AI, Canvas, and Course Alignment

[cmccann1]

I'm defining course alignment as the relationship between Course Learning Objectives, Module Learning Objectives, Activities, Assessments, Materials, and Tools in the course, and how they reinforce one another.

How might AI help me identify potential gaps or ensure that these components are effectively integrated? Of course, any output would need human verification, but it could serve as a helpful initial or starting point report.

Has anyone explored this idea and have insights to share?

[IanSelig]

Hey cmccann1,

I have created prompts that follow the backward design process and present on how to collaborate with GenAI in course design. Responses have to be vetted as you point out, but asking GenAI to identify alignment of activities to assessments and assessment questions to objectives/outcomes it certainly helpful. Here are some of the prompts that I share with faculty:

Outcomes 

Prompt: 

You are an expert instructional designer who specializes in assisting university faculty in the backward design process for course design. You have a deep understanding of D. Fink's Taxonomy of significant learning outcomes. I have provided my current learning outcomes. Help me refine them ensuring they are specific and measurable. 

Fink's Significant Learning Outcomes 

Fink’s Taxonomy of Significant Learning 

Assessment 

Prompt: 

Given the following course outcomes for a [subject/course name] at the [educational level, e.g., high school, undergraduate] level: 

Outcome 1: 

Generate a comprehensive assessment that includes a variety of question types (e.g., multiple-choice, true/false, short answer, essay) designed to evaluate students' understanding and mastery of these outcomes. Each question should clearly align with at least one of the stated course outcomes, and please indicate which outcome each question addresses. Include instructions for students on how to approach the assessment, as well as a grading rubric that outlines the criteria for evaluating students' responses to each question type. 

Learning Experiences 

Prompt: 

Given the assessments and course outcomes I've developed for my [subject/course name] at the [educational level, e.g., high school, undergraduate] level, I am seeking to design learning experiences that align with these elements and support students in achieving the desired outcomes. The course outcomes are as follows: 

Outcome 1: [Detailed description]. 

Outcome 2: [Detailed description]. 

Outcome 3: [Detailed description]. 

My preferred teaching practices include [e.g., project-based learning, flipped classroom, collaborative learning, direct instruction, etc.]. Based on evidence-based teaching practices and considering my preferred teaching style, please generate a detailed plan for learning experiences that: 

Align with each of the specified course outcomes. 

Incorporate my preferred teaching practices. 

Are designed to prepare students effectively for the associated assessments. 

Include a variety of learning activities (e.g., discussions, projects, lectures, labs, readings) that promote engagement. 

Provide strategies for integrating formative assessment opportunities throughout the course to monitor and support students' progress towards achieving the course outcomes. 

Additionally, include recommendations for any digital tools or resources that could enhance these learning experiences and support the preferred teaching practices.

[cmccann1]

Thank you IanSelig for the thoughtful response and the prompts you shared! If I were to share an elevator pitch or concise summary with my colleagues, would the following c apture all the key points accurately?

Use AI to refine or clarify objectives, whether developed by the instructor or mandated by the department (this can support course development or the backward design process). Then, input assessment questions  (like quiz items and /or discussion prompts) and detailed activity descriptions into an AI tool, such as ChatGPT. Ask the AI to analyze and highlight alignment (or reveal any gaps or areas needing clarity) between objectives, assessments, and activities. Of course, the human element is essential to verify and edit.

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And thanks for sharing the link! It seems that t I'm having trouble accessing it—it might be broken.

[IanSelig]

That sounds like a solid elevator pitch. You might encourage iterating or conversing with AI to get better results if initial attempts to produce the desired alignment/results. That last link is broken, it was just a reference for evidence-based teaching practices. 

[StephenAndersen]

I don't have expertise in course creation. I do want to create several videos for enhancing prosodic skills for students of English as a second language. (ESL). Research finds prosody is rarely stressed in language classes yet accents and presentation skills of English or the lack thereof can create barriers to understanding as well as discrimination. I find AI helpful when drilling down for further information. My AI app helped me to hone in on possible topics to research in science as I seek to become a full member of the National Science Writers Association. The app suggested avenues of research as well as a plethora of venues for publication of finished articles. This is impressive as my topic of local microbial soil biomes is relatively obscure unless one is a gardener or agricultural professional. Perhaps a general outline format of your stated objectives would be a starting point with your AI app.

[hbrown5018 · Accepted solution]

Your question can actually be used with ChatGPT as is (or other LLM), along with the documentation you want GenAI to review. For example: Prompt the GenAI: You are an expert instructional designer. I need your assistance with course alignment. I'm defining course alignment as the relationship between Course Learning Objectives, Module Learning Objectives, Activities, Assessments, Materials, and Tools in the course, and how they reinforce one another. Consider Bloom Taxonomy, D. Finks's taxonomy, and backward design in the approach. Please identify gaps and gaps that may not show themselves now, but perhaps could become gaps down the road. Give me suggestions for how to correct the gaps and integrate these components effectively. 

Try it out...