Rooted in the perception that the network is the computer, the term network-centric computing suggests the functionality provided by a network, above and beyond the mere carriage of information.Network-centric computing involves fundamental changes at many levels that amount to a substantial paradigm shift in computing. There is a desperate need for a comprehensive framework to guide the re-engineering and migration process. Three issues within this field namely, techniques to achieve platform independence, configuration management, and, quality of software are discussed in this paper.The advent of the Internet and network-centric computing has also spawned firm foundation for experimentation with distance-based education. Network-centric technologies and strategies present a new context for developing and delivering learning experiences. To effectively adapt to the learning paradigm shift, we focus our attention to communications technology, educational middleware, courseware, and pedagogical inputs. We conclude with the impact of network-centric software engineering on electronic distance learning.