LinkedIn, the place where everyone (well almost everyone) puts up their full and complete background history on their career, just bought Lynda.com for $1.5 billion. Lynda.com is a training website currently offering courses in design, technology, business, and other well produced instructional courses, with access either by course or for a reasonable monthly fee that provides full access.

With this acquisition, Linkedin moves deeper into the business of talent management, not only helping employers and professional connect, but now adding a training dimension that will help individuals become better prepared for that next opportunity.

In the past we have presented columns about online programs at leading universities, a growing trend that provides access to education for those who otherwise could not afford attending undergraduate or graduate programs. With LinkedIn's new Lynda medium, the playing field for education and career development just got more level.