The Internet is increasingly being used as a tool in adult and community education. It offers flexibility and choice, and reduces the negative effects associated with gender, race and physical disability. The introduction of Internet based learning is leading to newer paradigms of distance learning, particularly asynchronous rather than synchronous communication. A difficulty with the medium is the lack of face-to-face communication. The cost of Internet learning, at both individual and institutional level, can be high. Poorly designed material, and social isolation, can be problems, and there is a need to develop technical skills before learning can begin. There are some difficulties in the reward structure for tutors. The future of the medium is difficult to predict, as there is very little research on the issues to do with the use of the Internet as a teaching medium. The effectiveness of the Internet as a teaching tool has yet to be established. Despite this, use of the Internet for offering courses is growing.