E-learning back on the agenda

Chief executives from Cisco and EDS both used keynotes at Comdex to talk up the benefits of online learning - an application getting a second look after 11 September.

Cisco's John Chambers said: "E-learning is the next major application." While EDS chairman and chief executive Dick Brown said: "Our investments must be in education."

The worldwide online learning market will grow from $2.2bn in 2000 to $18.5bn by 2005, according to research from IDC.

Prior to Comdex, EDS demonstrated its e-learning commitment by continuing its deal with e-learning provider DigitalThink to provide learning to its worldwide workforce.

There were also several online learning announcements at Comdex.

LearnKey and Crisp Learning said they would partner with LearnKey to deliver the business skills library of Visual Crisp Interactive courseware, in LearnKey's online e-learning format.

In addition, Crisp Learning will distribute IT courses from LearnKey to Crisp Learning customers.