Curriculum Transformation
Introducing ECU’s Curriculum Transformation Program: Embracing the Future of Higher Education
The Curriculum Transformation Program (CTP) at Edith Cowan University (ECU) is a key strategic initiative that sets an ambitious vision to reshape how we design courses, assure learning outcomes, and facilitate learning in the context of a changing world, changing students, and changing demands on universities. Led by Professor Katrina Strampel, Director of the Centre for Learning and Teaching, and sponsored by Professor Rowena Harper, Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Education), this multi-year, whole-of-institution program responds to the rapid advancements in technology, particularly the rise of Artificial Intelligence (AI), and the changing needs of students and the higher education sector.
At ECU, we believe that the significant disruption that AI presents to curriculum and assessment offers a vital strategic opportunity to develop courses that are:
- more sustainable;
- inherently more inclusive of diverse cohorts and students from equity groups;
- responsive by design to the macro issues that impact retention and success, including cost of living, mental health and stress; and
- underpinned by curriculum that enhances employability, including the productive and ethical use of AI.
The Program will therefore not only address the threats to course integrity presented by AI, but also develop approaches to course design that are more contemporary, inclusive, equitable and scalable.
Programmatic learning as a vehicle for change
Consistent with guidance from TEQSA, the Program will facilitate a transition to programmatic learning over the next 3 – 5 years. To kick this off, in 2024, we implemented the Curriculum Transformation Pilot Project, in which 20 courses across all Schools and levels (from UniPrep through to the integrated PhD) undertook a 6-month guided process of reimagining their curriculum through the lens of programmatic learning. The Pilot also included streams from across all professional areas of the university and Schools to begin identifying impacts on systems, policies, and processes. We also facilitated a series of half-day workshops with students. As a result, a Course Design Policy with underpinning Curriculum Design, Assessment, Teaching Practice, and Work-Integrated-Learning Procedures has been drafted and is undergoing consultation. This new policy suite sets the compass for the vision of programmatic learning at ECU.
In ECU’s approach to programmatic learning, courses will be designed as an integrated journey of learning activities, ongoing feedback, and assessment that are aligned to the course learning outcomes. Student learning will be developed and assured in stages, enabling assessment to operate across larger substructures within a course, such as teaching periods, year levels, minors and majors. This provides an inherently more cohesive and purposeful learning experience.
The CTP will achieve these goals through a whole-of-institution approach to implementing system changes, process changes, and professional learning to accomplish:
Curriculum and Assessment Redesign
We will transition to programmatic learning models that provide clear evidence of students achieving their learning outcomes, addressing the risks posed by AI. We will also pilot AI technologies in teaching, learning, and student support to foster critical, ethical, and productive use of AI with staff and students.
Enhanced Teaching Practices
We will adopt “active learning at scale” to leverage the new physical and digital infrastructure and integrate learning activities and feedback to support students in developing each of their course learning outcomes. This work aligns closely with the work of the Educational Experience team and their focus on integrating authentic active learning experiences and leveraging digital tools and emerging technologies.
Implementation of New Learning Modes
We will introduce a wider range of learning modes to reflect the range of learning experiences afforded by ECU’s digital and physical environments.
Bringing these initiatives together as part of a holistic program ensures ECU is ready to meet the demands of the future, where AI and other technological disruptions are shaping the higher education landscape.
Key benefits of programmatic learning at ECU
The CTP will deliver significant benefits to all stakeholders, including students, staff, and the broader ECU community.
Students
Programmatic learning will focus students on their own learning and growth. They will learn to receive and provide feedback in a strengths-based environment, furthering critical skills in life and industry. They will engage ethically, productively and critically with AI within the context of their chosen discipline and be prepared to step into industry with confidence in their capabilities.
Staff
We will provide professional learning opportunities for academic and professional staff, helping them enhance their teaching practices, understand AI, and implement curriculum design effectively. Staff will also have access to new resources and teaching spaces that will support active learning and drive innovation in how we teach and assess students. Staff will also have more time to focus on innovative teaching practice with a reduction of administrative burden associated with multiple assessment points and academic misconduct.
Industry and Communities
ECU graduates will emerge with the skills and knowledge needed to thrive in any industry with the ability to productively, ethically, and critically engage with AI. Programmatic learning will provide greater capacity for skill and disposition development over time, including self-regulated learning, graduating students as capable, adaptable professionals. Additionally, our curriculum transformation aligns with ECU’s ongoing commitment to equity, diversity, and inclusion, ensuring the changes benefit all students.
The program will unfold in several key phases between 2025 and 2028. Critical outcomes such as student retention, success and satisfaction must be a key focus when undertaking change on this scale. The Program will therefore commence with 10 Courses (at least one from each School and Teaching Area) in order to develop a clear understanding of impacts and risks at both institutional and Course levels, and develop each School’s and Centre’s capabilities in programmatic approaches.
Alignment with ECU’s Mission and Goals
The CTP aligns with ECU’s broader mission to be an agile, inclusive, and responsive institution. As outlined in ECU’s Strategic Plan (2022-2026), we aim to be leaders of educational innovation, ensuring we meet the evolving needs of students, industries, and communities. The CTP’s focus on course integrity, equity, and inclusion and implementation through whole-of-institution consultation and collaboration, and professional learning aligns with ECU’s core values and goals:
Goal 1: Delivering an exceptional student experience for success in work and life
Goal 4: Empowering the talent and potential of our staff
Goal 5: Securing our future
The Program also addresses the growing pressure from The Accord, which signals future growth in student numbers and increased participation from equity groups. By preparing our curriculum for these shifts, ECU is positioning itself as a leader in the Australian higher education sector.
The Curriculum Transformation Program marks an exciting and transformative period for ECU. By embracing the opportunities presented by Generative AI and other technological advancements, we are reshaping education for the future. With innovative course designs, programmatic learning, and AI integration, ECU is ensuring that our students graduate with the skills and knowledge needed to succeed in an increasingly complex and rapidly evolving world.
Learn more and be part of the journey!
If you are an ECU staff member, find out more about the Program by clicking below.
