Using a personal computer for fieldwork scheduling in a university occupational therapy program

Area of Science:

• Computer Science
• Operations Research
• Educational Administration

Background:

• Fieldwork scheduling is often outsourced, incurring significant costs.
• Existing scheduling methods may lack efficiency and personalization for student needs.
• Institutions require adaptable tools for managing complex placement logistics.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop an interactive computer program for fieldwork scheduling.
• To reduce costs associated with external scheduling agencies.
• To provide an efficient and adaptable solution for student-site assignments.

Main Methods:

• A computer program was developed using Basic A programming language.
• The program handles N individuals with J choices across K time periods for H site assignments.
• Student placement data is generated from requests and faculty advisement.

Main Results:

• The program generates printouts detailing student assignments to fieldwork sites.
• It identifies students who did not receive a placement.
• It lists available, unassigned fieldwork spaces.

Conclusions:

• The developed program offers a cost-effective, in-house solution for fieldwork scheduling.
• It enhances the efficiency of assigning students to fieldwork sites.
• The software provides valuable data for managing placement resources and student needs.