A Pharmacist’s Blueprint for Digital Transformation

Transforming Exam Systems: Khayam Ulhaq’s Journey at Rehman Medical Institute

When Khayam Ulhaq stepped into the role of coordinator of examinations at Rehman Medical Institute (RMI) in 2022, he faced an enormous challenge: revamping an outdated examination system catering to 12 different undergraduate healthcare programs. It was an ambitious task, one that required not just vision but also practical solutions.

The Need for Change

Khayam recognized that clinging to a paper-based exam system was no longer viable. “We needed to shift from paper-based exams to a reliable, cost-efficient digital platform,” he explains. As a pharmacist without any formal IT training, the daunting task of finding the right technological solution felt overwhelming. Nonetheless, the need for innovation was clear. An overhaul was not just an option; it was essential for the efficiency and effectiveness of the academic process at RMI.

Evaluating the Landscape

Upon settling into his role, Khayam immediately began evaluating various test-scoring software and learning management systems. The limitations of the existing scoring system, which relied on a basic grading app that scanned paper bubble sheets, became increasingly evident. This primitive method offered no room for scalability or advanced functionalities. Furthermore, tools like optical mark recognition (OMR) technology were unfortunately beyond the financial reach of the institute.

Discovering Moodle

Amidst this landscape of limited options, Khayam stumbled upon Moodle. This open-source learning platform offered a spectrum of possibilities that piqued his interest. More importantly, he discovered a clever plugin that addressed his pressing concern about scanning exams. "Suddenly, everything clicked into place," he recalls. Armed with newfound hope, he dove deep into exploring Moodle, often spending late hours experimenting with its capabilities. This exploration led him to shape a custom exam management system tailored specifically to RMI’s requirements.

Unlocking Potential with Moodle

Khayam’s experience with Moodle proved to be nothing short of transformative. "Moodle surprised me on many occasions," he admits. It quickly evolved from an underutilized tool at RMI into the backbone of the institute’s exam system. Beyond merely handling bulk bubble sheet processing, Moodle offered specialized features that redefined the entire examination structure at RMI. This was a revelation; it was not just about digitizing paper but enhancing and innovating how exams were conducted.

Building a Sustainable Model

As Khayam’s knowledge of Moodle deepened, he developed his skills as a Moodle administrator, learning to optimize the platform while supporting students and faculty alike. "Over time, I built an entire digital exam system without placing any additional financial burden on the institute," he reflects. This accomplishment not only eased the pressure on operational costs but also improved the quality of the assessment process.

His contributions didn’t stop there. Inspired by his success at RMI, Khayam began extending consultancy services to other colleges. He advised them on exam management and introduced the use of H5P for active and scenario-based learning, thereby broadening his impact within the educational community. "It’s been really rewarding," he shares, highlighting the fulfillment he finds in facilitating learning.

A Flourishing Future

Today, Khayam’s efforts have transformed how colleagues at RMI engage with Moodle. The platform is now a vital resource for collaborative question bank development and curriculum design, enabling the faculty to employ a more modern, integrated approach to education. Khayam has risen to a position where he frequently runs workshops and training sessions, helping both new and existing users to harness Moodle’s full potential.

Khayam encapsulates his mission beautifully: “For me, this story is about making the most of an open-source tool and proving how powerful learning attitude and resourcefulness can be.” His passionate commitment to innovation is evident in every word, as he notes, “I’m in love with Moodle — it’s changed everything for the better, and yet this is just the beginning.” His journey not only highlights the significance of embracing technology but also underscores the transformative power of determination and creativity in education.