Implementing institution or program outcomes using D2L Brightspace Learning Outcomes

Introduction

Learning Outcomes is the name of a Brightspace tool that is designed for assessing student learning outcomes within a Brightspace course or program.  Learning Outcomes is the predecessor to ‘Competencies’: it is easier to use, but has less functionality.  Note: Only one tool (Outcomes or Competencies) can be used within a course.

Overview

To get the most value from assessment reporting, consistency is key!  When an outcome spans programs, departments, or courses, aggregation is possible and allows for assessing the entire picture of a student’s learning.  The steps below are aimed at providing a good starting point, offering a high-level view of capabilities.

  1. Creation
    • A Brightspace admin creates the institution outcomes scale in Brightspace.For example: “Beginning, Developing, Intermediate, Proficient, Advanced”
    • A Brightspace admin imports (or manually enters) program-level outcomes into Brightspace.
    • An instructor imports the program outcomes to a Brightspace course
  2. Assessment
    • An instructor aligns the imported outcomes with activities in a course (assignments, quizzes, rubrics)
      A screenshot showing outcomes attached to an assignment
    • Upon student submission, the instructor assesses the outcome earned.
      A Brightspace screenshot showing an outcome, with the "Intermediate" level selected.
  3. Reporting
    • Within a course, the instructor views the Outcomes achievements:
      A Brightspace screenshot showing the achievements of two students against four outcomes.
    • At an institution level, raw data sets can be transformed and built into an instructor or administrator report showing assessment outcomes:
      A screenshot of a stacked bar chart showing student outcome results.
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