This somewhat abstract discussion of how information technology (IT) can support the learning process begins with a definition of learning as the transfer of knowledge from outside the learner to inside. Learning is completed only when the learner can use the knowledge transferred. The author believes knowledge must be stepwise acquired. Learning goals may be performance oriented, as in teaching a person to drive, or understanding oriented, as in most learning. IT-supported learning can improve the stepwise process, make related knowledge available, and manage a preset question and answer (Q&A) database. A teacher can, beyond transferring knowledge, advise on learning strategies and provide context data. An IT-supported learning system should match the sequence of steps being learned and the learner’s individual learning history. The learning support system must not impose overloads on the learner and should make the learning as pleasant as possible. The functions of a learner, a teacher, and an IT-based teaching tool are compared.

The paper concludes by observing that IT support is effective in meeting performance goals, but is less effective in meeting understanding goals. An appendix shows trends in the number of papers published each year in various categories related to learning: infrastructure, tools, role of instructor, human-computer interaction, and others. In general, the number of papers is declining. I found the paper hard to read, partly because of sentence construction. Further, arguments supporting some assertions seem to be missing.