Abstract:

INTRODUCTION
Because of the change of the internet towards web 2.0 that focuses on the user, the IT-based systems that support learning in an academic context have to be reconsidered. The question is can the offered systems still cope with the new challenges and the requirements of students, because they often see the web as a creative platform and an enabler to realize their ideas and not a system with predefined contents.

Students, being the workforce of the future should be provided the means to acquire knowledge through self-directed efforts. Learning contents can be provided by different media formats, for example audio, video, pictures, case studies, etc. from different sources. Utilizing these formats, students should be motivated to exchange knowledge, gain insights from different perspectives, analyze information and finally solve problems.

These facts have tremendous implications on the provided Learning Management systems (LMS). New concepts of learning platforms, called Personal Learning Environments (PLE), can cope with these challenges and demands as they are learner centered and adaptable to the individual needs of the user. These environments can integrate web 2.0 tools, innovative services available in the internet.

LEARNING THEORIES AND DIGITAL LEARNING SUPPORT
In this section the main theories in use for learning that are the basis for the establishment, design and set up of IT-based learning environments are presented.

EMPIRICAL SURVEY
The following part presents the results of an empirical survey conducted by the author and explores the requirements and wishes of a Personal Learning Environment, along with experiences made with the Learning Management Systems currently offered by the universities. A special focus is on the potential of web 2.0 tools to support learning activities. All in all, 670 students took part in this survey.

The central aim of the empirical survey was to identify both, the satisfaction and shortcomings of currently used LMSs as well as the demand for functionalities and possibilities usually offered by PLEs. The target group is students currently studying at Austrian universities.

Research Questions
The research was conducted to find answers about the following research questions (RQ):
RQ1: What are the offered and used functions of the Learning Management System at the universities and how satisfied are the students with these systems?

RQ2: Is there a demand for functionalities and possibilities usually offered by Personal Learning Environments?

RQ3: What web 2.0 tools have the potential to support learning effectiveness?

Methodology
An online questionnaire was used to gather data in order answer the research questions. The general type of the items in the questionnaire are Likert-scale-items (five point scale) that are useful for gathering respondents' feelings, opinions, attitudes, etc. The answers were analyzed with statistical methods.

Main results of the empirical survey
The results clearly show that the offered systems have, from the students’ point of view, shortcomings and restrictions. On the other hand side there is a big demand for functionalities that are offered by PLEs. On the Basis of these results the existing LMS will be replaced at the university of the authors. A new and appropriate system has been selected that incorporates the thoughts of a PLE.

Keywords:

Collaborative learning, electronic learning (e-learning), empirical survey, personal learning environment, student-centered learning, web 2.0.