There is a variety of virtual learning environments leading from simple text-based HTML courses to more complex hyper-media structures including e.g. interactive learning modules realized as Java applets. In this paper the authors presented our e-learning approach and focused on the problem of the instructional design of adaptive learning scenarios. Due to the results of several evaluations and tests the authors developed an approach called "configurable adaptation" to avoid several reasons for distrust or frustration on the learners' side. Furthermore the importance of didactical and psychological aspects during the implementation of learning systems was shown.