The e-learning industry is growing rapidly as the number of individuals with access to computers and hand-held devices increases. Universities and corporate training companies offer high quality distance education directly over the Web. There are companies on the Web that aggregate e-learning products and services from content creators and publishers world wide, and offer them on subscription basis to individuals and corporations. As technology increases and audio visual quality improves on the Web, so will the quality and availability of e-learning programs.
Click2Learn (http://www.click2learn.com/) has created a database of products and services to help individuals and companies find the education they need. Click2Learn also has a skill assessment feature that help customers evaluate their e-learning needs. Companies wishing to develop their own training can use the Click2Learn site. Once a customer has developed a course ware for the Web, the course can be included within the Click2Learn Website.
Colleges and universities have also begun integrated e-learning into their curricula. Jones International University (www.getmymba.com), the University of Illinois (www.online.uillinois.edu) and the University of Phoenix (www.universityofphoenix.com) are among the first schools to offer complete degree programs online. Students are able to apply online and take courses at home using the Internet.
Many publishers have added electronic publishing departments to meet the demand for electronic books. Electronic books, or e-books are publications that can be downloaded onto your computer or to a hand held device and read at your convenience. Xlibris (www.xlibris.com) specializes in publishing books in electronic form.