Introduction *

Factors that drive training today *

Market Data *

Current Web-Based Delivery *

Definition *

Using the Web's Inherent Strengths *

Web-based Learning Models *

Content Development *

Learning Objects, Templates and Tagging *

Critical Design Elements *

Use of Media *

Advantages and Disadvantages *

Conclusion *

Resources *

Online Learning Vendors *

This document is an overview of design, development and delivery of learning content over the internet or intranet. This document is valuable to any individual responsible for the development and delivery of training and learning content. It is not intended to be a strategy document. It provides recommendations and guidelines based on industry best practices.

In the case of Autodesk, their customers do not invest in AutoCAD or other Autodesk product "training" to train their employees to "use" the software. Instead, they invest in training to provide their employees the skills to better perform in their jobs. As Elliot Masie puts it, "It is not human resource development, it is a business process and productivity investment."

There is a shift from "use" of software to workplace competencies, (which is really what matters). An example of this shift may be demonstrated in an application-oriented course, (or learning module) such as "Reading and Redlining AutoCAD Drawings", instead of "Introduction to AutoCAD". Another example which may be more familiar to you is "Creating Year-end Reports", instead of "Introduction to Word and Excel." In both cases, the learner will come away with the skills to "use" the software, but as a by-product of learning what they really needed to know.

Many companies are either eliminating or thinning out their internal training staff. It is more fiscally responsible to spend their budget on realistic, as-you-need-it training instead of supporting a staff of trainers.

Human capital is becoming more important to the business competitive advantage. A company can spend considerable funds retraining employees because of lack of skilled employees in the marketplace.

In technology, any incremental update, introduction of new features and bug fixes require some updating of skills. It is a phenomenal challenge to keep up. This is well known as the Technology Assimilation Gap. See Dataquest graphic below:

Companies are buying technology to gain a competitive advantage, and the ability to use the technology to increase their productivity is business critical!

The introduction of the web in the learning and performance support arena is a promising breakthrough because it reduces capital barriers for distributing learning.

One should have to take market research data and analysis with a grain of salt. The important thing to notice is the trend in regards to the general Internet usage, web-delivered learning projections, as well as technology-mediated education in general. We took information from reliable market research organizations to show what the perceived trends are from several data sources.

Although WBT is still young, an IDC report, "distance learning via the web will be the fastest growing segment of technology-based training this year," with the number of business units using internet-based training jumping from 3.2 percent in 1996 to 7 percent in 1997. At an annual compound growth rate of 147 percent, analysts predict that the market for online training will reach $1.7 billion by the year 2000."

The following are factors that affect the positive growth and speed of accessibility and acceptability of WBT in the marketplace:

• Distance is becoming less of a factor
• Companies like (Genuity/Bechtel) are building global data centers bring data closer to users.
• Development of more intelligent routing (protocols like ATM)
• Building more network access points
• Use of smarter content, low-bit streaming video, compression techniques, unicasting (single stream), applets, etc
• Surplus CPU power with new LCD technology (colosteric technology)
• Low earth-orbiting satellites (Telegesic-Macau/Bill Gates)

Many companies have invested in company-wide distributed learning over their "Intranets" and have reported success in regards to effective learning and overall cost reduction. Because of current bandwidth issues (discussed later), the intranet is an ideal environment for delivering innovative models using rich media. Additionally, companies are extending their reach to their partners over the "extranet", as in the case of Fujitsu PC who trains their technicians using streaming video.

Here are a few companies that have reported effective use of their intranet/extranet for learning and performance support:

Although there are many companies cropping up that offer online learning to the general public over the "internet", it is still too early to know it's business success, or overall effectiveness.

Web-based training generally applies to any kind of instructional material delivered over a corporate Intranet /extranet or the Internet accessed by browser-equipped users.

The telephone is still the most widely used communications tool. Alexander Graham Bell, however, had different intentions. The purpose of the telephone was to broadcast news and symphonies. It took a lot of convincing and presentation of undeniable evidence before Mr. Bell accepted that the strength of the telephone is as a communication tool.

Similarly, we need to look at the web's strengths to determine the best way to use it in a learning application. One of most compelling, promising and important strength is the ability we now have to use the web for participatory interaction. Learning is certainly a participatory activity, and the use of threaded discussion groups, chats and collaborative tools are all extremely powerful in learning environments. These kinds of applications immerse participants into the experience, causing them to remain there for long periods of time. It also compels a return because the web it becomes part of their landscape. It short, the web propagates lifelong learning.

The other strength is the wide accessibility, offering the ability to learn on demand: just in time, just enough and just what you need.

Figuring out which flavor of web-based learning is more effective for a given group of users is only one of the many issues confronted by companies evaluating this method of delivery. A fast growing set of tools even makes it ever more difficult to decide. There's the cutting edge ultra-interactive model, aiming to incorporate sophisticated streaming media and desktop-video-conferencing and live web broadcasts. There is also other hybrid models helping to link static CD-ROM-based training content to dynamic web content.

There are two primary models used today: synchronous, or (instructor facilitated) and asynchronous, (self directed, self-paced, on-demand). There is also "static" vs. "interactive", or "dynamic"

Interactivity is a critical design element (more on interactivity under Critical Design Elements). Many static models exist today, however, because electronic page turning and basic hyper linking is the simplest form of online delivery.

Developing an online course can require the assembly of many types of data forms: text, graphics, animations, video, applets, etc. It also requires an environment or architecture in which it will reside in. Finally, it requires the glue or properties that will facilitate assembling these together.

Learning Objects or Granular content is breaking content into smaller digestible chunks. It enables new and existing learning content to be created as independent entities. These can be assembled in any combination to meet an individual's learning needs, resulting in increased personal productivity. Simply put, a learning object is a chunk of learning that can be in multiple data formats with properties to facilitate grouping them together making a lesson, or course, etc. Learning objects can be thought as content that can be as granular as a text tip or as involved as an interactive multimedia animated lesson.

Strategy templates empower content experts who do not necessarily have the skills of experienced instructional designers. They help develop materials based on definite, proven strategy, rather than inconsistent ad hoc solutions. Strategy templates are designed to meet specific needs and style.

Meta tagging is the key to tying the content together. Each learning object will contain appropriate instructional or performance attributes including information such as the nature, the purpose, the task, subject area, prerequisites, assessment, etc.

By now, you must realize a global theme in this document expounding the importance of instructional design. Our global challenge is to know how to determine what instructional design model(s) are most appropriate for specific applications. At Autodesk, they have numerous audiences and various purposes we need to address in order to provide online learning. For example, we provide technical training on the use and application of complex software for our customers and partners. In addition, sales and marketing training which is technical and non-technical in nature is important to Autodesk for internal as well as partner use, they also provide internal soft skills for employees and technical skills for engineers.

Margaret Driscoll, a well-known instructional designer, has been working on determining which flavor of web-based learning is more effective for a given group of users or subject matter. An excerpt of her study can be found at http://www.gracespace.com/weblearn/state.htm - instructional

Contextual learning is one of the most important elements in effective learning, especially online. Learning information out of context can sometimes be worse than not learning it at all. Classroom instructors have always struggled with how to bring a slice of real life into the classroom. It is certainly not a new challenge.

Online learning can provide a safe "window into the real world" by offering interactive case studies that employ graphics, audio, animation, even video, that help put the student in a realistic situation. So how come so many online learning programs ignore contextual learning?

A couple of reasons leap to mind. Today, we have many online learning programs developed by non-instructional designers; people who may be skilled at developing web sites, but not very skilled at adult learning techniques. For developers in a hurry, contextual learning is sometimes sacrificed in order to get information, with some questions at the end, up on the site fast.

Additionally, developing courses for the Internet or an intranet environment with generic web-based development tools can be a challenge; it is the combination of multimedia and interactivity aimed at adult learners which help bring context to learning, and this combination is not always easy to create in a web environment.

Depending on your audience and the learning objectives, a choice must be made regarding interactivity. Interactivity is a critical design element because it further engages the on line learner. Interactivity can be as simple as interacting with the information such as entering data to a database to cause some dynamic reaction to a live instructor-facilitated synchronous instruction that emulates a classroom environment in which an instructor has control of multiple students. In either case, it is an important element when you take a group of learning objects to become a lesson, or a course.

Example of an interactive synchronous activity: An instructor can evaluate through a histogram how effective he/she is being with the audience and interacts accordingly by voice, email, white board, etc. Symposium, an education server developed by Centra is by far (in my opinion) the most effective in achieving this.

Example of an interactive asynchronous activity: To achieve interactivity without an instructor on the other end, the use of technology could be very effective. Tools like animated gifs, Shockwave and Java Applets allow you to interact with objects on the screen either by clicking or moving items around. Streaming video allows you to listen and watch a pre-recorded instructor, and interact with a verbal quiz or online examination.

When developing courses for the web, every developer should have one question they constantly ask themselves: Is it in context and is it realistic?

What's the best way to select media for your online delivery, and when is online delivery not appropriate? As in any sound instructional design model, start with the learning objectives and then select the ideal method of meeting them. Instructional success has more to do with the design than the medium or delivery model used.

The available resources and business needs often determine the deciding factor. It depends on student needs, location, how much time they have and what resources they can use. Consider what each delivery medium does best. If you need to hear something use audio, if you need to see something use graphics, if you need to see a performance use video or animation, this holds true for instructor-led or online delivery.

As already mentioned, don't be afraid to blend different delivery models.

Although the web has presented us with innovative ways to deliver learning, web-based learning delivery is not the be-all-end-all. Instructor-led training will not go away. It is important to determine the appropriate method of education delivery based on the audience and the content.

Perhaps a good measure is the "Chasm" as demonstrated by Geoffrey Moore. In the case of products that are truly innovative, breaking paradigms, it may be more important to offer learning that demonstrates concepts through animations-making online delivery a viable model.

Certainly having learning at your fingertips anytime, any day and anywhere - just when you want it, just when you need it, is an attractive proposition. The best way of learning is invisible. Some of the skills and knowledge we have has been gained by experience, by doing without even realizing it as learning experience-instinctively and intuitively. A baby is certainly not aware that he/she has learned to chew, or walk.

If what I know from technology leader's insight is true and soon there will be no bandwidth issues so the majority can access the Internet, then the Internet has the capability of really becoming ubiquitous. When it does, learning over the web can also become ubiquitous; lifelong, unnoticed, and invisible!

Below is a summary of the key factors and considerations in determining whether or not you invest in resources to develop and deliver learning content over the internet. Ask yourself:

1. Is it a productivity investment? Will it result in customer performance improvement?
2. What are the business drivers? Will it reduce costs or improve ROI? Does it create a competitive advantage?

When you have made the determination, consider the following in your design, development and delivery process.

1. Is it customer centric? Will it meet their determined needs? Is it friendly and easy to use? Does it deliver value to the customer?
2. Does it have sound instructional design? Is it driven by objectives? Will it create results or learning outcomes matching the objectives?
3. Remember to consider reusable content. Is the content granular enough so that it is flexible and customizable? Lastly does it contain a tagging strategy imbedding its unique attributes so it can be assembled logically and so that it is searchable?

Inside Technology Training, Ziff Davies

Technical Training, ASTD

Technology for Learning, Lakewood Publications

TechLearn, The Masie Center, www.techlearn.com

Technology Performance Management Conference, Softbank, www.SBForums.com/tpm

Web-based Training & Performance Support www.iqpc.com

Web-based Training Cookbook, Brandon Hall, John Wiley & Sons

Web-site usability - A Designer's Guide, Spool, Scanlon, Schroeder, Snyder, De Angelo. Morgan & Kauffman

Learnativity.com

Cedma.org

Masie.com

Trainingsupersite.com

This list is a *dynamic list of vendors involved in the development, deployment and delivery of web-delivered learning. There are many others, but these are the ones I have come across the most in the IT industry and training events. They are not listed by category as they provide a variety of products and services such as content development, tools for content development and authoring, content management, delivery engines and learning environments (list below). *Will be updated periodically, as there are often mergers and acquisitions, new programs, new products, and upgrades on a frequent basis. This is a very active, hot and burgeoning industry.

Asymetrix Asymetrix ToolBook II Assistant lets you create and deliver effective training and educational courseware quickly, easily, and economically. Whatever distribution method you choose -- the Internet, an intranet, a local area network, or CD-ROM -- Assistant helps you deliver online learning lessons wherever and whenever they are needed.

Assistant is the solution for professionals who need to provide training and exchange knowledge through interactive learning applications -- and want to create them using the same techniques they use when creating standard office documents. Using Assistant's intuitive drag-and-drop interface, trainers, educators, human resource managers -- virtually anyone with information to convey -- can author effective courseware

Allen Communication Net Synergy™ combined with Designer's Edge™ gives trainers the ability to design, develop, and deliver instructionally sound, Web-based training across all platforms. With Designer's Edge, you can move step-by-step through the entire instructional design process to create the best possible learning approach and to standardize the design process across your entire organization. Then Net Synergy exports your Designer's Edge storyboards to HTML/Java templates for full cross-platform delivery on the Web or corporate intranet. You can deliver the training you design to the Web without any additional work-no programming, no authoring, no need to hand off print-based storyboards, no plug-ins. All you need is a Web browser for playback.

Manager's Edge™ 2.0 Net Edition helps trainers organize and deliver online learning activities and collect critical performance data-all in one easy-to-use, visual environment. Whether you launch training from CD-ROM, LAN, WAN, corporate intranet, or from an Internet server, Manager's Edge provides a centralized learning repository-a "training central"-for the delivery and tracking and your online learning. With Manager's Edge, learners have easy access to assigned course activities, and training administrators can manage and collect data for both online learning and traditional training methods such as classroom lectures and videotaped instruction. Online content can include tutorials, tests, electronic documents, simulations, and the list goes on. Manager's Edge 2.0 gives you the tools you need to centralize all your training and the power to take it enterprise wide

GartnerLearning provides IT skills based management solutions to help an organization increase productivity and maintain a competitive advantage. This is accomplished by developing and maintaining critical IT skills and mapping those skills to an organization's business goals. GartnerLearning delivers the IT Skills Management Solution in a four phased approach: Analysis, Planning, Implementation, and Measurement.

UOL Publishing- UOL Publishing, Inc. is a leading publisher of high quality, interactive, Web-based courseware delivered through the Internet or corporate intranets to the education and training market. Working with its strategic content partners, UOL offers corporate and academic entities full-service distance learning solutions.

Oracle Learning Architecture (OLA) is an innovative on-line education solution that combines leading Oracle technology with educational content from major content providers. OLA is a service of Oracle Education that offers on-line IT training over the Internet and corporate intranets. The OLA has a single user interface for both the learner and the training administrator. Content providers concentrate on providing dynamic multimedia training content, and rely on OLA for the underlying tools and administrative functions."

NETg As the global leader in media-based training solutions, NETg is focused on helping customers meet real-world needs for managing information, integrating technologies from multiple vendors, distributing information via networks and empowering employees to achieve their best performance. They have designed themselves around more strategic partnerships with customers, vendors, resellers, third party product providers and the key developers of information technology. They continue to expand their indirect channels of distribution to further penetrate new markets and provide additional value to their customers. They offer a variety of choices. When it comes to interactive, media-based training, they offer high quality and good history of customer satisfaction.

They offer skills-based self-instruction, simulation and interaction, dynamic performance-based mastery assessment, customizable and multiple delivery, LAN, WAN, CD-ROM, Intranet.

NETg's SkillVantage Manager is a powerful training management application designed to launch and deliver training to the desktop, automatically track interactive media-based training, record mastery test scores and much more. SkillVantage Manager creates a database containing the complete on-system training history of each employee, off-system-training events, such as the completion of a video tape self-study course or a classroom course can be added to the history through an administrative utility.

NETg partners with industry leader such as IBM, Microsoft, Netscape, Oracle and Novell to co-develop many of the courses. These alliances give NETg early access to beta software and vendor-developed instructional content, enabling NETg to move quickly to bring new courses to market.

Tutorials.com The world of online learning as we know it has changed forever! Tutorials.com has developed a unique new way to learn the latest business applications and soft skills: Show Me How Tutorials! Show Me How Tutorials are interactive multimedia modules delivered via the Internet without the need for hardware upgrades or time consuming downloads.

Tutorials.com, an Internet based virtual university, allows users access to the information they need 24 hours a day, 7 days a week for a fraction of the cost of any current method. Tutorials.com offers users flexible, self-paced learning while at the same time, providing feedback necessary to maximize and measure the effectiveness of training, thus justifying your investment.

Centra Symposium is training development and delivery server software that provides a structured online environment combining live; instructor-led training with just-in-time, self-paced learning and asynchronous communication in one integrated browser-based interface.

LearnLinc I-Net w/Audio is a powerful online learning software environment that offers a comprehensive virtual classroom. LearnLinc I-Net w/Audio is designed to deliver results-oriented training via the Internet or corporate intranets using a single phone line. LearnLinc I-Net w/Audio integrates audioconferencing, multimedia and Web-based courseware control, application sharing, and many other features for corporations and universities that need instructor-led or facilitated online learning.

LearnLinc I-Net offers the time-tested benefits of true classroom interaction to the Internet or corporate intranet. LearnLinc I-Net is the first online learning software to allow and instructor or student to control multimedia courseware and Web navigation on all PCs via the Internet.

LearnLinc Pro-Net is the first distance software product to offer an instructor-led Internet learning environment with seamless control of the most popular desktop videoconferencing system. Intel's^® Proshare^® Video System is linked to LearnLinc's unique floor control system providing face-to-face interaction and courseware control for instructors and students.

Placeware is a leading provider of Web conferencing solutions, enabling companies to reach their customers, prospects, partners and employees, anytime, anyplace with live, interactive Web presentations. Cisco uses PlaceWare Conference Center and has found that it is the optimal solution for communicating to groups in their sales organization ranging in size from 20 to 500 individuals. The Conference Center raises the retention level of their conference calls. It allows for greater interaction than multicast video and it is significantly more convenient and cost effective that satellite television broadcasts. Cisco thoroughly researched a number of options for their communication needs and determined that PlaceWare, with its ease-of-use, real-time interaction capabilities and scalability, was the optimal solution. SUN, Ingram Micro, HP, Merrimac and PBS also use Place Ware.

Lotus LearningSpace Anytime lets you do much more than simply create a distributed learning environment. With LearningSpace Anytime, there are virtually no limits on how (and when and where) you can deliver training and education. It lets you get the most out of online learning with the most tools, the easiest-to-use interface, and next-generation technology!

Whether you are looking for the quickly deployed live, virtual classroom experience of the Learning Server (the newest member of our learning family), or, you need the comprehensive

assessment and collaboration tools of LearningSpace, Lotus is uniquely capable of addressing your individual needs. For more details on LearningSpace read the white paper, Solutions for Anytime Learning at http://www.lotus.com/home.nsf/tabs/learnspace

Digital Think delivers training via the Web to companies and individuals. Their courses cover computer science, multimedia tools, the Internet, and other topics. They provide content on popular technologies as well as custom course development services. Digital Think is considered a hybrid model because although their courses are on demand, they provide access to tutors for every course. Tutors are responsible for providing educational assistance to students as they progress through courses. This support is done 100% online through the use of email. Students may contact Tutors at any time by choosing the Tutor button on the course tool bar when logged into a course.

Tutor metrics such as response time & response quality is constantly monitored to ensure that students receive the highest level of support possible. Our committed response time is less then twenty-four hours, and our average response time is less than ten hours. This means that most questions are answered within one business day.

Tutors are vendor-certified when appropriate, and are always experts on their course topics. For example all of our Microsoft certification courses are tutored by MCSE certified tutors.

Merrimac/Certification Net WBT development at Merrimac is fast and cost-effective, because clients aren't starting from scratch. At Merrimac they work to pre-determined ROI and ROK (Return on Knowledge) objectives.

The Merrimac model can be found in information technology industry, delivering WBT and testing at numerous locations. Merrimac's CertificationNet is being used by 3Com, Cisco, Hewlett-Packard, Honeywell, Autodesk and other IT leaders.

CN Live is another feature of Certification Net At CertificationNet's Internet Auditorium .you can see presentations and, during scheduled events, interact with the industry's leading manufacturers using PlaceWare.

ZD University ZDU -- offers a wide range of computer classes you take online at your convenience for (US)$7.95 a month or (US)$69.95 a year. Log in any time, from any computer, to read assignments, post questions, learn on your own, or exchange ideas with instructors and fellow students. Choose from a wide selection of cutting-edge computing courses.

• Take as many classes or tutorials as you want, when you want.
• Learn from industry experts, book authors, and professional trainers.
• Set your own training schedule.
• Earn Continuing Education Units (CEUs) and Certificates of Completion.

ZDU offers two ways to learn: either with others in online, instructor-led classes, or on your own with our self-study tutorials.

Industry experts and professional trainers teach ZDU's classes. But instead of a physical classroom, the learning takes place in a "virtual" classroom using a powerful, yet simple, threaded message board. Each week your instructor posts the lecture and assignment to the message board. You log in anytime during the week to read them, post questions to the instructor, or discuss coursework with other students. Read more about instructor-led classes.

Many classes require a textbook for class or other materials. Most materials can be purchased at a discount through the ZDU Campus Store.

Microsoft Online Institute (MOLI) (At the time of this, MOLI no longer exists at Microsoft Education, it was one of the very first models in WBT) Microsoft Online Institute (MOLI), a Web- based training program for students who need a flexible self-paced training solution.. With this integration of Web-based training and traditional classroom instruction, Microsoft can reach a broader base of students worldwide -- students whose needs are best met with easy-to-access, flexible online courses at the desktop.

"Microsoft recognizes that the education market is moving rapidly in a new direction -- the Internet," said Marsha Kabakov, group manager, training channel strategy and development at Microsoft. "Microsoft plans to continue to invest in the online learning model by creating high-quality content and developing new technologies that enable us to deliver best-of-breed online learning solutions to students."

Currently, Microsoft's Online Training exists through partners, visit

http://www.microsoft.com/train_cert/olic/partlist.htm

WBT Systems, TopClass server is designed to manage the delivery and support of training and education over the Internet and corporate or campus Intranets using the WorldWide Web.

In addition to providing support and collaboration tools for users such as built-in messaging and conferencing areas, TopClass also manages all students and tutors on the server as well as the course material assigned to them. TopClass also offers professional services.

Docent Software Inc. , Docent™ Enterprise 3.0 software is designed to complement your business objectives every step of the way, from needs assessment to course creation to results tracking. Based on open standards, Docent Enterprise 3.0 can be customized to meet your unique requirements and processes, while maintaining the security and confidentiality your systems require. And because Docent provides web-based solutions, your learning process will be both productive and cost-effective. With Docent Enterprise 3.0, you can:

• Assess existing employee competency
• Collect user profile data
• Create new, customized courses easily and effectively
• Integrate existing materials such as CBT courses, Microsoft® Word documents, and Microsoft® PowerPoint slides
• Register students online (optional online payment available)
• Deliver and manage enterprise-wide learning, assessment, and certification online via a variety of learning technologies
• Measure your training's effectiveness, competency, and impact on business objectives
• Integrate data from enterprise applications (such as ERP, HRMS, and SFA)

Docent Enterprise 3.0 is comprised of three components:

1.Docent™ Desktop. For content development, assembly, and publishing.

2.Docent™ Server. For course delivery and management.

3.Docent™ Mobile. For remote course delivery and CD-ROM course distribution. PDF Documentation

Empower On-line Learning Infrastructure (OLI) is an enterprise-wide courseware design, development, and distribution infrastructure for Intranets or the Internet. Based on a multi-user client/server architecture, OLI capitalizes on industry-wide open standards such as relational databases and Java/ActiveX to provide a scalable, cross-platform solution. OLI's plug-and-play applets can be launched from standard Web browsers and are designed for use by content designers, administrators, and students.

Empower Kaleidoscope, the next generation of web-based tools providing a comprehensive development system for the creation and management of interactive training titles. Developed for use within Empower's OLI, Kaleidoscope brings together every phase of courseware production. Designers, Authors and Administrators can work collaboratively to develop and manage a comprehensive training program.

LearnCom, is a service provider specializing in web-based learning solutions using streaming media, unlike the other companies listed here who provide server education solutions. LearnCom provides the first end-to-end solution for clients wanting to improve the effectiveness of their corporate training and communications efforts by making them available on-demand over the web. LearnCom integrates the latest media streaming and web content management technologies with a comprehensive set of web media services to provide our clients with a seamless, end-to-end solution for their "on-demand" learning needs. Access to information is provided asynchronously when the learner needs the information, and at the location and pace of the learner's choice

Eloquent develops and markets on-demand enterprise learning software and services. Eloquent presenter enables companies to launch new products, train their sales and support teams, and communicate mission critical information to their employees, partners, and customers using streaming media over the internet and corporate intranets.

VuePoint offers two unique resources to help you fully leverage performance and economic advantages of Web-Based Training (WBT) rapidly and cost effectively:

1. The Performance Learning System to create, distribute and manage WBT quickly and cost effectively.
2. The FasTrack service to assist with designing and implementing effective enterprise-wide WBT promptly and efficiently.

Just as an electronic calculator makes calculations faster and easier, the Performance Learning System makes training faster and easier. With PLS you can train more people, in more locations, with more speed and less cost.

PLS speeds the entire learning process by making it simple and automatic with the use of three key components: 1. PLS Learner allows any number of employees, in any number of locations to access learning whenever they need to. 2. PLS Content Creator gives trainers the power to create and distribute learning when and where it's needed with amazing ease. 3. PLS Administrator automatically manages the tracking and evaluation of learning throughout your company's network.

The VuePoint FasTrack program helps you take fast, efficient and full advantage of WBT with these turn-key solutions 1.The FasTrack content service allows you to outsource WBT content development on your schedule 2. The FasTrack planning process assists you in formulating, validating and implementing WBT on a schedule matching your business needs. 3.And FasTrack hosting gives you a secure external network to distribute WBT as your training demands.

VuePoint's clients include ADP, Bell Atlantic and EDS.

Mentorware Enterprise Education Server - Extensible infrastructure for web-based learning

Mentorware's Enterprise Education Server forms the foundation for a solution that breaks down the barriers to web based training. It is a complete, open format, on-line training/education system that enables creation, development, delivery and tracking of web-based courses.

Mentorware's server-based infrastructure provides access to all its features using a standard web browser via the Internet or an Intranet. Mentorware's open architecture allows total compatibility with your choice of servers and browsers. The server has the following integrated components:

Mentorware, Administrator, Developer, Instructor and Reports.

They have over 20 years of experience in implementing state-of-the-art solutions at leading companies like Bechtel Corporation, Bank of America, IBM, Cadence, and Hewlett-Packard

Macromedia The Macromedia Attain Enterprise Learning System is the first open, integrated solution that capitalizes on Web technology to develop, implement, and track learning in an organization. If you're using a 28.8 connection or slower, this movie may take several minutes to load.

Authorware Attain is the leading visual rich-media-authoring tool for creating Web and online learning applications. It allows training developers, instructional designers, and subject matter experts to develop trackable learning applications and deploy them across the Web, LANs, and CD-ROM

Dreamweaver Attain includes all the features of Dreamweaver, the #1 professional Web design tool. In fact, Dreamweaver Attain is Dreamweaver, but with an added set of functionality specific to creating complex interactions for learning. This added functionality provides Web and courseware developers very easy ways of creating complex interactions that might otherwise be too difficult or time-consuming to hand-code and track back to a management system. If you are developing Web-based learning or complex Web interactions, Dreamweaver Attain should be your tool of choice

Macromedia Pathware Attain is the complete computer-managed instruction (CMI) system for enterprise learning management. Pathware Attain helps instructional designers, content developers, and training managers through every step of the online learning process, from assembling, assigning, and delivering curricula to tracking, storing, and reporting student progress.

Until now, it has been difficult to manage the many different training programs typically found in large organizations with multiple locations and diverse employees. Pathware Attain makes it much easier to administer all forms of training, including online, Web-based and instructor-led with any number of employees anywhere in the world.

See CEdMA site or contact Xylinx for a matrix developed by Vincent Smith while in the process of determining an appropriate distance learning tool for external engineering customers. He found that the key to an appropriate fit was the intended audience. The delivery is synchronous. Xilinx chose Placeware. Note that there are many other distance learning tools available, which Vincent did not have time to research and evaluate.