This paper is centred on the main results of the ELeGI Integrated Project with respect to formal learning approaches. The ELeGI project provided the infrastructure for convergence of the technological solutions and the pedagogical models well defined in literature. The paper first presents the theoretical learning model which allows to automatically generate a personalised Unit of Learning and to dynamically adapt it during the learning process according to the learner's behaviour, preferences and learning styles. The ELeGI formal Learning Model drives the design of the ELeGI formal learning software architecture, conceived for supporting the execution of the processes defined in the learning model. The design methodology followed results as an interesting case from the software engineering point of view. A prototype of the ELeGI formal architecture is the ELeGI formal learning software platform. The most important one is IWT-GA that is the re-engineered version of the commercial e-learning solution Intelligent Web Teacher (IWT) integrated with the GRASP middleware, a service oriented Grid middleware.