This paper develops a critical methodology which could be applied to the study and use of e-learning environments. The foundations are, first, an ontological appreciation of environments as multiple, dynamic and interactive: this is based on the environmental theories of Vladimir Vernadsky. The next step is then into epistemology, and here use is made of the literary theories of Mikhail Bakhtin, who considers the various ways in which environments are interpreted via the analysis of text. Different interpretations may compete, and the methodological task is to "read" the results of this competitive interaction in the environments we are studying. Ultimately, the study of the introduction of e-learning is the study of an environmental change, and researchers should apply methods appropriate to such a field--namely, a holistic perspective, and participatory methods--if they are to truly evaluate the impact of e-learning.