If you've been wondering whether online education is for you, you're in luck. You can now take it for a test drive—for free.

To introduce people to its e-learning program, the Warehousing Education and Research Council (WERC) has made its "Careers in Distribution" class available at no charge. The short course is designed to explain what e-learning is all about, demonstrate how the group's e-learning series works, and provide an intro to careers in warehousing.

The group is hoping that once viewers try the introductory course, they'll go on to sign up for more. It currently offers three other courses (though not for free)—one on warehouse supervision, one on reverse logistics, and one on pallet storage systems.

The first course, "Supervising in the Warehouse," has five sections that address basic elements of supervising and how they apply in the warehouse or DC. The second, "Reverse Logistics— the Basics," covers reverse logistics concepts and terminology, with examples. Both of those courses are available for $99.

The third, "Pallet Storage Systems," is a two-session course that outlines the basics of unit loads, storage modules, and material handling equipment. It is available for $45.

To take the courses, participants must be registered users of the WERC Web site, www.werc.org.