Teaching concepts which focus on getting learners to communicate with one another show that tutors do not have to be the centre of the learning process.

In this context, community tools have become more and more popular over the past few years. These tools can be used during the actual learning phase (learning community) or after completion of training (support community or community of practice). They allow for virtual, text-based discussions in forums. Community tools also facilitate the operation of a virtual classroom or document filing system. To stimulate communication among the participants, discussions are usually guided by a facilitator and supplemented by incorporating prominent external experts.
This type of cooperative learning is the central didactic element of two LERNET projects clear2b and prodela.