High-Impact Design for Online Courses (HIDOC) Framework

Defining What Students Will Learn 

Backward Design begins with defining clear learning outcomes before selecting assessments and instructional activities. Course Learning Outcomes (CLOs) should be measurable, clear, specific, and focused on mastery.  

Note: Carolina Core courses must use the approved learning outcomes without modification, even if they are unclear or not measurable. If the outcomes for your course are not measurable, you should develop clear and measurable module-level learning objectives to guide instruction and assessment. 

Key Considerations 

• Define a focused learning vision. Clearly articulate the key skills, knowledge, and competencies students should gain by the end of the course. A well-defined vision ensures alignment between outcomes, assessments, and instructional activities. 
• Focus on measurable demonstration of learning. Learning outcomes should clearly state how students will apply their knowledge or skills in ways that can be observed and assessed. Using specific, action-driven verbs ensures outcomes are concrete, meaningful, and aligned with course outcomes. 
• Ensure accessibility and clarity. Outcomes should be written in straightforward, student-friendly language. Avoid technical jargon or vague phrasing so students can easily understand what is expected of them. 
• Make learning relevant. Connecting outcomes to real-world applications helps students see the value of what they are learning. Relating outcomes to practical skills or professional contexts increases engagement and motivation. 
• Maintain balance and alignment. Outcomes should be broad enough to capture essential course themes yet specific enough to provide clear direction. They should also align with assessments and learning activities to create a cohesive learning experience. 

Why It Matters 

CLOs provide a clear learning pathway, helping students understand expectations and how course activities support their progress. They should be included in the syllabus, with most courses having 5–9 learning outcomes.  

Action Steps: 

• Define a “Big Vision.”  
  • Identify key skills, knowledge, and takeaways students should gain. 
• Use Bloom’s Revised Taxonomy. 
  • Frame CLOs with measurable action verbs (e.g., apply, analyze, evaluate). 
• Write accessible CLOs. 
  • Use clear, student-friendly language without jargon. 
• Connect CLOs to real-world applications. 
  • Relate outcomes to professional skills or practical scenarios. 

Example Measurable CLOs 

The CLOs below are measurable, clear, specific, and focused on mastery. 

• By the end of this course, students will be able to deliver a persuasive oral presentation, using logical arguments, credible evidence, and effective public speaking techniques. 
• At the end of this course, students will be able to write a functional computer program that meets specified requirements, using structured programming techniques and debugging strategies. 
• Upon completion of this course, you will be able to apply sociological theories to real-world social phenomena, providing evidence-based explanations for observed behaviors and trends. 
• At the end of this course, you will be able to analyze financial statements to assess an organization’s performance and recommend data-driven financial strategies. 

Check your CLOs 

• Do they begin with an action verb that clearly describes how students will demonstrate their learning? 
• Do they avoid vague verbs such as “understand,” “know,” or “learn” that cannot be directly measured or observed? 
• Are they written in clear, student-centered language that makes expectations understandable? 
• Do they provide students with a general idea of what they will be doing in the course? 
• Are they broad enough to reflect key course outcomes, covering major concepts or recurring themes? 
• Are they specific enough to guide learning but general enough to avoid sounding like an assignment? 

You Try It 

Use the Step 2 - Course Learning Outcomes document from the HIDOC library to define, refine, and check your course learning outcomes to ensure they are clear, measurable, and aligned with your course vision.