The central design element of the ELENA smart learning space is a dynamic learner profile that includes a learning history, learner-specific information, and learning goals. The ELENA smart learning space directly interfaces with learning-related information systems. Smart learning spaces rely on an infrastructure of heterogeneous learning services with open interfaces, and ELENA makes this type of infrastructure possible by building interfaces for learning-related information systems and by a systematic analysis of available eLearning services.

Smart learning spaces integrate different types of artefacts delivered by learning services requiring different tags for describing artefacts and services. However, current standardisation initiatives, which are mainly focused on learning objects, do not provide the means for such a broad and high level of integration. To become integrated in a smart learning space, each of these types of services requires a wide range of different metadata schemas describing the service itself as well as the artefacts being delivered.

Interconnecting information systems related to teaching and learning based on flexible, semantically rich service interfaces are a new milestone in the use of information technology in the education and training industry. A network of teaching and learning services will create new flexibility allowing institutions to acquire services on an ad-hoc basis in order to complement their learning offerings or to create new chains of interconnected services with additional user value.

ELENA will open up new opportunities for learners and industry, such as

• the empowerment of the learner by providing single access points to heterogeneous learning services via the ELENA smart learning space, which considers learner profiles and personal development plans. Learner profile management will benefit from the new "contextualisation" of learning achieved by interconnecting learning service;
• the empowerment of instructors and managers through integrated services leading to more powerful systems for curriculum management, content creation, competency management, learning delivery, and assessment;
• the preparation of the grounds for new, creative HR-management concepts that are able to match job descriptions with learner profiles and personal development plans;
• the benefit provided to the increasingly competitive education industry from interconnected services that afford new opportunities for delivering high-quality education and training;
• the significant contribution made to standardisation initiatives in the context of teaching and learning.