Distance learning has been identified as an effective strategy for initial and continuing teacher training in the primary and secondary education sector. However, expansion in this field has also been followed by criticisms and concerns about the quality of such training. One of the main issues in distance learning is online tutoring, more specifically learner-tutor and/or learner-teacher interaction. Therefore, the objective of the present study was to investigate learners conception on online tutoring in a distance learning specialization course. Our main research study questions were: What do learners expect from their online tutors? Which contributions does online tutoring offer to the quality of learners training? How can ICT enhance the online tutoring practice? In order to understand the concept of online tutoring, an interdisciplinary research of the term was undertaken, relating it to the advances/development of ICT in distance education. The chosen research method was a case study on the specialization course Tecnologias em Educação – PUC Rio. Data on online tutoring were gathered from the learners responses to a questionnaire. Close-ended questions were analysed with the help of the SPSS software. One open-ended question was selected and analysed through the content analysis method and with the help of the Alceste software. Results originated from the close-ended questions showed high acceptance of the online tutor performance. In the qualitative analysis, Alceste originated four classes, identified as: online tutoring pedagogical strategies and assistant online tutor; question answerer online tutor; motivating the learner; online tutor training and influences of online tutoring on the learners professional practice. Learners opinions demonstrated the recognition and appreciation of online tutoring as an essential part of knowledge building during their learning process. The complexity of online tutoring practice and its influence on the training and professional development of the learner were also demonstrated.