Abstract: This study proposes an e-learning authoring system architecture model based on the ontology, which can help to search and package learning objects in accordance with the knowledge of a subject matter. To support an instructional designer with guiding next stepped or related useful learning object, this prototype system adapted the knowledge presentation layer, i.e., the ontology of the semantic web, into the e-learning system which consisted of 3-tier layered architecture. In the middle layer of architecture, the learning design in this study can guide contents designers to search and package learning objects in accordance with contents and structure of a target subject matter. The domain knowledge of ontology is �computer hardware� in this study. After building computer hardware ontology and its prototype system, some instructional designer in e-learning system participated in the case study acknowledged its usefulness, comfort in designing learning content in this prototype system.