In this paper, recent experiments of electron cyclotron plasma heatingleading to electron internal transport barriers (ITBs) are summarizedpointing out differences and common features. These experiments arecharacterized by the new condition of dominant electron heating in lowcollisional plasmas. The role of the central magnetic shear, which hasto be weak or negative for an electron-ITB to develop, is pointed out,as well as the possible role of the Shafranov shift orα-stabilization of the turbulence responsible for the anomalouselectron transport. Differences with respect to ion-ITB formationconditions are also briefly discussed. The active control of MHDinstabilities is another important issue to improve plasma confinementproperties. An illustrative example of stabilization of tearing mode byECRH is reported and discussed.