Using technology to automate syllabus construction for programmatic, curricular, faculty and experiential assessment activities
International Journal of Educational Management
ISSN: 0951-354X
Article publication date: 30 November 2021
Issue publication date: 17 January 2022
Abstract
Purpose
With a growing need to assess multiple aspects of healthcare education, the goal of this study was to develop an innovative web-based application to streamline assessment processes and meet the increasingly complex role of the educational manager.
Design/methodology/approach
AARDVARC (Automated Approach to Reviewing and Developing Valuable Assessment Resources for your Curriculum) was created with the core function of standardizing course syllabi through the use of a web-based portal and the ability to query fields within the portal to collect multiple points of data. AARDVARC permits quick and efficient gathering of programmatic, curricular, faculty, teaching, preceptor and financial data to facilitate meaningful change and a shared responsibility of assessment. This software has allowed automatic completion of complex analytics each semester, including coverage of program outcomes, course learning objectives, teaching and assessment methods, course readings, topics covered in the curriculum, faculty teaching hours, experiential activities, coverage of disease states and scheduling of peer observation of teaching.
Findings
Three years after its initial launch, AARDVARC is now used by 520 faculty, 60 staff, 44 preceptors and over 2,000 students across multiple health profession and science programs. Data analytics through AARDVARC have allowed the School to reimagine how assessment can be conducted and have provided a pathway for making evidence-based programmatic and curricular changes.
Originality/value
This original software has provided an innovative approach to conduct assessment that combines best practices in curriculum, assessment, data analytics and educational technology while improving the overall quality, speed, and efficiency of academic and business operations.
Keywords
Acknowledgements
The authors would like to thank the USC School of Pharmacy for providing the necessary financial, human and technological resources to support our software innovation and implementation.
Citation
Wu, M., Brill, D.A., Shirodkar, M.P., Tan, J., Poptani, M., Wang, Y. and Haworth, I.S. (2022), "Using technology to automate syllabus construction for programmatic, curricular, faculty and experiential assessment activities", International Journal of Educational Management, Vol. 36 No. 1, pp. 49-62. https://doi.org/10.1108/IJEM-10-2020-0494
Publisher
:Emerald Publishing Limited
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