This guide is a technical – methodological support in the discussion of the function of the tutor in on-line training.
The guide has been developed with the knowledge that the term tutor implies different activities, roles and competencies depending on the environment and the pedagogical culture we are operating in. Therefore this guide tries to identify some unambiguous references which can be used to build a useful foundation when planning work to develop learner support in on-line distance learning using ICT.
There are 4 on-line training scenarios which are analysed, with reference to the relational system and the technology used:

• self – learning,
• assisted self - learning,
• learning in the virtual class,
• collaborative learning.

The literature on the subject matter identifies roles, objectives and work methods in relation to the previously defined four scenarios.
Firstly the different meanings of tutor must be defined in relation to traditional and on-line training using the most accepted theory regarding the tutor’s role and responsibility. In order to fill the gap due to the different meanings which can be interpreted by the term tutor, the guide examines various theoretical references in existing literature.
The analysis concentrates on the data concerning adult users.
Much of the guide is devoted to the definition of a detailed analysis of the competencies in the following four main areas:

• pedagogical area,
• social area,
  
• management area,
• technical area.

The guide includes a comprehensive bibliography and many links, which can be used by the informed user for further information, and it concludes with some operating instruments which can be used immediately for monitoring activities.