A forum (or 'notice board', 'message board', 'bulletin board') provides a means for groups to collaborate asynchronously online. Tutors and/or learners can raise new topics or 'threads' by making a posting, to which other members of the community can then respond. Forum postings are usually textual, but can include images and attachments. Forums may be used to provide technical support, as notice boards or as ways of initiating all sorts of group activities.