Hi MB
there is a lot of information out there and available on academic databases from your own University.
I recomend three sites for your interest
BECTA http://www.becta.org.uk/
EDUCAUSE http://www.educause.edu/
You will need to spend some time searching these with appropriate keywords e.g. Learning Management System or Virtual Learning Environmen.
You can also keep an eye on my Blog http://donalomahony.edublogs.org/ - which looks at some of the issues - if you go back though the posts you will see links to articles that may be useful to you.
Enjoy!