Distance Learning: The training method by which employees are enabled to learn effectively and economically without requiring them to be at the same physical location of the presenter/instructor. Utilizing today's advancing technology, training content can be delivered to employees through their desktop computers, classroom computers, and satellite presentations to larger audiences.

Why Distance Learning?

Corporations are using a variety of technologies to bring training content into their organizations. Most Fortune 2000 companies have invested in either proprietary or open satellite channels. The open satellite channels, such as Ku or C Band, enable companies to downlink programming from a variety of sources; proprietary channels only allow organizations to receive programming from one vendor. On the other side, companies have creatively used their videoconferencing systems and are experimenting with the latest video streaming capabilities on the web. The wave of distance learning is now focused on bringing live programming to the desktop via the Internet and corporate Intranets.

The economic side of distance learning is profound. The Boeing Co. saved approximately $9 million alone in travel costs by training employees through their extensive satellite system (LLMR, February). These companies are now able to expose more of their workforce to training, presentations and information then ever before.

The Linkage Inc., Distance Learning/Satellite Survey:

In the effort to better understand Distance Learning and how it is being utilized, we invite you to take a few moments to fill out this short survey on Distance Learning. If you are responsible for distance learning in your organization, please complete our survey by clicking on the following link: