A learner-centered system for collaborative learning is provided that departs from traditional teacher-centric modes of teaching. The computer-based system is accessible by a community of users over an electronic communications network. A data storage device for storing data comprising items of teaching content and learner-initiated content is thus remotely accessible by the users. A set of collaborative dialogue tools is provided that is configured for learners to freely initiate and generate their own items of learner-initiated content in relation to items of teaching content for storage. The learners are allowed to generate one or more links between an item of learner-initiated content so stored and at least one item of teaching content through a linking mechanism of the system, thereby enhancing the learners' learning process.