TrainPad connects to the LAN through an Ethernet hub, so no site controllers are necessary. Its simple keypad is similar to a phone pad, with additional keys for yes, no, up to five multiple-choice answers, and a backlit symbol of a hand to pose a question. A small condenser microphone transmits questions to the instructor, who can answer them live before the group.

Gilat, a Petah Tikva, Israel, company with U.S. offices in McLean, Va., has roots in providing E-learning delivery capabilities. Last month, the company acquired LearnLinc Corp., a Troy, N.Y., company that sells online learning software, and Allen Communication, a Salt Lake City courseware development company.

During the next six months, marketing director Ron Zamir says, Gilat will work on greater technical integration between products, and it plans to make TrainPad wireless.

Jim Ayube, an analyst with the Aberdeen Group, says the E-learning market has no lead vendor yet. Gilat's recent additions help round out its offerings, he says. "It's filling in holes-these are very complementary technologies. It's creating a one-stop shop. But E-learning is not going to replace classroom training," he says.

Gilat includes TrainPad as part of a TV-centric distance-learning system. Pricing can range from several hundred to several thousand dollars per site.