Colleges and universities are intensifying their investment in e-learning, according to an independent survey of WebCT customers.

Thirty-seven percent of the survey's 416 respondents say they have implemented e-learning institution-wide, up from 25% in 2002.

Student participation in e-learning is growing by 31% each year, according to the survey, and faculty members are catching up to the demand with a 44% aggregate growth rate in e-learning participation.

WebCT said that despite financial pressures, the institutions were relying on the use of e-learning to enhance education and compete for students.

One of those surveyed, Andy Syson, head of learning technology at Coventry University, said that e-learning was gaining popularity with students.

"We have seen student participation in online lessons grow each year and have witnessed more cohesive relationships developing between students and staff through the online tutor sessions and discussion groups," he said.

Mr Syson added that there was a 50% uptake of e-learning at the university, but he expected this to grow to 60% by December.