Re-conceptualizing learning environments: a framework for pervasive elearning

Pervasive e-learning requires a novel media perspective on learning objects. Instead of viewing handhelds or smart phones as minimized PCs we would like to propose a perspective on the notion of learning objects as active semiotics. We illustrate the use of such learning objects in distributed knowledge spaces which are a key concept for building up pervasive learning environments. We sketch a framework for implementing knowledge spaces and show how we use this framework for setting up learning environments. Finally, we discuss how we intend to extend this framework to cope with distributed knowledge spaces as part of distributed server environments as well as mobile ad hoc networks. We regard this extension as a key to build up real pervasive learning environments that transcend today's e-learning frameworks.