1. A web-based educational system comprising: (a) a digital processing device that is connected to the Internet comprising an operating system configured to perform executable instructions and which comprises a memory device, a display, an input device, and a sound output device; (b) a computer program including instructions executable by a digital processing system that create an educational environment, wherein said educational environment comprises: at least one area of skill, interest, or expertise; a plurality of activities associated with each area of skill, interest, or expertise; and, at least three navigational modes comprising: i. a sequenced navigational mode wherein said web-based educational system presents to the learner a predetermined sequence of more than one activity in one or more areas of skill, interest, or expertise wherein the learner must complete each preceding activity in the sequence to progress to the next; ii. a guided navigational mode wherein said web-based educational system presents to the learner one or more activities in one or more areas of skill, interest, or expertise selected by a mentor from among a population of activities to create a subpopulation of activities; iii. an independent navigational mode wherein the learner selects activities from among a population of activities; and iv. optionally, the learner can switch between said navigational modes.