Instructional architecture for collaborative e-learning

A learning system, method, and data structure provides collaborative activities between learners. The system includes an interface to receive a learning strategy selected by a learner. A content management system stores content and one or more collaboration elements associated with a course. A learning management system determines the learning content and the one or more collaboration elements to present to the learner based on the selected learning strategy. The learner participates using the collaboration element at a time of the learner's choosing while taking the course. The collaboration activity may be based on one or more collaboration scenarios including a brainstorming activity, a cooperative text processing activity, an explanation discourse activity, an answer-to-tutor activity, and a pro-contra dispute. The collaboration element may be provided as an intentional point of collaboration.