This paper examines the practical implications for teachers wishing to incorporate e-learning and Web 2.0 technologies into their pedagogy. The authors concentrate on applied didactical scenarios and the impacts of e-learning innovations. The methods applied stem from grounded theory and action research. An analytical framework was derived by inverting problem-based learning (PBL). Three practices at the University of East London (UEL) are examined in the context of this framework, using, respectively, a formal virtual learning environment, Facebook and Skype. The paper's findings have implications and provide guidance for those planning and implementing online collaboration and learning in education and industry. (Contains 2 figures.)