Some learning systems lock you into "straitjackets" and "dead ends" as you become a prisoner of the content and style of what is being presented.

These problems come in many forms: as step-by-step learning paths that allow no variation; through content that presents just one limited view, allowing no other perspectives or information to be included in the learning process; as outdated or biased information; or through the unintended limitations that a content expert or instructional designer has unconsciously built into the product. It is thus essential to ask whether the learning systems that you are purchasing are based on an open architecture. Closed systems lock you in; open systems allow you to explore. They may even allow you to find new materials that may not be an explicit part of the training system.

Look for on an open-system architecture. Look for systems that allow many possible learning paths. Look for learning object design that helps you move from one topic of study to another if you wish to "dig deeper" or explore more broadly. In a web-based world each learning experience should also direct you to the best resources worldwide on the topic you are studying: background books and references, web sites or products, training programs and services that can be purchased to enrich your learning experience. In this way the system can help users know what resources are available in the broadest sense and target exactly what they need.