Whenever a new technology is invented, it goes through a "growing period" - a time when its use is defined. Online learning has definitely experienced this phase; a lot of mistakes have been made and administrators have learned a lot about how to orchestrate virtual programs. A recent article from Training Zone describes some of the growing pains in online learning. Here's a blurb:

"E-learning has enjoyed a love-hate relationship with most learning and development departments since its advent, and has experienced a fair few teething problems along the way; yet more and more are falling under its spell."

We still have a lot to find out about learning online...so, these "Growing Pains" probably aren't over yet. However, over the past ten years a significant amount of progress has been made.