Open and distance education as organisational concepts used to provide opportunities for qualification in the fields of both formal education and training are based on the principle that individuals can learn independently when provided with appropriate learning materials, as well as guidence, tutoring and feedback from the teaching system or institution. The development of new information and communication technologies has provided systems and individuals with applications suitable to improve the efficiency of learning; as a consequence, methodologies, tools and materials are becoming more pervasive, invading the whole field of education and training. Possibly this will lead to the de- institutionalisation of education and training for the adult population. In the long run, national systems of education and training will have to compete with private operators in this field, according to rules dicatated by market tendencies.