Ontological stratification of virtual learning activities - Developing a new categorization scheme

Throughout the last 100 years instructional theory has developed many different educational models and learning scenarios. What schools are still missing is not only an educationally sound and complete categorization scheme, but also the application of these models to the new forms and types of virtual learning environments. Traditionally these educational scenarios lack detailed and finely granulated descriptions. Such a description is only possible if it is guided by an underlying theoretical model of (e)learning and if the relationship between the higher level (educational scenario) and lower level (interaction pattern) are explored in detail. This paper suggests a new view based on the epistemological point of view the so-called "theory of ontological stratification” by Michael Polany. 1 The need for an educational categorization scheme on elearning During the last few years we have evaluated several different types of tools for e-learning like Learning Management Systems (LMS) and Content Management Systems (CMS) [1,2,3,4,5,6]. They are based on a special evaluation methodology by Michael Scriven, [7,8,9] adapted and further elaborated for the purpose at hand [10,11]. Based on an intensive market research, accompanied with qualitative description of the tools best ranked and updated on special websites [12,13 but see also 14] the results of our studies are well known in German speaking countries and serve as a kind of reference in the discussion of quality of e-learning. But nonetheless: From the pedagogical point of view these evaluations show some limitations: • The focus of attention is the tool and not the pedagogical situation: Our evaluation was a special type of evaluation – a product evaluation. Based on a market research they compare the different products in their functionality. So the unit of evaluation is the tool and not the pedagogical need and educational setting. • They are based on the current market situation: As our starting point is the current market situation our results are time specific because of their market dependence. As