Title: Learning outcomes
Course: Digivisio DEMO: Planning and creating a MOOC > Section: Pedagogical planning of a MOOC

Learning outcomes are the objectives of the course that describe what kind of competence the learner is expected to have after completing the MOOC. You should determine and formulate the learning outcomes at the very beginning of the course planning process, as according to constructive alignment, the learning outcomes, teaching content, and teaching and assessment methods should be aligned.

Next, use the material below to familiarise yourself with preparing learning outcomes. To move forward and backward, click on the arrows on the sides of the image. The material was implemented using the H5P Image Slider tool.
Learning outcomes.h5p

The learning outcomes are drawn up in the same way in MOOCs as in other courses in relation to the topic to be learned, the scope of the studies, and the target group and level. In other words, the learning outcomes are planned based on the kind of competence, knowledge, and skills the learner can acquire as they complete the course. However, the MOOC type may also affect the formulation of learning outcomes, as different MOOC types aim for different kinds of learning.

In xMOOCs, learners typically study certain information content independently and automated assessment solutions are used (such as tests). In this case, the learning outcomes are very concrete, such as ‘the learner is able to name the stages of the process Y and explain their key features’, ‘the learner is able to classify certain things based on the theory W’, or ‘the learner is able to apply the theory to resolving the issue X’. Such outcomes can be assessed automatically, for example using multiple choice questions or applied case-type questions that are more challenging.

In cMOOCs, learners study together with others, and competence can be assessed diversely by both the teacher and peers. In addition to knowledge-related outcomes, the learning outcomes typically include skills that may be related to group work or joint knowledge building. The learning outcome of a cMOOC may, for example, be that ‘the learner can explain the stages of the model Y to others comprehensibly and apply it in the learning assignment’, or ‘the learner can work in a group and contribute to its efforts’, or ‘the learner is able to participate in discussions with other learners and teachers’.

Learner:
The learning outcomes help the learner understand what kind of competence they should have after completing the MOOC and what studying the MOOC requires of them. Concrete and clear learning outcomes help learners focus on what is essential and also verbalise their competence.

Teacher:

Well-chosen learning outcomes create a backbone for planning the course, and they also serve as a good foundation for the assessment criteria of the MOOC. Presenting the learning outcomes clearly is also important.

TIP

Drawing up learning outcomes is not always easy, as verbalising competence and expressing it as measurable criteria may be challenging. The following reference will familiarise you with different areas of competence (cognitive, psychomotor, affective) that can facilitate the formulation of suitable learning outcomes.

Kennedy, D., Hyland, A., & Ryan, N. (2007). Writing and using learning outcomes: A practical guide: https://ehea.info/media.ehea.info/file/Qualifications_frameworks/05/0/Kennedy_Writing_and_Using_Learning_Outcomes_597050.pdf

Now fill in the learning outcomes of the MOOC in your pedagogical manuscript. Pay attention to at least the following:
- What should the learner be able to do after having completed the course?
- At what level should the knowledge and skills referred to in the learning outcomes be achieved?

References

Näin asennat osaamistavoitteet opetussuunnitelmaasi. Itä-Suomen yliopisto. Available in Finnish: https://docplayer.fi/20151042-Nain-asennat-osaamistavoitteet-opetussuunnitelmaasi-laaja-oppimaara.html

Kennedy, D., Hyland, A., & Ryan, N. (2007). Writing and using learning outcomes: A practical guide. https://ehea.info/media.ehea.info/file/Qualifications_frameworks/05/0/Kennedy_Writing_and_Using_Learning_Outcomes_597050.pdf

Images in the H5P element Gamma App and PowerPoint Image Bank.