Abstract: Does the creative fostering of peer-to-peer (P2P) learning reduce the distance in distance education? This paper will discuss the process and progress of an empirical study on building peer relations as a site of learning in a distance graduate program that uses innovative digital technologies, across and among cohorts. It will also explore the state of the literature on online professional development opportunities for educators and how P2P may expand the learning possibilities for professional development. Preliminary findings indicate that unencumbered connectivity, institutional facilitated learning, increased criticality, and collaborative peer learning are all factors that increase success in P2P e-learning. The dynamic roles of learners, facilitators, and administrators that leverage learning will be articulated, and the environments most conducive to learning and change will be identified.