Capacity and interest in the use of computer conferencing techniques, such as online discussion forums, remains modest amongst most academics. This paper offers a conception of the online discussion forum as a framework that encourages student centred peer e-learning. In particular, it presents research findings on the experience of university students as leaders of the learning process as a central element of this approach to discussion forums. Data were collected through semi-structured interviews with students. The findings provide insight into how students view the approach and indicate it represents a workable means to position students at the centre of an online peer learning experience. Such an approach will be of interest to academics who want to incorporate computer conferencing techniques into their teaching and maintain meaningful peer learning opportunities for their students.