This session will focus primarily on the Learning Outcomes framework and how this framework will map through to provide students & educators with a clear understanding of their progression to and attainment of the subject, course and graduate outcomes. Audience for this session is primarily learning technologists and educational administrators. Delivered at Innovate and Educate: Teaching and Learning Conference by Blackboard. 24 -27 August 2015 in Adelaide, Australia.

1. ®
Implementing Learning Outcomes
and Assessment in Blackboard Learn
Michael Garner
Solutions Engineer,
Blackboard Inc.
Wade Weichel
Senior Product Manager,
Blackboard Inc.

2. “Transitioning away from seat time, in favor of a
structure that creates flexibility, allows students to
progress as they demonstrate mastery of academic
content, regardless of time, place, or pace of
learning. Competency-based strategies provide
flexibility in the way that credit can be earned or
awarded, and provide students with personalized
learning opportunities.”
U.S. Dept. of Education

3. Australia
Skills Gap
Emergence of CBE
3
68.1%
Secured Full-Time Employment
in 2014

4. Focus on skills
4
Sources:, “Skills Shortages Australia, 6 monthly report” 2014 - https://employment.gov.au/skill-shortages
2.4% of applicants were suitable
In 2013, Higher Ed graduations were
up by 22.5% compared with 2008
96% versus 11%
Professional vacancies have increased
by 41.3% over the past decade

5. Why institutions pursue CBE approaches
Ensuring learners
possess competencies,
knowledge and skills
needed to advance in the
workplace.
Employability
Competencies clear to
employers
Replacing marks and
grades with
demonstrated mastery of
a defined set of
competencies.
Accountability
Value clear to
learners
Decoupling learning
from a time-bracketed
system.
Affordability
Lower costs for
learners
Using technology to
address challenges
attending synchronous
or face-to-face classes.
Accessibility
Accessible learner
options
Providing a better way to serve non-traditional learners.

6. Differences between Traditional Education and CBE
Achievement
Minimal
Attainment
Master Competency
Pace Toward Completion
Term-to-Term Learning
Flexible Pace

7. Student-driven attributes
Alternative models
7
Flexible curriculum
Technology rich
Attentive to skills
and competencies

8. CBE requires fundamental change
8
Shifting from synchronous to
more asynchronous delivery
Offering pay-as-you-go options
rather than billing by credit hours
Focusing on mastery of
competencies rather than grades
and credits
Disaggregating instructional roles
to customise student guidance
Regardless of time
or place
Regardless of pace
Demonstration of
mastery
Personalised
learning

9. How it works
9
 Critical Thinking
 Oral Communication
 Disciplinary Knowledge
Traditional grading
combines
competencies into a
single metric, the
grade

10. How it works
10
2.3
Critical Thinking
2.9
Oral Communication
3.25
Disciplinary Knowledge
CBE evaluates evidence
of competencies
individually, allowing for
true measurement of
mastery

11. Goal Management in Blackboard Learn
Learning Unit
1
Competency 1
Sub-
competency A
Rubric rows
Test items
Sub-
competency B
Rubric rows
Test items
Competency 2
Sub-
competency C
Rubric rows
Test items
Learning Unit
2
Competency 1
Sub-
competency D
Rubric rows
Test items
Competency 3
Sub-
competency E
Rubric rows
Test items
 Rubric-based Assessments
 Embedded and easy-to-use
 Objective Test Assessments
 Immediate feedback to students

13. Statements regarding our product development
initiatives, including new products and future
product upgrades, updates or enhancements
represent our current intentions, but may be
modified, delayed or abandoned without prior
notice and there is no assurance that such
offering, upgrades, updates or functionality will
become available unless and until they have been
made generally available to our customers.

14. Review of tips
14
Align assessments
at the item level
Consistent goals
hierarchy
Consistent approach
to points
Consistent scale

15. Competency
Sub-
competency
Criterion
Criterion
Sub-
competency
Criterion
Rubric Rows
Questions
Alignments for
calculation
Assessment
Assessment
Alignments for
transparency

16. Course LO
Student
LO
Question
Question
Rubric
Row
Student
LO
Question
Rubric
Row
In Goals Manager In Subjects/Units

17. Elements of success and services solutions
17
Plan
Comprehensive
Strategy
Strategic vision and goals are
mapped to a comprehensive
operational plan.
Execute
Operational Execution
Subject design/review,
programme management,
lead generation, enrolment
services and educator
development.
Technology Tools &
Student Services
Integrated technologies,
data, and analytics are
deployed and optimised.
Enable

18. Available with
Oct 2015 Release
Goal Performance Dashboards
18
Also as feature
Building Block for
April/Oct 2014
Releases

19. ®
Inspire the world to learn
@wweichel
wade.weichel@blackboard.com