Internal and External Solutions

E-learning is rapidly taking a large share of the training market. Training Magazine estimates that U.S. organizations budgeted US$54 billion for training in 2000, with US$19.3 billion going to outside providers of services and products.

(Unattributed. "Corporations Find E-Learning Solutions to Training Problems." Desktop Distance Learning. Web page. http://distancelearn.about.com. 28 February 2002.)

Most anticipate the same trends in growth in Canada taken on a per capita basis.

There are a number of factors driving the education and training markets to increase the use of technology for learning delivery:

• Technical obstacles to adoption are falling
  Network and system infrastructures, hardware access, and limited bandwidth - are rapidly becoming non-factors.
  
  
• Penetration of the Internet
  The pervasiveness and familiarity of the Internet and its related technologies is the number one driver behind the growth of e-learning.
  
  
• Market consolidation and one-stop shopping
  Corporations, educational institutions and students are increasingly demanding more of their educational providers.
  
  
• Traditional players looking to get on the scene
  Many big industry and technology players are watching and waiting for market opportunities.
  
  
• Knowledge is the competitive weapon of the 21st century
  Knowledge is now the asset that will make or break a company. To remain competitive, corporations - and individuals themselves - are expected to increase the amount spent on education to increase the value of their human capital.

(Adapted from E-learning Special Industry Report. Canaccord Capital. June 2000, 3.)

Larger corporations often have the resource bank and the justification to develop in-house specialized programs. Smaller firms have to rely on generic off-the-shelf training programs, many of which do not exist in their area of expertise. Many firms consider customizing content by modifying or adapting externally developed solutions to their own particular market sector and staff needs.