Data and metadata: development of a digital curriculum

The teaching potential of a problem-based learning (PBL-) oriented curriculum sparks a lot of enthusiasm, but the matrix-type organization of the curriculum elements calls for more powerful organizational tools than the block-oriented structure of previous curricula. Also, the multitude of digital elements available for teaching purposes present a fascinating development, but again the task of putting this offering into order is considerable. The aim of the present project was to set up a database-driven curriculum, organizing the administrative information in a way that allows the multiaxial access required by the new curriculum. Also, we wished to catalogue existing and upcoming digital teaching resources in a way that allowed a logical connection to the curricular activities. The database has a relational structure containing all the administrative information on lessons, as well as topic keywords and abstracts. An index table of the teaching resources forms a link to the curriculum-database, and allows the resources to be searched based on curriculum information (topic, term, lecturer etc). Upcoming challenges include acquisition and quality assurance of teaching resources and teaching, as well as motivating the teachers and students. Automated data acquisition mechanisms and curricular activities available only online may be valuable elements in this ongoing process.