The latter occurs when communities do not foresee learning as their main objective but generate learning as a side effect. The three e-learning territories that this article covers are:

• Individual development through e-learning involves education and training-related activities mainly at home, together with any other technology-enhanced learning activities not necessarily mediated by formal E&T institutions. This territory is characterised by non-formal learning processes and especially by means of informal learning activities.
• Learning communities are communities organised by individuals or groups of people to meet, share and learn about a specific subject. The learning taking place is non-formal, in the sense that it is not mediated by a teaching institution. The learning purpose is explicitly perceived and agreed on by the members, although not necessarily leading to formal recognition. Learning taking place in these communities may contribute to the development of skills and competences for the workplace, but also for private and social life.
• Communities generating learning as a side effect do not foresee learning as their main objective. Establishing a relationship with other members of these communities is prompted first and foremost by a common interest or common value commitment resulting from either geographical or intellectual proximity, demographic similarity, common hobbies, belonging to the same NGO or charity, to name a few. These communities may take the form of popular chat rooms, blogs and fora in which informal learning takes place.