Toolkit Framework - Limiting Factors
Early in the project, the Steering Committee focused on a relatively narrow definition of curriculum. They envisioned a common curriculum model that encompassed three elements: learning outcomes, learner assessment, and course outlines. Over time, the committee broadened this definition to include other elements, such as learner guides, test banks, textbooks, and instructor resource materials. Thus, this initial limitation was addressed during the project.
The Curriculum Commons Steering Committee recognizes that successful curriculum collaboration is largely dependent on achieving a balance between interdependence (shared curriculum development and sustainability processes) and autonomy (flexible curriculum delivery at the regional/college level). Thus, the need to achieve balance and harmony becomes a limiting factor as it creates parameters around the collaboration itself.
Practical nursing is a regulated health profession in the Province of Alberta, and is therefore subject to program approval processes administered by the College of Licensed Practical Nurses of Alberta. This regulated context limits the flexibility of the colleges in the areas of curriculum design, development, and delivery. Moreover, the model and toolkit developed for this regulated profession may have to be revisited in the future to meet the needs of unregulated post-secondary programs.