| Quality Matters |
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Quality Matters |
What is Quality Matters?
Quality Matters (QM) is a faculty-centered, peer review process designed to certify the quality of online courses and online components. Originally created by MarylandOnline, Inc. in 2003, Quality Matters has generated widespread interest and received international recognition for its peer-based approach to quality assurance and continuous improvement in online education. Central to QM is the official QM Higher Education Rubric, which is a continually updated set of 42 standards based on almost two decades of online learning research that are used to assess the design of an online course. The Higher Ed Rubric is intended for use with courses that are delivered fully online or have a significant online component (hybrid and blended courses). Course Designers use the Rubric to aid in the creation of courses designed to meet Standards from the outset. The Rubric is also used to assess the level to which a course meets Standards and highlight areas for improvement. A score of 85% (with Essential Standards being met) qualifies a course to receive a QM Certification for quality course design. What is the Quality Matters Ohio Consortium?For several years, Ohio colleges and universities have been part of a consortium that utilizes the Quality Matters (QM) Rubric to improve online courses in a variety of ways. Originally organized by the Ohio Learning Network (OLN), the consortium has grown to over 63 Ohio institutions for the 2020-2021 academic year and is currently the largest and oldest state consortium in the nation. The consortium is led by 15 individuals across the consortium who volunteer their time to train, educate, and promote quality online course design. To learn more about the consortium, visit their official homepage. Quality Matters Professional Development Certifications and WorkshopsThe Quality Matters (QM) certification program has become an internationally recognized standard for the design of online courses. QM requires a designated sequence of activities designed to prepare instructors for becoming peer reviewers of online courses that have been submitted for review. Click here to view the current University of Akron course offerings that have received the QM certification: http://www.uakron.edu/it/instructional_services/dds/qm/qm-certified-courses2.dot 1. Applying the Quality Matters Rubric (APPQMR)APPQMR offers training in utilizing the QM rubric to review online courses and is the first step to becoming a peer reviewer. This training can be completed face-to-face or online. We are proud to recognize UA graduates of APPQMR course. 2. The Quality Matters Peer Reviewer Course (PRC)The QM Peer Reviewer Course offers practice in responding to sample online courses using the QM rubric. APPQMR and online teaching are pre-requisites. Graduates can participate in official Quality Matters reviews of online courses from any institution in the world. 3. Advanced Quality Matters TrainingThese QM workshops are available to certified Peer Reviewers who would like to become "Master Reviewers" and/ or QM trainers:
For questions about Quality Matters, please contact:Steve Kaufman |