In summer semester 2006, the University of Hamburg's managament formulated its position in relation to eLearning and developed an eLearning Strategy Paper.

"The University of Hamburg aims to improve teaching by exploiting cutting-edge information and communications technology in a sustainable fashion. eLearning should form an integral part of teaching and be viewed as a conventional tool alongside all other methods of teaching and studying. The University of Hamburg thereby seeks to contribute to the fundamentally necessary acquisition of media skills among students and teaching staff.

eLearning doesn't just involve providing access to technology; it is also a means to improve study and teaching. The use of new technologies should  always be guided by pedagogical and didactic principles. The University of Hamburg is committed to the highest standards in research, teaching and service. To achieve this goal, the University wants to:

• use eLearning to intensify the supervision of students throughout their studies, thereby reducing drop-out and increasing graduation rates
  
• use eLearning to ensure student access, anytime and anywhere, within and outside the University to resources necessary for University study
• enrich the spectrum of course offerings by integrating multi-medial and interactive study material and promote independent and flexible studying
• provide a varied mix of traditionally-attended courses and virtual instruction in diverse study scenarios.

A monitoring process will be used to integrate new forms of software as well as the social forms of their use in future decision-making."

(Preamble eLearning Strategy Paper)

The eLearning Strategy Paper includes the following strategic goals and respective measures for eLearning at the University of Hamburg through 2010.

1. Determining responsibilities

2. Promoting eSkills

3. Uniform Internet presence of all institutions of the University concerned with eLearning

4. eLearning Skills Center

5. Using eLearning to contribute to organizational development

6. Implementing eLearning using software

7. Integrating eLearning into studying and teaching

8. Easy access to eLearning instruction by students who require it

9. Promoting cooperation in eLearning instruction

10. Ensuring quality and quality control, advising on copyright issues