Let's face it, most people hate the idea of e-learning. If you're interested in creating *effective* e-learning (and most people are not) and don't know where to start, this is a good place.
The book can be useful both to internal HRD departments and independent trainer/designers. Even if you don't want to design e-learning, this information can help you sort out credible from mediocre contractors and give you idea of how to work with them better.
First, Horton covers design considerations and decisions you may not think of (even if you're experienced) and ways to make e-learning come alive.
Early in the book, Horton states that the primary purposes for e-learning are do, act, and decide. Departing information is a secondary cause (and, if you think about it, sort of a waste of time if you want training to have real value and application in the workplace). This is a *great* place to start from if you're serious about creating real value with your e-learning project.
You can also get a good idea of how to use different programs (Flash, Powerpoint et al) various programs to add both punch and power to your e-learning project.
You can use this book as a guide and starting point to creating good, effective e-learning experiences. This is a major undertaking and, I think, can have real payoffs.
Horton also offers ideas for evaluation.
There is no magic bullet to this and this book doesn't pretend to offer it.
I would have liked a CD to go with it (a lot of material is available of Horton's web site).