Once registered, online learning process to enhance IT awareness and skills starts. Students are provided classroom atmosphere, where they interact with the instructors and other students, through chats or e-mails. Experts give lectures and answer subject-related queries. There are online tutorials, exercises, assignments, projects and quiz. Simulated tests provide continuous feedback on the performance and helps in self-assessment. One advantage that online learning provides over the conventional classroom is that students are constantly updated on latest technology and developments, through e-mails and journals. The Net library gives details of available resources, textbooks and web addresses.

NIIT, through its Netvarsity, has launched several short and long duration courses, in arrangement with the Microsoft certified modules like MCSD (Microsoft certified solution developer) and MCSE (Microsoft certified system engineer). For various undergraduate and postgraduate computer courses, all you have to do is to purchase learning modules from the nearest NIIT centre, consisting of multimedia CD-ROM, text material and related software and then get registered on the Netvarsity site of the Internet, by typing user name and password. The Netvarsity also offers some free courses, which are available on its websites for registered users. These include, using Outlook, designing Web pages, MS visual basic component, introduction to Java2 and Excel 97.

However, the IGNIIT, which is a fee-charged programme offered by Netvarsity, has opened up vast opportunities for aspiring IT professionals. This course can be pursued simultaneously with graduation. The course module consists of web- based modules, covering e-commerce, web development, software development and data management. There are computer-based training packages and multimedia CDs that enable students to gain perfection in e-commerce.

The course also includes professional practical training for the students to provide them insight into IT industry. Those aspiring to join IGNIIT course are required to qualify the written examination and interview. In Netvarsity, you can access the NIIT Tech Edge, which is comprehensive online database containing information about the IT-related sites and journals around the world.

The NIIT Tech Edge helps in learning new skills, provide interaction with experts and serves as a meeting joint for all present student of the NIIT. The Smart Planet, from ZD Net, with its vast experience in satellite communication and the IT, are offering online courses on database, web designing, software applications, hardware and programming. There are some free courses, which are available on the site for the benefit of registered users.

In Aptech Online varsity, the learning module is divided into three parts, one for beginners, another for intermediate learners, who want to upgrade their skills, and third for experts, who wants to do value addition in a specific area. The counsellors are available on the Web site.

The course material is provided, both in the printed form as well as on the Net for downloading, in a comprehensive and well-structured module. Some of the foreign institutions, which are providing e-learning, are University of Florida, Michigan state university, Mahasarakan University, Net World University and the Internet University. Virtual college, which is a consortium of 10 institutions, offers online courses in Microsoft-based computer technologies.

Joining Netvarsity or other online courses is beneficial for those who cannot attend classes due to long distance and time limitations. These are useful for employed professionals, homemakers and students, engaged in other vocational activities. The qualification required for enrolling in various online courses is usually +2, with mathematical background.

The fees depends upon the course content and technologies involved in imparting the training, and can be paid through demand draft, cheque, or credit cards. The drawbacks of online learning are that students cannot interact in person with the instructor or fellow students. Also the charm of campus environment is missing. But all these get offset by the fact that personalised training is imparted with access to the leading institutions, besides having the convenience of time and location. The guidance provided by some of the experts online through e-mails or chatting forums also adds up to the advantages which online learning offers.