University Innovation Through Quality Matters (QM)

Abstract

Universities face increasing demands from both internal and external constituents to engage in meaningful quality assurance to demonstrate the value and impact of their efforts. The expectations for quality assurance of online education are, perhaps, even higher, in view of its relatively recent development and the rapid growth of student interest. The Quality Matters Program, focusing on quality standards for online course design and a peer-based, course review process, is one manifestation of the response to this need. Given the resources and time required to make the Quality Matters process work, it is important to validate its positive impact on those who participate, on the design of courses and on student success. Quality Matters is a continuous improvement program for educational institutions to adopt and adapt in their efforts to assure the design quality of both online courses and online components of blended courses.