George Mason is the first university in Virginia and the Washington, D.C., area to offer this interactive, instructor-led synchronous instruction, according to Norris. Unlike other distance learning programs, the audio and chat features of this collaborative learning experience allow students to see and hear the instructor, ask and answer questions, view slides and chat with other students in the virtual classroom. Students attend class from their homes, offices or libraries -- wherever they connect to the Internet.

In addition to the technological advances of this e-learning program, Norris points out the practical advantages. "Eliminating the need to travel to a classroom is a benefit for our students," he says. "We also are able to deliver instruction to corporate sites without additional space or cost requirements."

You-niversity.com Inc.®, with more than 12 years of experience in developing and delivering IT courses, offers a collaborative solution that meets the requirements of academic institutions for web-based training. "Our e-learning solution derives from years of intensive development of IT content and understanding the related pedagogical requirements," says Rafael Itzhaki, vice president for business development. "Our technology enables us to serve the needs for practical and efficient e-learning. George Mason's Train to Technology program fully implements our solution while using its own qualified instructors to deliver the courses."

There is a high demand in the Washington, D.C., area for virtual classroom instruction, says Norris. "This collaboration is another step in George Mason's implementation of a learning management system that allows us to reach students throughout the region."

For more information visit the web site at e-ttt.gmu.edu, or call (703) 993-8461.