Many experts believe that 401(k) employee education, in its current form, does not work. I believe that it is just a matter of time until all employee education migrates to the Internet, for the following reasons:

1. Both spouses can participate. Every employer knows that a disadvantage in offering employee education sessions at work is that your employee may not be the financial decision-maker in the family. This means that he/she may not have much of an interest or understand what is being presented. Online learning allows both spouses to have the same learning experience at the same time, in the same place, which facilitates a much better decision-making process.

2. It can happen anytime. In a world when almost any activity can be flexed to meet the needs of any person, it is unusual that 401(k) employee education sessions take place in only one type of venue at an appointed time. Online learning offers your employees and their busy spouses the opportunity to learn at a time that is best for them, wherever they happen to be.

3. Learning can happen in short bursts. Everyone knows how easily distracted we are and how short our attention spans can be. In one hour onsite training sessions how many attendees are paying attention at minute 59? Or even after 10 minutes? Most successful online training programs offer short five to seven minute modules. Who can't commit to watching a video for five minutes?

4. It's YouTubian. A friend of mine commented that any time he wants to learn something he heads to YouTube and loads a how-to video. Many of us have done this as YouTube has evolved into both an entertainment and learning platform. None of us have to be trained to use online tools. We already know how to do it.