Preface

Introduction
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Preface
In November 2007, the DCU Executive requested Dr Kay MacKeogh and Mr Seamus Fox, Oscail, to investigate elements of an eLearning strategy for DCU. A draft report was considered by the DCU Executive at its meetings on 1^st July 2008 and 2^nd September 2008. The Executive advised that the eLearning report should be circulated to colleagues throughout the university for information purposes, and in order to foster a better understanding of the potential of eLearning in DCU. The Executive also made the following recommendations:

1. Developing the new learning innovation strategy is a priority for DCU. The authors of the eLearning Report should work with the VPLI/Registrar and the LIAP in the development of this particular aspect of the new Learning Innovation Strategy. This would include building on the excellent material in the current report, the outcomes of the Foresight exercise and wide consultation with colleagues at School and Faculty level. This work should fit in with the current strategic planning cycle. The development of this aspect of the learning innovation strategy should include a SWOT analysis of the full integration of current Oscail programmes into Schools/ Faculties of DCU and or linked Colleges, and should also include a financial plan and relevant market research.The authors should identify and work with a small number of colleagues in Schools/Faculties who are keen to develop on-line modules/courses/programmes and/or transform current face-to-face modules/programmes. This would be in order to develop and evaluate university pilots.
2. The authors should work with the SIF team to determine potential for funding support and appropriate market research for the above in order to ensure that DCU delivers on its SIF objectives.
3. The authors should link with Professor Martin Henry and the AFI team to identify if and how the above work can facilitate the roll out of AFI and the AFI objectives.
4. As the Oscail experience, and the skills set of staff, is an important resource on which to build the development and delivery of important aspects of the DCU learning innovation strategy, the university should continue to integrate the current Oscail activities and staff closer into the university structures. In order to facilitate this, a transitional unit comprising the LIU and the Oscail programme delivery and administration teams should be formed under the Office of the Vice-President for Learning Innovation.

The Executive welcomes the response of the University community to the content of this report.

Professor Ferdinand von Prondzynski

President