How do you align MOOC learning outcomes with industry standards and competencies?

1 Identify your goals and gaps

The first step to align your MOOC learning outcomes with industry standards and competencies is to identify your goals and gaps. What are you trying to achieve by taking a MOOC? What skills or knowledge do you want to develop or improve? How do they relate to your current or desired career path? To answer these questions, you can use tools such as self-assessments, career maps, or skill matrices to evaluate your strengths and weaknesses and identify your learning needs.

2 Research the industry standards and competencies

The next step is to research the industry standards and competencies that are relevant to your goals and gaps. Industry standards and competencies are the sets of skills, knowledge, and behaviors that are expected or required for a certain profession or sector. They can be found in various sources, such as job descriptions, professional associations, accreditation bodies, or competency frameworks. For example, if you are interested in digital marketing, you can look at the Digital Marketing Institute's Professional Certification Standards or the American Marketing Association's Professional Certified Marketer program.

4 Demonstrate and document your MOOC learning

The final step is to demonstrate and document your MOOC learning in a way that showcases your alignment with the industry standards and competencies. This can include creating a portfolio, a resume, a cover letter, or a digital badge that highlights your MOOC achievements and how they relate to your career goals and industry expectations. You can also use tools such as e-portfolios, LinkedIn, or Open Badges to showcase your MOOC learning online and share it with potential employers, colleagues, or peers.

5 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?