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Implementing Learning Outcomes and Assessment in Blackboard Learn

Michael GarnerSolutions Engineer, Blackboard Inc.

Wade WeichelSenior Product Manager, Blackboard Inc.

“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

Australia Skills Gap

Emergence of CBE

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68.1%Secured Full-Time Employmentin 2014

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Focus on skills

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

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.

Differences between Traditional Education and CBE

AchievementMinimal

Attainment

Master Competency

Pace Toward CompletionTerm-to-Term Learning

Flexible Pace

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Student-driven attributes

Alternative models

Flexible curriculum

Technology rich

Attentive to skills and competencies

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CBE requires fundamental change

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

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How it works

C+ Critical Thinking

Oral Communication

Disciplinary Knowledge

Traditional grading combines competencies into a single metric, the grade

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How it works

2.3

Critical Thinking

2.9

Oral Communication

3.25

Disciplinary Knowledge

CBE evaluates evidence of competencies individually, allowing for true measurement of mastery

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

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.

Review of tips

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Align assessments at the item level

Consistent goals hierarchy

Consistent approach to points

Consistent scale

Competency

Sub-competency

Criterion

Criterion

Sub-competency Criterion

Rubric Rows

Questions

Alignments for calculation

Assessment

Assessment

Alignments for transparency

Course LO

Student LO

Question

Question

Rubric Row

Student LO

Question

Rubric Row

In Goals Manager In Subjects/Units

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Elements of success and services solutions

PlanComprehensive Strategy

Strategic vision and goals are mapped to a comprehensive operational plan.

ExecuteOperational 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

Available withOct 2015 Release

Goal Performance Dashboards

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Also as feature Building Block for April/Oct 2014 Releases

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Inspire the world to learn

@wweichel

wade.weichel@blackboard.com