This paper reports from a large-scale e-learning initiative where a nation wide project was launched to address the challenges raised by geographical information systems to the public administrations of Sweden.. The analysis identifies two interrelated challenges for large scale e learning projects: Heterogeneity of participant and the situated nature of practice. It is concluded that these challenges needs to be addressed with an techno pedagogical design approach where technological and pedagogical aspects are closely integrated with the existing and the future work practices