I'll go back about a year and a half when I began researching an 
online learning system for two of my clients. What keywords to 
use -- online learning. Well no, that brings up all sorts of 
colleges, universities, technical schools, software certification 
schools with hundreds of listings of classes. Okay, how about 
"writing courses online." No again, these words simply tell me 
where to go to find about writing courses online.

The subject is really rather obscure. This might be because 
authoring systems are generally for large companies who can 
afford to purchase customized software specifically written for 
their company. Okay, let's try "online authoring course." Good, a 
little closer, but now I'm coming up with software packages to 
purchase. And they are not inexpensive. What I was looking for 
was a tool on line where I could have my own account and do the 
following at an affordable price:

- Log in to my personal account

- Create courses that have
   -- Reading material
   -- Self check quizzes
   -- Final test
   -- The ability to print
   -- The ability to use PDF files with the course
   -- Learners can start a class, leave class and come back to 
      work on their class with their own personal log in.
   -- Do a final quiz
   -- Have the quiz graded and if successful, receive a 
      certificate of successful completion

- Track the results of Learners
- Edit the course content on demand
- Have several different courses within one account
- Not have to worry about downloading software and publishing 
  programs to my web site and creating login screens


And I needed a Pay as You Go price for a small start up online 
course business where I can increase the service as I increase 
business.

When I didn't find this solution a year and a half ago, I created 
my courses as E-books and sent them out to Learners who ordered 
them and wanted the ability to do their classes from the 
convenience of their homes. Although easier than printing and 
mailing booklets, it did cause new problems, like "I couldn't get 
my course to download," I didn't receive the email," I can't find 
the Enrollment Code," but at least they weren't telling me "the 
dog ate my course." However, those Internet gremlins do show up 
occasionally.

At last I stumbled upon my perfect solution and a free 30 day 
trail! This is a 100% web based e-Learning toolset. I've created 
my first course. It really is quite easy. You don't need 
programming skills – simply copy and paste your material. If you 
are a coach, consultant, tutor or teacher and have courses to 
share, you should really try this tool. It's easy to get started.

Visit E-Course Management at http://www.ecoursemanagement.com 
to learn more about the system and to learn about the basics of 
writing online courses. Take a tour and then sign up for a free 
30-day trial to try it out. Customer service has been terrific. 
It's a "virtual" blessing. 

Kathy Sparks began building her successful Virtual Assistant 
practice after being certified with AssistU in 1998. She has 
partnered with clients worldwide in a multitude of professions 
and is editor and contributor for "The Virtual Advantage," an 
online newsletter for VAs and their clients. Web site: Your 
Virtual Resource at  http://www.yourvirtualresource.com "I 
feel so good - it's like having a "busy bee" working behind 
the scenes to help me. I'm loving it." ~ a client