T HE INFORMATION age, triggered by the technology revolution, is upon us, and it is speculated that the trends of the past two decades will not only continue but accelerate. 1 The technology that has already changed many lives will continue to affect our environment and revolutionize the way we do business, including the business of education. This evolving technologic tool set is increasing and expanding the opportunities that are available to the learner, thus creating rich learning environments for teaching both mechanical and qualitative skills. Future education and training will be independent of time and place. Learners will have access to a wide range of media, as well as sources of education. The two most influential technology trends affecting the future of education will be vastly expanded computer power and increased 41 This article describes the framework and process to determine best practices in online learning communities for Web-based nursing courses. The benchmarks for best practices were determined based on evidence-based research in higher education. These quality indicators were then used to develop and pilot test a benchmarking survey across three state schools of nursing. The results of the pilot test, as well as the applications and implications for benchmarking best practices, are discussed.