Learning Outcomes vs. Learning Objectives (and how to create them using generative AI)

When I’m working with clients or building my own programs, there’s one distinction I emphasize more than almost anything else: the difference between learning objectives and learning outcomes. These terms are often used interchangeably—but they shouldn’t be. And if you’re using AI tools like ChatGPT or platforms like Kajabi or TalentLMS, understanding the difference is essential.

In this post (and in the video embedded above and linked here), I’ll break down what these terms really mean, why learning outcomes are far more effective, and how I use generative AI to create them. I’ll also introduce you to something we use at eLearning Partners called the Learner Transformation Statement—a simple but powerful tool that helps you map your entire course from A to Z.

What Are Learning Objectives?

Let’s start with the basics. Learning objectives are what most of us encountered in school. They show up at the beginning of chapters or lessons: “By the end of this unit, you will understand X.” But objectives are written from the instructor’s point of view. They focus on what the teacher intends to cover—not necessarily on what the learner will actually gain.

These objectives might look good on paper, but they often fall short in practice. They tend to be vague, process-based, and not clearly measurable. When I see an objective that says something like “Understand five types of leadership,” I immediately wonder: How? In what context? What does success look like for the learner?

Why I Prefer Learning Outcomes

At eLearning Partners, we take a different approach. We focus on learning outcomes—because they put the learner at the center. Outcomes describe what your learner will achieve, demonstrate, or experience. They are specific, measurable, and grounded in results.

Let’s say you're designing a leadership course. A learning objective might say: “Introduce five types of leadership.” A learning outcome, on the other hand, would be: “Apply the five leadership styles to real workplace scenarios.” See the difference? It’s not just semantics—it’s a mindset shift. And it’s foundational to building a course that delivers real value.

The Learner Transformation Statement (LTS)

To craft strong learning outcomes, I use something we call the Learner Transformation Statement, or LTS. This is the A-to-Z journey your learner will take. It starts with where they are before the course (Point A), and maps to where they’ll be by the end (Point Z). The transformation between those two points becomes the core of your course design.

I go into this in more depth in my free masterclass (linked here), but here’s the high-level view: if you can clearly define what your learner doesn’t know or have at the start—and what they will know or achieve at the end—you can reverse-engineer the outcomes that will get them there.

Case Study: Drop 30 and Keep It Off

Let me give you a concrete example. In my wellness brand, Athlete with Asthma, I offer a course called Drop 30 and Keep It Off. The LTS for this course is framed as a question:

“What if you could lose 30 pounds, keep it off, and live a healthier life without extreme diets or intense workouts—even if you have asthma?”

This one question tells us everything we need to know about the learner’s journey. Point A is someone who’s carrying extra weight, who may have asthma, and who doesn’t want to rely on extreme diets or fitness routines. Point Z is that same person—30 pounds lighter, sustainably healthier, and breathing easier.

The milestones along the way—what I call learning outcomes—include discovering your “why,” building a strong mindset, and integrating the three pillars of healthy living: movement, tracking, and accountability. Each of these is a measurable step forward, and they stack to form the full transformation.

Another Example: YouTube 2K Blueprint

Another course I teach is the YouTube 2K Blueprint, which helps creators earn over $2,000/month on YouTube—even with fewer than 2,000 subscribers. Again, the LTS drives the design:

• Point A: No YouTube revenue, no system, minimal audience.

• Point Z: $2,000+/month in passive income—without ad revenue.

The outcomes? They include learning how to earn without AdSense, producing high-converting videos, and understanding the metrics that actually matter. By breaking the course into clear milestones, each with supporting modules, learners move forward step-by-step toward their transformation.

Using Generative AI to Create Outcomes

Now, here’s where it gets exciting. I use ChatGPT to help brainstorm and refine my learning outcomes. I might say:

“I’m creating a course to help people select, implement, and maximize a learning management system. What are 5–10 key outcomes my learners should achieve?”

And it delivers a decent starting point. But AI is only as good as the prompts you feed it. If you bring it vague input, you’ll get generic output. So I always give it my LTS, my brand language, and course structure.

It’s also important to edit the results. ChatGPT might call something a “learning outcome” when it’s really a topic. It’s on us as educators to shape and refine the final product.

Check out the video embedded above and linked here to see exactly how I do this.

Building Outcomes into Kajabi

Once I’ve developed outcomes, I bring them into Kajabi—my go-to LMS for marketing and selling online courses. In Kajabi, I structure courses around milestones (which they call “modules”) and break those down into lessons (what I call “modules”).

Kajabi even uses its own AI to help create outlines and starter content. With your LTS and outcomes ready, you can generate course sections, emails, landing pages, and even video scripts. I teach this whole process in my Kajabi Made Simple course (grab your 30-day free trial and course linked here).

Building Outcomes into TalentLMS

If I’m building a course for internal training, I use TalentLMS (grab your unlimited free trial and course here). It’s ideal for employee development, especially if you need multiple branches, gamification, or role-specific learning paths.

The real magic happens with TalentCraft, TalentLMS’s free authoring tool. It’s similar to Articulate Rise but built into the platform. I use it to build structured learning units from my AI-generated outcomes, complete with content, quizzes, and video embeds.

And just like Kajabi, it all flows from the LTS and the outcomes you define upfront.

Final Thoughts

Here’s the bottom line: if you want to build impactful online learning in 2025 and beyond, start with learning outcomes, not objectives. Use your Learner Transformation Statement to guide the journey. Let AI assist you—but always shape the results with your expertise.

Whether you're building to sell (Kajabi) or train internally (TalentLMS), outcomes are the foundation. They clarify your course structure, improve learner experience, and drive real results.

If you want help putting all this into action, check out our free masterclass linked below. I walk through this step-by-step—so you can build and launch your course faster, smarter, and with way less guesswork.