In order to reuse and exchange learning objects we need information about these learning objects. The LOM draft standard defines a set of more than 70 attributes, which specify learning object properties like author, title, subject, and many others. Even though the LOM draft includes a category educational, no information is included in the standard to specify, which instructional roles are played by a learning object in a course. We show how to include this important didactic information using the concept of instructional roles and relations in a way, which is extensible and flexible enough to specify not only general didactic criteria, but rather specific criteria, as prescribed by different instructional theories.

Many people claim that e-learning is a waste of time. High dropout rates from e-learning courses, low learner satisfaction, ambiguous performance, seem to justify their opinion. But to the other extreme knowledge is recognized as a critical resource (Nonaka and Takeuchi 1995), (Wiig 1993), (Hahn and Subramani 2000), time and place limitations are abolished through e-learning technologies. So there is a definitely need to promote a critical consideration of this new concept. Academic Institutions in Higher Education as well as Corporations face a dilemma: to follow the traditional way of delivering training and education or to establish innovative approaches. Innovation many times implies simple and clear approaches, not obscure concepts and vague terms. Our paper concentrates on clear ideas. E-learning is a waste of time only if we dont believe it as a value adding process that challenges the way of teaching.

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Many people claim that e-learning is a waste of time. High dropout rates from e-learning courses, low learner satisfaction, ambiguous performance, seem to justify their opinion. But to the other extreme knowledge is recognized as a critical resource (Nonaka and Takeuchi 1995), (Wiig 1993), (Hahn and Subramani 2000), time and place limitations are abolished through e-learning technologies. So there is a definitely need to promote a critical consideration of this new concept. Academic Institutions in Higher Education as well as Corporations face a dilemma: to follow the traditional way of delivering training and education or to establish innovative approaches. Innovation many times implies simple and clear approaches, not obscure concepts and vague terms. Our paper concentrates on clear ideas. E-learning is a waste of time only if we dont believe it as a value adding process that challenges the way of teaching.