Integrating Digital Technologies and Curriculum-Based Ideological and Political Education in Career Guidance Courses at Medical and Pharmaceutical Universities: A Conceptual Framework for Teaching Reform

Abstract

Career development and employment guidance courses at medical and pharmaceutical universities address both job-search preparation and education in professional values, ethics, and social responsibility. Yet digital tools and curriculum-based ideological and political education are often developed separately. This can lead to excessive online materials, substitution of technology for teaching, values content added as an isolated component, and assessment focused on final products rather than learning processes. Here, curriculum-based ideological and political education means integrating professional ethics, social responsibility, integrity, and service to public health into disciplinary teaching rather than treating them as a separate political course. For students in medical and pharmaceutical fields, this paper proposes a framework comprising one platform, two forms of integration, three modules, and four dimensions of evaluation. Within the framework, existing learning platforms would be used to organize resources, tasks, feedback, and documented learning records. The two forms of integration connect digital technologies with career guidance and values education with medical and pharmaceutical education. The three modules address career awareness and values, job-search skills with generative AI support, and professional ethics with employment in primary-level health services. The proposed assessment considers platform participation, learning tasks, student feedback, and teacher judgment. Implementation should emphasize proportionate tool use, teacher review, data protection, and authentic practice. The framework is intended for small-scale testing and refinement.