Challenges and opportunities in the implementation of a paperless curriculum at a new osteopathic medical school (719.5)

Abstract

Our educational program is anchored in a set of guiding principles that includes active learning. Actively engaging the students is one of the goals of our biomedical sciences curriculum. The curriculum model is designed to blend the traditional classroom environment with self‐empowered student learning. The curriculum utilizes a combination of traditional lectures, flipping the classroom with designated student assignments (DSAs) and basic science correlation sessions (BSCs). Curriculum development and delivery is paperless and technology dependent. The use of technology such as the tablet Surface Pro, electronic testing, electronic textbooks/resources, attendance tracking, electronic curriculum delivery platform (LCMS), and an electronic student response system (TurningPoint) are all a crucial part of the innovations. We describe here how both traditional lectures, DSAs and BSCs have been created into a paperless curriculum. We believe students overall feel more empowered and are able to practice independent learning which is conducive towards effective use of their time. The ACOM model and unforeseen challenges and opportunities that occurred in the implementation of a fully electronic curricula are presented here.