Institute of Health Sciences Foundation Programme

Aligning Learning Outcomes Information Technology

Bernard K Perry

MA BSc PGCE RSA-Dip-TEFLA (DELTA) Head of Basic Sciences & Foundation Programme Chair of IHS ICT Committee

Topics

  IHS Curriculum review process in 2008 – incorporating Oman Academic Standards for General Foundation Programmes (2008) IT curriculum review – aligning the standards  Incorporating key Study Skills The Institute of Health Sciences Foundation Programme 2

IHS Curriculum Review – 2008

 Prompts – Revised IHS Vision (aiming towards higher diploma/degree programmes) – New Academic Standards for Foundation Programmes (OASGFP, 2008)  Process – An improved curriculum review process devised – Curriculum Advisory Committees established 3 The Institute of Health Sciences Foundation Programme

Key elements of curriculum review

  Benchmark standards and needs established – International (e.g. First Aid) – National (e.g. Foundation: OASGFP document) – Needs Analysis within local context Existing curriculum outcomes compared with standards: Gap analysis  Outcomes revised across programmes and courses, vertically and horizontally  Programmes/Courses restructured 4 The Institute of Health Sciences Foundation Programme

Summary of IHS Process

6. Ongoing evaluation 1. Review standards

The Curriculum Review Process

5. Implement Curriculum 2. Needs Analysis 4. Develop Curriculum The Institute of Health Sciences Foundation Programme 3. Gap Analysis 5

The initial steps

6. Ongoing evaluation 1. Review standards

The Curriculum Review Process

5. Implement Curriculum 2. Needs Analysis 4. Develop Curriculum The Institute of Health Sciences Foundation Programme 3. Gap Analysis 6

Steps 1 & 2 – preparation

 Standards – for IT (and other subjects in the GFP) , prescribed in the OASGFP document (2008)  Needs Analysis for IT – a GFP requirement – a necessity for IHS students (e.g. web research, data analysis, report writing, presentations, etc.) – Allied Health graduates need familiarity with computerized health records systems 7 The Institute of Health Sciences Foundation Programme

Aligning the outcomes

6. Ongoing evaluation 1. Review international standards

The Curriculum Review Process

5. Implement Curriculum 2. Needs Analysis 4. Develop Curriculum The Institute of Health Sciences Foundation Programme 3. Gap Analysis 8

Step 3 – Gap Analysis: Mapping

Existing course objectives



OASGFP outcomes

 1 2 3 4

A

   

B

   

C

     Mapping included whether an outcome is – Studied (in course materials) – Assessed (formally or informally)

D

    9 The Institute of Health Sciences Foundation Programme

IT Gap analysis – Example 1

LEARNING OUTCOMES 5.2.1 Computer Fundamentals

Modules/Courses IT1: Year 0 Semester 1 IT2: Year 0 Semester 2 a b.1 b.2 S = Studied and/or Applied A = Assessed P= Assessed by practical T= Assessed by theory L= Assessed by Logbook Outcome Statements Describe the main functional blocks of a computer system and how they work in sequence to process information. Identify and describe the function of different hardware components such as CPU, storage systems, types of memories like RAM, ROM etc. and common input and output devices. Compare and contrast different types of computers, including network computers, personal computers, laptops and PDAs. S S S S b.3 Explain the terms Hertz (incl. MHz, GHz) and byte (incl. KB, MB, GB, TB). S A T S T T T c.1 Identify and explain the different types of software: operating systems, application software and programming software. c.2 Install and uninstall software applications. S T A S A S A S A S A S A S A d.1 Identify the requirements for a computer suitable for purchasing for student usage. d.2 Demonstrate a basic understanding of computer ergonomics (seating, lighting, positioning, ventilation etc.) and explain the common health problems associated with computer usage and ways to avoid them. d.3 Explain the concept of software copyright. d.4 Explain the terms shareware, freeware, end-user license agreement. d.5 Explain the Omani data protection legislation. d.6 Demonstrate basic keyboard skills. S T S L The Institute of Health Sciences Foundation Programme 10

IT Gap analysis – Example 2

LEARNING OUTCOMES 5.2.4 Spreadsheets

Modules/Courses IT1: Year 0 Semester 1 IT2: Year 0 Semester 2 p q r a b c d e f g h i j k l m n o S = Studied and/or Applied A = Assessed P= Assessed by practical T= Assessed by theory L= Assessed by Logbook Outcome Statements Recognise, open, modify, navigate, save and close a spreadsheet application file. S A S A S A S A S Identify the main components of a spreadsheet window. Explain the basic uses of spreadsheets. Create, Open, Save, and Close spreadsheets. Use the help system effectively. Identify and use the different menus and toolbars to set up the worksheets. Demonstrate how to insert, store and manipulate data. Demonstrate how to handle (Insert, rename, delete, duplicate, move etc.) worksheets. Generate various formulas using built-in functions and use them appropriately and correctly to solve problems. Demonstrate the formatting of data, cells, rows and columns in a worksheet. Create and manipulate different types of charts/graphs on the worksheet data. Explain usage of formulas and functions in a worksheet. Explain generating various charts and graphs. Explain how to sort, link and consolidate spreadsheets. Demonstrate the understanding of various print options and how to print spreadsheets and charts after appropriate page set-up and pre-view. Demonstrate use of the edit (copy/cut/paste etc) functions. Demonstrates the ability to reproduce a hand written table as an electronic spreadsheet. Demonstrates the ability to perform basic analysis of data using graphs and charts. A S S S S S S S S S S S S S S S S S P P P T T P P P A P T T P L P P P S A S A The Institute of Health Sciences Foundation Programme 11

IT Gap analysis – all 6 areas

The Institute of Health Sciences Foundation Programme 12

Gap Analysis Findings for IT

    Some gaps existed, so course objectives updated to match OASGFP Total length to be increased from 45h to 60h over 2 semesters (30h course each semester) IT2 course to include an introduction to Hospital Information Management Systems (to meet MOH needs) Some study skills outcomes to be included in IT teaching/assessment The Institute of Health Sciences Foundation Programme 13

Study Skills in IT

 What had the Gap Analysis for Study Skills revealed?

– Over 80% of Study Skills outcomes handled in English, e.g. Oral Presentations, Research for Projects, Time Management… – Many aspects of Time Management also covered in other Foundation courses – Presentation media skills are included in IT 14 The Institute of Health Sciences Foundation Programme

Incorporating Study Skills in IT

 Time Management and similar “general” study skills to be fully integrated into all “Core” GFP subjects, including IT  Preparation of presentation media (i.e. PowerPoint slides) to taught/assessed in IT (and English) The Institute of Health Sciences Foundation Programme 15

IT Teaching and Assessment

 IT is essentially competency based  Classes are mostly activity/task based  3 modalities of assessment – Theory: to formally test knowledge and concepts – Practical: to formally test skills and application of knowledge – Log-book: to ensure assignments and study skills completed satisfactorily 16 The Institute of Health Sciences Foundation Programme

Revised Structure of IHS FP

Semester 1 Courses

Course 1 English 1 2 IT 1 3 Intro to Health

Professions

4 Maths 1 (Basic) 5 Study Skills 5 Private Study 6 Activity Period

Totals

2 2 1 1 30 21 2 1 315 30 15 30 30 15 15 450

Semester 2 Courses

1 English 2 2 IT 2 3 First Aid h/wk 18 2 2 4 Maths 2 (Pure) 5 Human Biology 6 Private Study* 7 Activity Period 2 3 2 1

Totals

30 * Includes project work total h 270 30 30 30 45 30 15 450 Grand Total 585 60 45 60 75 45 30 900

References

       Oman Academic Standards for General Foundation Programs – Oman Accreditation Council, 2008 MOH Ministerial Ordinances (Karars) 100/1993 & 167/2008 (Establishment of Health Institutes) IHS Internal Rules & Regulations (2008-2009) IHS Curriculum Review Process (2007-2008) IHS Vision, Mission, Goals & Values (2007) Report of the Review of the Foundation Programme Curriculum, 2008 (including CAC minutes and decisions) IHS Programme Outlines & Course Overviews The Institute of Health Sciences Foundation Programme 18

      IHS VISION, MISSION, STRATEGIC GOALS, GRADUATE ATTRIBUTES, VALUES AND MOTTO

Vision

To be the premier provider of allied health care education in the region.

Mission

Our mission is to graduate highly competent, motivated, adaptable and committed allied health care professionals who, through dedicated team work, can provide varied health services to the community.

Strategic Goals

The Institute of Health Sciences will – develop quality educational programmes in the various allied health professions to meet the needs of the health services of Oman and the region, – play an active role in providing continuing education for faculty and the allied health professions.

– seek partnerships with other higher educational institutions to ensure the highest possible quality within its programmes, – stay abreast of and, where feasible, utilise the latest developments in educational and clinical methodologies and technologies, – participate in research which will advance knowledge in the educational systems of the institute and in allied health professions in Oman.

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    Vision, cont’d…

Objectives (Graduate Attributes)

Graduates should be able to: – utilise their knowledge, skill, and judgment to practise safely in various health care settings, – apply problem solving techniques as well as the scientific method, – communicate effectively with patients and colleagues, – work effectively in a team, – participate in providing relevant health education to individuals, groups, and communities – display appropriate professional attitudes and apply professional ethical standards – adapt to new policies, procedures and situations, – assume responsibility for personal growth and development, – participate in relevant research.

Values

At the IHS, we value: – ownership of the initiatives, systems and activities of the institute, – ambition for progressive professional development, – excellence through creativity, innovation and hard work – commitment, continuous dialogue and quality management, – positive and friendly working environment based on professional discretion, integrity, teamwork and mutual respect.

Motto

“Excellence through team work” The Institute of Health Sciences Foundation Programme 21