The e-learning exhibition at the Business Design Centre, London showcased many of the content and software providers currently in the market. Here's a brief round-up of what's new in the world of e-learning:

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The Open University are offering a online course in the world-wide web for those who are unfamiliar with computers and the internet and are apprehensive about the role and development of the new technologies. Further details about You, your computer and the Net are available from the OU's online prospectus.

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Boots and the Prudential are the latest companies to sign up for the Electronic Business Learning Library from www.learningmatters.com. The library covers a wide variety of topics, including coaching, financial skills, presentation skills and train the trainer, and is available either as an extranet service using a password, or can be added to a company's intranet.

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www.ftknowledge.com offers a range of business and management qualifications delivered using video, CDROM and printed material, including a Diploma in Company Direction from the Institute of Directors and, from September, qualifications from the Chartered Institute of Marketing.

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Spring, providers of IT training and recruitment services have launched TEAM, Training and Assessment Management, a package aimed at assessing training needs. The company have recently been awarded a contract to provide IT training to an engineering arm of the MOD.

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Active Business Training Ltd have developed a nifty gadget which can be used for interactive learning by experience. The system involves each participant relaying responses to a business simulation via the handset, and up to 40 people can take part at the same time. The system is currently being used for training on supply chains.