New approaches to learning and teaching, and the introduction of new technologies have meant some new and different roles for education professionals.

Central to the learning process are the teacher and the learner. Flexible Learning approaches emphasise the teacher's role as facilitator, as a "guide on the side" rather than a "sage on the stage". The learner's role is an active one rather than a passive one. Flexible learning approaches allow, even expect, learners to take responsibility for their learning process, to make choices, to control their learning. These views of teacher and learner roles can involve a considerable shift in thinking for those accustomed to more traditional approaches.

Apart from the teacher and learner roles, there are many other roles needed for flexible delivery, particularly where new learning technologies are used. These include student support, management, instructional design, online design and development, and technology support.

One of the features of these new approaches is that roles are no longer as clearly defined. That is in some instances one or two people may cover all the roles mentioned above, whereas in other instances large teams of people fulfilling very specialised roles will work together on one educational project. Team work is often a crucial aspect of delivering education and training in a flexible learning environment.