This continuous feedback on each lesson helps the designer refine both the lessons and the lesson s mastery examination. It changes the role of the instructor from the Sage on the Stage to Guide on the Side. Online training does not eliminate the need for instructors. They are needed to help design and manage courses as well as assist students with questions and problems. For example, most online courses have chat rooms and email links to instructors so students can ask questions and get answers like in a classroom.
Some courses provide chat groups for live discussions between students and instructors.
But because it is no longer necessary to teach courses, one instructor can manage many more students. Courses developed for one department can be often used by other departments, dramatically reducing costs. Infrastructure costs can be reduced because not as many classrooms are needed. Since computers and computer networks are increasingly available, it is very cost effective to transfer training to online programs. Employees can take courses when they are ready rather than when the courses are available.