Quality Matters provides a model for consistently reviewing, recommending and improving online courses. Key features include a team of three reviewers who use a structured process and a rubric to examine an online course, noting outstanding features and suggestions for improvements. The tools and process are the outcome of extensive research in accepted standards, instructional design, pedagogy and technology.
The Quality Matters team typically consists of a peer reviewer, a faculty course developer and a team chair, all of whom completed Quality Matters training. The QM Peer Course Reviewer is the student advocate who reviews the course from the student's point of view for elements including accessibility, usability and completeness.
Team requirements include a team member external to the institution where the course is being reviewed, and a subject matter/content expert. Team members work independently and collaboratively with the course faculty member to showcase outstanding elements, and to recommend course improvements.
QM Recognized Courses must receive a total score of 68 points of possible 80 possible points, and must demonstrate all 14 essential elements, which are worth three points each.
QM online course quality assurance strengthens the institution's accreditation package via external course review. Tools and process are repeatable, consistent, scalable and sustainable.
QM applies to the course design only, the planning and structure of the course. For example, the Assignment dropbox has been set up. Its use, student performance criteria, and expectations for student and faculty participation are clearly explained.
NOTE: Other factors not covered by Quality Matters that affect course quality:
© Susan Bellomo, 2007. All rights reserved.