Today, in a tense context of globalisation of economics and finance, education and training must obey global requirements. Computer science and new learning environments have become crucial in developing countries. Information and Communication technologies (ICT) are present in telecommunications, the banking sector, health and education itself. This article underlines the role of e- and distance learning in education, research and societies. Frontiers are shown and ways for best practices are presented. Furthermore, it underlines the challenge of teaching computer science in a poor industrial environment. Technological background is discussed as well as financial and pedagogical aspects. (DIPF/Orig.