"E-learning" is generally used to refer to the use of various technologies in learning in a much broader sense than the classical term of "Computer-Aided Instruction" of the 1980s.

The first paper in this special issue by me deals with a review (account) from an early history by an 8-bit computer to a modern e-learning using a cell-phone. The editorial board of Journal of Computer Chemistry, Japan has kindly recommended me as chief editor of this special issue and an author of this review because the following award has been given to me by the Society of Computer Chemistry, Japan at 19th May, 2005, "Contribution to the development and popularization of the education of chemistry using computers".

Professor Hosoya, the president of our society emphasized my contribution to the first organization of computer chemistry in Japan in 1982 and the succeeding leadership in this field.

The second paper by Dr. Lim of Deakin University in Australia is also a review dealing with E-learning using spreadsheet simulations. Examples from the author's teaching are used to discuss the advantages of spreadsheet simulations for learning chemistry.

The third paper by Dr. Oikawa of Tokai University (Kanagawa, Japan) deals with a novel input-interface called "c-Edit" for E-learning in chemistry. It has an advantage to treat chemical formula interactively. These three papers were presented at Pacifichem2005 on the symposium No. 316 "Internet in University Chemistry Education", held in Honolulu at 16th December 2005.

The fourth paper by N. Tokita is really innovative. It is the first example of the "real three dimensional" representation of hydrogen atomic orbitals. The computer display of orbitals is virtual because the display is essentially two-dimensional. The advantage of "real three dimensional" display cannot be recognized over the two-dimensional printing or computer display, however, the model is mentioned to be distributed in the near future [1].

The last paper is a technical report to construct an isosurface of a certain atomic orbital effectively using symmetry operations.

The term of E-learning may include various uses of Web-based teaching materials, multimedia CD- or DVD-ROMs, games and so on. We hope E-learning chemical resources will accelerate more and more the contribution to the development of chemistry education.

I acknowledge the following editorial partners in this special issue.