coaches, mentors, facilitators, and others by email, video conference, telephone, messaging, and voice chat. To make the most of a virtual learning environment, most learners need a Guide. The eLearning environment adds more.