Joanne: TO answer your question about the outcomes approach, it depends what the objective of the course is. When I use the term learning outcomes, I refer to learning objectives. For example, the objective could be for the learner to use the software to solve problems in the workplace without the use of reference materials. The objective must have a capability verb that can be measured. In this case, you have another dimension-----"with the confidence" . You will have to find a measure that enables you to conclude that the student exhibits this criterion. I hope that the clarification I have offered about using the two terms synonomously is of some help. Satrohan