This paper presents an interactive educational environment for use over both "in situ" and distance-based modalities of teaching. Several technological issues relating to the design and development of the distributed virtual learning environment have also been raised. The PROVIDE framework proposed in this paper is a seamless distributed environment for continuous interaction between teaching and learning. The four learning facets, namely, the things learned from a teacher, learned by students' using their own intellect, learned through peer-interaction and learned through the process of hands-on experience, are all enhanced in the framework by the provision of the "third dimension" in learning. The latter mechanism facilitates learning activities to be observed and monitored through effective co-operation and collaboration through various tools and technologies. Further, the PROVIDE framework introduces the concept of offering alternate courses, learning choices and managing related academic processes, such as testing and certification. Some implementation details and related algorithms have also been provided in this paper. (Contains 7 figures.)