Perhaps one of strongest temptations when approaching online solutions is to start by converting existing training resources into web resources. Since much face-to-face delivery is backed up by print materials, putting print documents online is often a popular starting point. If learners are academic, highly motivated and good at organising their study, they'll probably cope with large volumes of text. They'll print it out, read it, file it logically and use it.

Is this profile you're dealing with? Probably not. The reality is that Web is a visual medium. It's also true that reading large amounts of text from a screen is unpleasant and learners will avoid it where possible.

One of other advantages of online learning is that content can be linked and accessed in non-linear ways. Large blocks of text online can limit potential to make learning a dynamic process.

The challenge is to design education and training solutions that draw on strengths of media selected. Future updaters will pick up on educational design as a tool for achieving this.

Generic development/delivery tools, what's out there?

The last 5 years have seen a raft of Learning Management Systems (LMSs) hit market. They offer, in varying degrees, ability to develop, deliver and administer online learning solutions. Mainstream products include:

"TopClass" (http://www.wbtsystems.com/), "Learning Space" (http://www.lotus.com/home.nsf abs/learnspace), "WebCT" (http://homebrew.cs.ubc.ca/webct/), "Web Crossing" (http://webcrossing.com/) "CourseInfo" (http://product.blackboard.net/CourseInfo/) "FirstClass" (http://www.firstclass.com/)

Core features generally include: - file structures for making materials available online - chat and bulletin board communication systems - administration systems for managing students' progress

Each touts a list a mile long of institutions that use them, but in our experience, often only part of product is used. For example, communication and student management facilities of FirstClass are popular, but some organisations choose not to use it for content delivery for various technical reasons.

And for producer of learning materials, it means: -Potentially lower delivery costs -Access to wider groups of learners -Organisation-wide delivery of training -Integration with organisational goals such as knowledge management and organisational change

Totally valid reasons and significant benefits that justify considering online delivery of education. However they are not enough on their own to justify assuming an online solution is best. There are three main issues: 1. The online environment will not suit some learners 2. There may be other combinations of delivery tools that do job better 3. There are some distinct disadvantages as well

The learners Online learning works well for learners that have moderate or better computing abilities. It is easy to underestimate skills required. Challenges include managing internet connections, using browsers, downloading plugins or third party software, trouble shooting and file management. They also need to be good at managing their own time and competing commitments. Learners who need extensive support in managing their study programme may well not complete. This profile is not limited to people new to study. Those with extensive work commitments often drop out despite high initial motivation and good study skills.

Other Tools Despite improvements in bandwidth, few online training courses offer degree of interaction found in classrooms or on CD Rom multimedia products. While technologies such as streaming media and videoconferencing do offer high end solutions, they are only useful if learners have genuine access to them: fast connections and current hardware and software.