Abstract:In this paper, we present a modelling approach to study learning processes. We introduce the process/pedagogy/tools model and shown how its assembly-line style of process modelling can be used to describe which pedagogical aspects and which tools that support which parts of a specific learning process. We also review the SECI knowledge creation theory of Nonaka and combine it with process modelling to arrive at a SECI process framework for the study and analysis of knowledge-creating learning processes. Finally, we show that the different SECI modes of knowledge conversion are empirically supported by pedagogical research.Keywords: learning process modelling; knowledge-creation; SECI process framework; LISREL method; validating web-based learning processes and tools.Reference to this paper should be made as follows: Naeve, A., Yli-Luoma, P., Kravcik, M. and Lytras, M.D. (2008) 'A modelling approach to study learning processes with a focus on knowledge creation', Int. J. Technology Enhanced Learning, Vol. 1, Nos. 1/2, pp.1-34. 2 A. Naeve et al.Biographical notes: Ambjörn Naeve is the Head of the Knowledge Management Research Group at the Royal Institute of Technology in Stockholm and the scientific director of Uppsala Learning Lab at Uppsala University. His research focuses on knowledge management, semantic web, and technology enhanced learning, and he has published and co-edited widely and served on a large number of programme committees for international conferences within these fields. He has invented the knowledge manifold information architecture and the concept browser Conzilla and has developed a conceptual modelling technique called Unified Language Modelling, which is designed to depict conceptual relationships in a linguistically coherent way.Pertti Yli-Luoma has a background in Mathematics, Computer Science, Statistics, Physics, Comparative Education, and Educational Psychology. He is presently Professor of Education with Applied IT at Oulu University, where he is Director of a LearningLab for web-based learning research. His research focuses on web-learning, learning styles and strategies, mathematics and physics learning, and research methods, and he has published 96 papers and 24 books within these fields. He has developed a web-based interactive learning tool (WebLI), and he is presently using WebLI in a project with two Chinese universities running a web-based Master's Degree programme on Information Technology.

In the present study, a semantic perspective on e-learning theory is advanced and a modelling approach is used. This modelling approach towards the new learning theory is based on the four SECI phases of knowledge conversion: Socialisation, Externalisation, Combination and Internalisation, introduced by Nonaka in 1994, and involving two levels of knowledge-tacit and explicit. In the Socialisation phase, the teacher-student interaction activates the exploratory learning behaviour. This phase is emotionally and socially loaded. The Externalisation phase is partly emotional but a cognitive dimension is also needed, which requires creativity. This phase works optimally if it is collaborative in nature. In the Combination phase, an ability for hypotheticaldeductive thinking is needed for the modelling approach. During the Internalisation phase, the learning process requires that students engage in seeking to understand and explain natural phenomena, which further demands testing of the theoretical concepts. IntroductionThe idea in the present study is to advance a new semantic learning theory for elearners. The instructional Semantic Web tools should be carefully selected and afterwards tested. This presentation is, however, only a research plan for this undertaking.