Quality Matters at UDC

Quality Matters (QM) began as an initiative organized by a group of experienced online educators at Maryland Online, Inc., supported by a FIPSE grant from the U.S. Department of Education. QM is a leader in quality assurance for online education and has received national recognition for its peer-based approach and continuous improvement in online education and student learning. QM provides professional development, a set of rubrics, and a course peer review process that works together to support faculty in improving the quality of online and blended courses. QM has review processes for both online and blended courses, as well as online programs.

Visit the Quality Matters website for more information about the organization.

The QM official Course Review is carried out by a team of trained and certified peer reviewers, all of whom are experienced online faculty members. The process includes a Course Representative (CR), who is responsible for course development and is a UDC faculty member, as well as three (3) external reviewers and a Subject Matter Expert. This faculty-driven process is designed to be diagnostic, with the primary goal of improving the course. It does not involve pass/fail judgments; instead, it relies on team members to provide specific guidance to the course developer regarding potential modifications needed to align the course with QM Standards.

Throughout the process, there is a clear recognition that there are multiple ways to meet each Standard, and it acknowledges that no course is perfect. To achieve QM Certification as a quality course, a course must meet the Rubric Standards with a score of 85% or higher, as determined by the review team.

The Quality Matters (QM) Higher Education Rubric, Seventh Edition (2023), consists of eight General Standards and 44 Specific Review Standards used for evaluating the design of online and blended courses. Annotations provide explanations of how these Standards are applied and their inter-relationships. The Rubric employs a scoring system utilized by the Review Team to determine whether a course meets the Standards. Essential Standards must be met during the review, and an overall score of 85% of the possible points is required for a course to achieve QM recognition.

1. Course Overview and Introduction: Provide a clear course introduction with structure and policies.
2. Learning Objectives (Competencies): Define measurable learning objectives.
3. Assessment and Measurement: Align assessments with objectives and consider formative and summative assessment strategies.
4. Instructional Materials: Ensure relevant, current, and accessible course materials.
5. Learning Activities and Interaction: Engage students with interactive learning activities and promote interaction.
6. Course Technology: Use reliable and functional technology that supports learning.
7. Learner Support: Offer support services like tutoring and technical assistance.
8. Accessibility and Usability: Make course materials and technology accessible to all and ensure usability.

Click here to view the full Rubric Top of Form

There are two processes:

• Process for existing approved courses
• Process for new courses

The official QM course review typically spans 4-6 weeks. After this initial review, an additional 14-week period is available for making improvements. Once this period concludes, the QM Chair conducts a final review and confirms the decision. A successfully recognized course will be showcased on the QM website, as well as the UDC website and in the CAL newsletter.

1.     Improved Courses: QM reviews lead to better course quality through feedback and enhancements.

2.     Best Practices: Faculty align their courses with research-backed online education best practices.

3.     Professional Growth: Participation serves as professional development, keeping educators updated on online teaching trends.

4.     Recognition: QM certification can be highlighted on resumes and demonstrates a commitment to quality.

5.     Student Satisfaction: Enhanced courses often result in happier students.

6.     Feedback: Faculty receive valuable feedback for continuous improvement.

7.     Collaboration: Collaboration with peers fosters the sharing of best practices.

Institutions that embrace QM principles and certification can expect improved outcomes in terms of reputation, student satisfaction, accreditation, faculty development, resource efficiency, and overall competitiveness in the online education landscape.

1. Improved Institutional Reputation: QM certification reflects a commitment to delivering high-quality online education, enhancing the institution's reputation and attracting students seeking quality education.
2. Enhanced Student Satisfaction: High-quality online courses, certified by QM, lead to increased student satisfaction, retention, and positive word-of-mouth, contributing to overall student success.
3. Alignment with Accreditation Standards: QM's systematic quality assurance process aligns faculty training, course development, and revisions with accreditation standards, ensuring compliance and facilitating accreditation processes.
4. Professional Development: QM provides faculty with ongoing professional development, which benefits the institution by improving the teaching skills and expertise of its faculty members.
5. Efficient Resource Utilization: QM encourages efficient utilization of institutional resources by promoting best practices in course development and reducing the need for costly course revisions.
6. Technology Integration: Institutions benefit from the incorporation of new technologies and research findings into their online courses, keeping their offerings up-to-date and competitive.
7. Increased Enrollment: As more courses meet QM standards, institutions may experience increased enrollment in online programs due to enhanced course quality and student confidence.
8. Sustainability and Growth: QM's focus on continuous improvement supports institutional sustainability and growth in the online education market.