Module tool and module database of the University of Kassel
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The module tool is a central digital platform at the University of Kassel that supports the development, maintenance and administration of degree programs, examination regulations and module descriptions as part of a module database. It is not intended to be used for typing in completed examination regulations afterwards, but to digitize and structure the process of developing degree programmes.
The tool enables all stakeholders (course directors, lecturers, administration) to work collaboratively on the same, always up-to-date data. This leads to uniform, structured and technically accessible documentation that can be exported directly to the examination administration system.
The central objective is to create a transparent, comprehensible and efficient process that flows into the workflows of the DMS and supports the committee process as well as the publication of study and examination regulations on the websites.
The module tool is divided into several central areas that cover the entire life cycle of a degree program. The central unit is the degree program, which is managed as a data record with a specific examination regulations version (e.g. PO-2024). Each degree program has metadata such as name, degree type, department, teaching unit, standard period of study and status (e.g. "Creation", "Examination", "Senate decision"). The status is crucial as it controls the editing rights and the visibility of data. For example, in the "Examination" status, the fields of the study and examination plan are blocked for module coordinators in order to prevent unwanted changes.
The central building blocks of a degree program are the modules. Each module is an independent unit with a unique number, a descriptive title and a range of metadata. The most important component is the learning outcomes (also known as learning objectives), which describe what students can demonstrate they can do after successfully completing the module. These descriptions are legally binding and serve as the basis for the recognition of achievements. The course types (e.g. VL, Ü, S, Pr) and the SWS (semester hours per week) are summarized in one field and are relevant for the calculation of the curricular value (CW). The workload (student workload) is given in hours and broken down into attendance time and independent study. 30 hours correspond to one credit point (CP).
A central concept is the polyvalence of modules. Modules can be imported from other degree programs, thus creating a network of degree programs. Early contact with the provider is strongly recommended in order to consistently develop courses together. Imported modules are marked with a green bar and are automatically updated if the original module description changes. This considerably reduces the maintenance effort. In addition, modules can be grouped into study areas (e.g. "Basic studies", "Focus on sustainability"), which increases clarity for students and improves the presentation on the website.
The subject examination regulations (FPO) are recorded in the module tool as a complete reading version. It is created in sections (paragraphs) with automatically generated tables (e.g. "Module table", "Grade weighting table"). These tables are dynamic and update automatically as soon as the module descriptions change. This enables continuous monitoring of credit points, grade weightings and assignments to study areas. The FPO can be entered in German and English, whereby the German version is legally binding. A separate amendment regulation is created for changes, which not only lists changes to the original FPO, but also contains the readable version of the complete regulation.
Evaluation and accreditation are an integral part of the process. The study objectives and learning outcomes of the entire degree program are recorded in the module tool and are relevant to accreditation. The requirements and recommendations from the accreditation are documented centrally and can be used later for traceability.
The technical mapping in the examination administration system is supported by the export of study structures, module handbooks and examination regulations. The presentation on the website is responsive and is automatically generated from the module database. The public presentations (e.g. module handbooks, study and examination plans) are always up-to-date and can be integrated via permanent links. User administration is structured on four levels (individual, teaching unit, department, university), which enables precise control over editing rights.
The module tool supports a structured, collaborative and transparent process of degree program development. The central steps are Creation of the degree program, import or creation of modules, assignment to study areas, creation of the subject examination regulations with automatic tables and the step-by-step implementation of the committee path via various statuses.
The most important key features are collaborative editing with comment functions, automatic updating of import modules, dynamic table creation, coherent documentation of all metadata (accreditation, committee decisions) and seamless technical mapping in the examination system.