Teaching Guides & Resources > Course Design > Quality Rubrics
Who is Quality Matters (QM)?
Quality Matters began with a small group of colleagues in the MarylandOnline, Inc. (MOL) consortium who were trying to solve a common problem among institutions: how do we measure and guarantee the quality of a course? This question was especially important as institutions began to create a system where they could share available seats in their online courses with other institutions. They needed a way to ensure course quality — that courses would be equivalent — for their students, regardless of where the course originated. In 2003 MOL outlined how the Quality Matters program could create a scalable process for course quality assurance, and applied for a Fund for the Improvement of Postsecondary Education (FIPSE) grant from the U.S. Department of Education. Learn more.
Why use QM?
The impact of Quality Matters on certified courses is undeniable. Course review results in better course design, which makes navigation easier for students, reduces barriers to student achievement, and results in better outcomes. But the impact of using Quality Matters goes far beyond the course or courses being certified. Using the QM Quality Assurance System even in one area, or one course, begins to instill a “culture of quality” throughout the organization. Ninety-five percent of Course Representatives and 81 percent of Peer Reviewers have made or plan to make changes in their online courses as a result of participating in a review according to data from Course Review participants. Learn more.
What's in it for the students?
We call it quality. And a quality course, designed with the student perspective in mind, lets you concentrate on the content of the class rather than how to “get around” the class. Learn more.
QM Rubric and Standards
To achieve your goals for delivering quality online learning, you need everyone to agree on what the expectations are. You need trustworthy standards that foster objective feedback on course design. QM Rubrics and Standards were created to help course developers, teachers, faculty, entire organizations, and — most importantly — students. The General Standards and Specific Review Standards in each Rubric are intended to guide you through the development, evaluation, and improvement of your online and blended courses. Meeting these quality expectations at or above the 85% level is key to certifying the quality of your courses. Learn more.
QM Course Review
A well-designed course is more likely to engage learners and positively affect their performance. Using the QM Rubric and relevant review tools as a guide, you, your colleagues, or a team of QM-trained, experienced online instructors or course designers can evaluate the design of your online or blended course and ensure it meets QM Standards. When you’re ready to put a course through the review process, you’ll receive fresh ideas from colleagues who are interested in your course and can offer specific feedback in a positive tone that will help you to improve the quality of your course and create a more active learning experience for students. Learn more.
How can I begin designing my course to meet QM standards and learn more about QM?
You can register for the Reynolds Quality Matters’ Course Design workshop held every fall. The Reynolds Quality Matters’ (QM) Course Design Workshop is comprised of five, two hour workshops where you will dive into the QM rubric, the eight general standards, and the concept of alignment with the goal of designing an entire course that adheres to research, best practices and instructional design principles.
Please reach out to CETL at cetl@reynolds.edu to request more information about the Reynolds Quality Matters' Course Design workshop and to register.
OR
Enroll in the Applying the QM Rubric workshop that CETL facilitates. The Applying the Quality Matters Rubric Workshop (APPQMR) is Quality Matters' (QM) flagship workshop on the QM Rubric and its use in reviewing the design of online and blended courses is intended for a broad audience, including but not limited to faculty, instructional designers, administrators, and adjunct instructors. In addition to learning about the QM Rubric and the course review process, participants will learn to apply the concept of alignment and draft helpful recommendations for course improvement. The APPQMR is the prerequisite for the Peer Reviewer Course, which is the required course to become a QM Peer Reviewer.
In order to register for the APPQMR workshop please email CETL at cetl@reynolds.edu - do NOT register through Quality Matters or you will be charge $350.
