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Electronic curriculum implementation at North American dental schools
William D Hendricson1, Fotinos Panagakos, Elise Eisenberg
1San Antonio, 7703 Floyd Curl Drive, San Antonio, TX 78229-3900, USA. hendricson@uthscsa.edu
Journal of Dental Education
|October 7, 2004
Summary
Electronic curriculum (E-curriculum) adoption in North American dental schools shows early adopters progressing rapidly, while most schools implement changes slowly. Faculty barriers like time and skill hinder widespread E-curriculum use, especially in non-laptop programs.
Area of Science:
- Dental Education Technology
- Instructional Design in Higher Education
- Health Professions Informatics
Background:
- Electronic curriculum (E-curriculum) offers potential to enhance dental education but lacks implementation guidance.
- North American dental schools are exploring various E-curriculum resources, including mandatory laptop programs.
Purpose of the Study:
- Assess the implementation status of mandatory laptop programs in U.S. and Canadian dental schools.
- Determine the availability and usage of 22 E-curriculum resources across North American dental schools.
- Identify factors influencing the adoption and implementation of E-curriculum in dental education.
Main Methods:
- A 26-item Electronic Curriculum Implementation Survey (ECIS) was administered to all 66 North American dental schools (2002-03).
- The survey collected data on laptop programs, E-curriculum resource use, faculty development, and implementation barriers.
- Responses were received from 100% of surveyed institutions, with data analyzed from associate deans, deans, and IT managers.
Main Results:
- 14 U.S. dental schools implemented mandatory laptop programs, with 10 established in the preceding two years, reporting initial challenges but overall satisfaction.
- E-curriculum resource utilization, including websites and online evaluations, was higher in schools with laptop programs.
- Limited faculty training in online instructional techniques and faculty-related barriers (time, skill, incentive) were significant obstacles to E-curriculum adoption.
Conclusions:
- North American dental schools, particularly those with laptop programs, are in the early 'learn by doing' phase of E-curriculum innovation adoption.
- Implementation challenges at this early stage require careful attention to prevent breakdown of innovation efforts.
- Strategic planning for E-curriculum implementation should address faculty support and training to overcome identified barriers.