How do you design an effective curriculum map for informatics courses?

1 Define the learning outcomes

The first step in designing a curriculum map is to define the learning outcomes of the course or program. Learning outcomes are statements that describe what students should know, do, or value as a result of their learning. They should be clear, specific, measurable, and aligned with the informatics competencies and standards. For example, a learning outcome for an introductory informatics course could be: "Apply basic principles and methods of informatics to analyze, design, and evaluate health information systems and data."

2 Identify the content and resources

The next step is to identify the content and resources that will support the learning outcomes. Content refers to the topics, concepts, theories, and models that students need to learn and understand. Resources refer to the materials, tools, and sources that students will use to access, process, and communicate the content. For example, the content for an introductory informatics course could include: "Health information systems, data quality and standards, information modeling and representation, data analysis and visualization, human-computer interaction, and privacy and security." The resources could include: "Textbooks, articles, online modules, databases, software, and case studies."

3 Design the learning activities and assessments

The third step is to design the learning activities and assessments that will engage students in the content and demonstrate their achievement of the learning outcomes. Learning activities are the tasks, exercises, projects, and discussions that students will do to acquire, apply, and integrate the content. Assessments are the methods and criteria that will measure and evaluate students' performance and progress. For example, the learning activities for an introductory informatics course could include: "Lectures, tutorials, quizzes, lab sessions, group projects, and presentations." The assessments could include: "Multiple-choice tests, assignments, reports, portfolios, and peer feedback."

4 Align the curriculum components

The final step is to align the curriculum components to ensure that they are consistent, coherent, and complementary. Alignment means that the learning outcomes, content, resources, activities, and assessments are logically connected and mutually supportive. Alignment helps to avoid gaps, overlaps, and mismatches in the curriculum and to enhance the quality and effectiveness of the learning experience. For example, a curriculum map for an introductory informatics course could show how each topic, activity, and assessment is linked to one or more learning outcomes and how they are distributed across the course duration.

An effective curriculum map for informatics courses can help to design, deliver, and evaluate a curriculum that meets the needs and expectations of students, instructors, and employers. It can also help to communicate the curriculum structure, content, and goals to various stakeholders and to facilitate continuous improvement and innovation.

5 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?