Provided is a computer-implemented interactive system and method for educating or training one or more participating users on a topic that includes a graphical user interface for delivering core content to the participating users. One or more icons are provided on the graphical user interface, each of which corresponds to a potential partner for the participating users with respect to core content. During a segment of the core content, a participating user selects one or more potential partners to assist the participating user regarding core content being delivered by a lecturer or discussion leader, by clicking on one of the icons on the graphical user interface (or partner content can be pre-associated with core content and provided in-line with core content as part of content session). The partner has past experience, characteristics or is in a position that causes the participating user to identify with the selected partner.