Online learning works. Virtual learning techniques have been evolving at amazing speed in terms of effectiveness and, above all, interaction, and bear no relation to the “set of slides piped down the wire” of five years ago. Students can delve for more detail on specific areas of content, case studies and methods, get instant help if stuck, question their instructor and discuss ideas and solutions with their fellow students. And, of course, do all these things online from their home, office or workbench – or from the train or the airport.

Equally, many companies across a range of sectors have embraced e-learning. The leading banks that are using BlackBerrys for regulatory compliance training provide just one example. Indeed, the arrival of powerful mobile devices is key, especially for senior people who must often learn while travelling.

In businesses, online provision can spark a considerable amount of productive interaction between a company’s employees scattered across many global locations. Although this is not the same as a face-to-face business meeting, it can be equally, and sometimes more, effective. After all, a lot of bright people today are happy to give their views online but might hesitate to speak in the classroom.

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