Keep in mind that online instruction continues to evolve as technology advances. There was a time when online instruction was no more than a glorified correspondence course where materials were mailed back-and-forth. Today, trainers of online courses can engage in real-time chats and stream lectures. Providing greater access to training and development is one of the main reasons that organizations choose to utilize online instruction. Even those for whom travel is a barrier can participate in online instruction.

One potential disadvantage with online instruction involves the requirement for reliable internet access. While it is easy to assume that most employees have personal computers and internet access, this is not the reality for many. Researchers and policy professionals refer to this as the digital divide. Organizations should be aware that this could also result in disparate impact, depending on the demographic makeup of these employees.

The cost involved in providing online instruction is often one of the disadvantages. While this is sometimes still the case, it is not always true—in large part because computers are faster, cheaper, and more portable than ever. Synchronicity refers to the timing of instruction. Traditional face-to-face instruction is synchronous, meaning that the trainer is providing the training at the same time the trainee is learning.

For situations where the trainee can choose when to engage in training, this makes the training asynchronous. Even if an online training involves testing, there is often a window of time for taking exams or quizzes. As such, online instruction enables people to participate in training and development they would otherwise not be able to experience because of their schedules (e.g., working third shift).