Recent developments include the provision of distance education courses as an alternative to oversubscribed or unavailable on-campus classes; the expansion of independent learning opportunities both in educational institutions and workplaces; and the development of learning centres (sites where distance education opportunities can be accessed using a variety of telecommunications equipment). Learning centres in community centres, in large industries and in government institutions provide resources for workplace training, skills and professional upgrading, diploma, degree and certificate completion, as well as personal growth and interest. This development underlines the expansion of distance education and the diversification in learners and course offerings.

"Aboriginal peoples have also used communications technologies for community education and participation. For instance, the Cree and Ojibwa in northwestern Ontario used radio in the 1970s and 1980s to convey information and a sense of community to people living in small communities across a large area. In the north, the Indian Brotherhood of the Northwest Territories used radio for educational programs, while the Inuit Tapirisat established community radio stations to preserve the Inuit culture and language and to promote pride in their heritage. In 1992, Television Northern Canada was launched by six aboriginal broadcast groups, the government of the Northwest Territories, Yukon College, and the National Aboriginal Society to provide a range of programming to the peoples of the north". (Rogers 1993).