The vision of ubiquitous computing suggests the seamless and unobtrusive availability of computer-based services. It is debatable whether e-learning has reached or is soon able to reach such a mature stage. The paper argues that ubiquitous information and communication technology does not constitute in itself a sufficient learning environment for everyone. Instead, it seems to be a long and winding road from the availability of web-based technology to a culture of distributed and life-long learning. Against this backdrop, the paper seeks to critically assess developmental aspects and obstacles of present-day e-learning, from an analytical as well as a practical perspective. In face of the complexity of the task national R&D-Projects in e-learning are seen as important exploration areas in the quest for sustainable changes in education. With the German federal capstone project "Virtual University of Applied Science" an example is presented that provides the practical background for the discussion of e-learning issues. Experiences with new forms of learning scenarios conclude the paper.