Programming sources for community learning channels are expanding. PBS affiliates, higher education institutions, organizations such as TIE-IN and MCET, and government departments are all developing programming for public consumption. One way video and two way audio via call in via cable and telephone technologies allows the entire viewing audience to hear the problems being posed or lesson being taught, and enables them to participate in working out the solutions. Finally, during hours children normally would not be watching television, programming is provided that has educational value for adults. While some of this programming may produced locally and may cover local events and issues, participation of local colleges and universities also offers an opportunity to provide courses for credit as well as programming in a wide range of topics of interest and value to adult learners in the community.
Discussion groups can and often do meet on-line for follow up discussions.
New FCC regulations that will reduce the cost for telecommunications services to schools and libraries will put broadband, switched, digital technology within reach of many more communities. Some districts who originally intended to provide instruction within a district or region on a shared digital broadband network have found that courses taught in high schools can easily be switched to cable stations and broadcast directly into the home for homebound students and for adult consumption. Again, the home or workplace computer opens many avenues for interaction and support for learning outside the traditional classroom. By fully integrating cable, broadband telecommunications, local and wide area networks can yield very high returns on a school or district's investments in technology. Network Enabled Computing has emerged as a technology itself within the past three years.