Data collection and organization activities use databases and search engines to organize and retrieve data. Users contribute data individually to a shared database and retrieve data from it as needed. Collaborators can display documents online and discuss the contents via email, videoconference, or chat. They can use annotation systems to comment on shared documents and editing tools to co-edit documents online. Videoconferencing is like a conference call with pictures.
Teachers participate in online courses or workshops to learn something new.
They are like traditional courses and workshops, but without face to face meetings. The electronic component allows people to participate whenever and from wherever they want. Such activities involve an instructor who distributes assignments, guides the conversation, and responds to participants' questions. The material for discussion, as well as the discussions themselves, can take place via a discussion group or through an integrated distance learning tool. An added benefit is that participants learn about using an electronic medium.