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Technology exchange
Online Learning 2001 Reflects
Industry Strength
- Clinton Underscores E-learning's Global Role
- IDC/Online Learning Magazine Study Attests to Growth of E-learning
Former President Bill Clinton urged e-learning practitioners to "spread the benefits of the digital revolution" to help combat terrorism in a keynote address to thousands of attendees at the OnLine Learning 2001 Conference and Expo, held at the Los Angeles Convention Center September 30 - October 3. Clinton underscored that e-learning can and must give the poor a stake in productive cultures worldwide lest poverty breed more terror. Terrorism and e-learning both bear on rising global interdependence, he said, and e-learning helps to determine "whether on balance this increasing interdependence will be positive or negative."
Clinton's address kicked off the world's largest e-learning event, presented by Online Learning Magazine and co-produced by VNU Business Media and VNU Expositions Inc. Despite the recent terrorist attacks and sluggish economy, the event drew more than 5,000 attendees - exceeding the expectations of conference management and attendees alike.
Kevin Oakes, president and CEO of Click2learn said, " . . . we all felt attendance was higher than anticipated. Aside from sheer numbers, those who did attend were focused on e-learning as a strategic business imperative. Overall, the show was very productive."
"Given the number of committed learners and buyers in attendance and the unrivaled roster of industry presenters, the show proved an unqualified success," said Philip Jones, vice president and conference director, VNU Business Media. "The show continues to reflect and define an industry that is no longer an offshoot of traditional training, but a phenomenon in its own right, as exemplified in President Clinton's comments."
In addition to Clinton's comments, evidence attesting to the industry's continued strength surrounded the conference, including these highlights:
- 'The State of the Industry 2001." The findings were presented
from a joint study of the state of the e-learning industry conducted
by Online Learning Magazine and the research firm, International Data
Corporation (IDC). According to the study findings, e-learning is taking
root in organizations of all sizes - and so far, the people responsible
for its implementation are pleased with the results. More than 80 percent
of respondents reported using some form of e-learning; more than 40
percent of those respondents whose employers haven't adopted e-learning
plan to do so within the next two years. And 82 percent of respondents
were satisfied with their companies' initiatives. Visit www.onlinelearningmag.com for more details
on the study.
- "The Excellence in E-Learning Awards." Winners of the expanded program, which recognizes outstanding examples of e-learning throughout the industry, were announced at a Sunday evening banquet. Brandon-hall.com and Online Learning Magazine joined forces this year to offer new categories and to raise the bar in response to an industry that is expanding its horizons. For information on award recipients, visit www.onlinelearningmag.com or www.brandon-hall.com.
- According to the Hambrecht Report published October 8, the decision to hold the OnLine Learning 2001 Conference and Expo despite worries stemming from recent terrorist attacks had a positive impact on the industry at large: "E-learning stocks rallied around the OnLine Learning show, rising 23 percent versus a 9.4 percent rise in the NASDAQ," said the report. "The recovery was market-driven, but e-learning stocks continued to outpace their broader, tech peer group, demonstrating investors" underlying faith in the sector's potential."
- Free Webcasts of former President Clinton's address and of the State of the Industry 2001 Report are available at www.vnulearning.com.
About OnLine Learning 2001
OnLine Learning Conference and Expo is co-produced by VNU Business Media and VNU Expositions Inc. Both are subsidiaries of VNU Inc., publisher of such business-to-business publications as Online Learning Magazine, Training magazine and Presentations magazine; OnLine Learning News, OnLine Learning Reviews and TDF e-Net e-newsletters; and Creative Training Techniques newsletter. VNU Inc. is a subsidiary of Netherlands-based VNU, N.V., one of the world's leading media and information companies. For additional information visit www.vnulearning.com.