ABSTRACT
An e~learning environment like other environments of human activity is a complex constellation of resources that must be managed by agents as they work toward their goals and objectives. Designers help students manage these resources by providing them with tools, supports, advice, and high~quality content. Ultimately, much of the success of a learning environ~ ment turns on the dynamic relation that emerges between learner and envi~ ronment: how well students interact with their environment; how well they read documents; how well they explore concepts, facts, illustrations; how well they monitor progress; and how well they solicit and accept help. As educators and designers, how can we fashion the conditions that will lead to improved learning? How can we improve the quality of this dynamic rela~ tion between student and e~learning environment?
