OER: SALSA – an open source syllabus builder

The open source, web-based SALSA (Styled & Accessible Learning Service Agreements) is a

syllabus authoring tool from Utah State University’s Center for Innovative Design & Instruction. It is based on the design of the PDF Syllabus Builder. No registration of any kind is required to use Salsa.

According to their website, Salsa generates a unique and random hyperlink for instructors. Instructors an bookmark or copy the hyperlink with the “My SALSA” button, and “use the hyperlink to return and edit their SALSA. Publish your SALSA to generate a new hyperlink to a “read-only” copy of your Salsa in PDF or HTML format.”

I am interested in this because I think that this is another tool that can help instructors who have to work with learning outcomes to do it effectively and consistently. I prefer the kind of learning where the students decide what the outcomes might be around specific topics but even that kind of learning has a “meta-outcome” of being able to work with a group to develop course outcomes. And there are accrediting agencies that ask for them. SALSA uses Bloom’s Taxonomy, built right into the tool, to help instructors author the outcomes.  I think it is helpful for students in a program to have some kind of consistency and connection of course outcomes with the class, the program, and the college.

This is also a way to get faculty and programs that need to work on student learning outcomes to see how they can be used in a practical way. If you have other tools for working with student learning outcomes, I would love an email or a note in the comments section.

Thanks!

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