This study investigates computer-mediated communication (CMC) to facilitate the construction of a learning community of preservice teachers. The formation of a learning community involves students working together to solve ill-structured problems and applying knowledge and experience to heuristic teaching. "Peer learning" broadly includes cooperative and collaborative learning and involves learners working together to achieve specific learning goals. Research goals of this study include: (1) to understand how students made use of CMC to construct knowledge about a computer-supported learning environment; (2) to create a problem-based learning activity that helps students integrate the theories of a computer-supported learning environment into practical teaching; (3) to describe the role of the lecturer in the peer learning community; and (4) to find out the role of learners in on-line discussions between members of the peer learning community. Findings show that contemporary computer-mediated communication technology not only supports learning activities but also fosters the development of peer learning communities. (Author/KHR)