An online system and method for improving individual hand hygiene practices includes a central program manager including a processing unit, server, and memory necessary for interactive internet communication with a host of users. Each user or participant may access the software program when, where and however she/he desires, provided internet access is available. The online learning system and method maintained by the program manager is divided into three sessions, each comprising a module, each module being tailored to educate the participant about hand hygiene practices and to elicit from the participant a self-assessment of any shortcomings that the participant may perceive himself/herself as having in the area of hand hygiene. The participant may then develop a hand hygiene self-improvement plan, focusing on a number of such deficiencies, which will be the focus of attention of the participant in a real world setting with dispensing apparatuses until the participant selects the time and place to work on next module. During the interim period of time, the program manager, through internet communication, sends email and pop-ups to the participant to further encourage, educate, and make the participant aware of the hand hygiene practices of particular interest. Several progressive stages or modules of this type are employed, each evoking from the participant a commitment to change, and each intercommunication being of a personalized nature, and directed specifically to the needs evidenced by the self-improvement plan of the participant.