This research study examines virtual collaborative learning for programming education in Hong Kong tertiary institutions. It aims to understand the roles of teachers, students, and synchronous and asynchronous communication services. Eight students will participate in pairs using communication technologies like VNC and instant messaging, along with face-to-face lessons over one semester. Data will be collected through video recordings of lessons, field notes, and student interviews. The data will then be analyzed by transcribing student interactions and summarizing interviews using analysis software.