The paper highlights the importance of experimentation and an innovative approach to English
language writing instruction with the help of information communication technology (ICT or IT).
First, it describes the local situation of English language teaching at The Chinese University of Hong
Kong (CUHK). Then, it summarizes the development of IT proficiency and student-led collaborative
learning groups at CUHK. Third, it reports on an international Web-based writing project involving
six collaborating schools in different parts of the world including China, the United States,
Indonesia, and Hong Kong in the year 1999-2000. In the report, the author-presenter will share with
the audience a new ELT course development titled "English Online: Writing on the Web." He will
explain the course objectives, the background of participating classes, the Web Course Tools (WebCT),
the design of the project, the evaluation of course effectiveness and the outcome of the new curricular
initiative. Finally, the paper presents a summary of a practical guide to electronic collaboration and
some of the lessons the writer has learnt in five years' experience of participant-observation in English
teaching practice using the Web.