PCF2 // Although there is general agreement that the introduction of new information and communication technologies, and specifically the move towards distance education and open learning, will be fundamental to the learning environment in future, the author is convinced that these offerings are not suitable for undergraduate education, and will not be able to eliminate, replicate or be equal in any way to traditional residential programmes, particularly in South Africa. It is the lifelong learning requirements and expectations among more mature students and adults that are supposed to drive the expansion of distance learning, not undergraduate education. The rationale for this argument should be viewed against the background that most undergraduate students, but specifically the non-traditional students in South Africa, due to various sociocultural and political reasons, do not possess the required skills, knowledge, competencies and motivation to function effectively within this new technology enriched learning environment. //