The structure might be defined by a set of lessons, or by a sequence of tasks. The activity is outlined with clearly defined phases. A telecollaborative activity might for example have an introductory phase, a data collection phase, and a reporting phase. An online course might be divided into a series of lessons, each of which has an information presentation phases and an activity. A key commonality of successful online projects is the role played by and active and effective moderator to initiate and sustain interaction.
Successful projects occur within groups that see themselves as part of a close-knit community.
Specific and purposeful community building has been a part of each of these projects. The networks and the collaborative activities that they support need to be imbedded within an institutional structure, which provides security and continuity.