The phenomenal growth of the Internet andglobal networking has provided the impetus to utilize computer conferencing to facilitate collaborative learning. This paper explores issues related to the design of collaborative learning environments mediated by computer conferencing, and discusses them from the perspective of challenges faced in the socio-cultural context of the Indian sub-continent. If examines the unique features of the online medium and their impact on social cohesiveness, group dynamics, interaction, communication anxiety, and participation. Basedon several computer conferences, the paper offers guidelines to practice and focuses on the importance of the role of the moderator/facilitator in a computer conference. The necessity to change traditional roles from teacher-centered to learner-centered learning is emphasized and the challenge to design collaborative learning based on constructivist principles is explored. The paper concludes with a discussion of the need to develop new paradigms to evaluate collaborative learning mediated by computer conferencing.