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Assessing outcomes of an academic computing initiative
1Department of Dental Informatics, Temple University School of Dentistry, Philadelphia, PA 19140, USA.
Journal of Dental Education
|August 12, 1998
Summary
Temple University School of Dentistry successfully improved faculty computer literacy and implemented a dental informatics curriculum. However, computer-aided instruction did not meet expectations, highlighting challenges in academic computing initiatives.
Area of Science:
- Dental Education
- Health Informatics
- Educational Technology
Background:
- Academic computing initiatives are a priority for dental schools.
- Outcomes of these initiatives are often not reported.
- Strategic planning and evaluation are crucial for success.
Purpose of the Study:
- To document a five-year academic computing strategic initiative.
- To assess the outcomes of the initiative.
- To demonstrate how outcomes assessment informed future strategic goals.
Main Methods:
- Program evaluation of a five-year academic computing plan.
- Utilized faculty and student surveys, budgets, inventory, and utilization statistics.
- Assessed outcomes before developing a new five-year plan.
Main Results:
- Achieved 80% faculty computer literacy and computer adoption.
- Successfully implemented a predoctoral dental informatics curriculum.
- Computer-aided instruction implementation did not meet initial expectations.
Conclusions:
- Academic computing initiatives require substantial planning and support.
- Institutional culture, investment, and technological change are key factors.
- Measuring changes in educational outcomes remains a challenge.