"As teachers, change in the way teach is important because we exist to meet the needs of our students' future experiences, as opposed to the needs of our past experiences." - Unkown Author

What is Quality Matters?

• QM is a peer review process rather than an administrative evaluation of online and hybrid courses.  In-depth research relating to elements of online course design proven to increase student learning has been used to create a course review rubric.  A team of trained peer reviewers and the course designer work together to ensure that the course will eventually meet QM standards.

• View a more detailed description:  Underlying Principles of Quality Matters

• View the QM rubric standards.  Note:  this is not the full rubric and as such does not include performance indicators or rubric usage guidelines.  Appropriate application of the full rubric requires specific training.  This document should not be used as a course design tool or evaluation tool.

• Quality Matters Website

Why is it important that we employ a more stringent process for quality assurance in distance learning?

• Simply "porting" instructional content from a face to face (F2F) setting into an online environment is proven to be ineffective.  While HCC is recognized as having processes in place to avoid occurances of "ported courses", even courses that are established and designed with the greatest of intent may benefit from this process.  Seasoned online instructors from a variety of higher-ed institutions have recognized the value of QM and participated in the process to refine their courses and enhance student learning. (View QM Member Institutions)   One instructor may have put it best when she said, "the beauty of Quality Matters is that my peers are reviewing my work and I'm assured of an opportunity to achieve the QM standard and distinction."  

• We want to be in control of our own destiny in regards to distance education as it relates to accreditation and other system initiatives.  Better to be ahead of the game and have our programs in place when a larger entity begins to apply more stringent standards for distance education.

• It is imporant that our courses are designed in a manner that aligns with institutional student learning outcomes as well as our expectations for online learners.  We know that many students who choose online learning environments do so because they feel the course may be easier, less intensive, and more convenient.  A course recognized as meeting the QM standard helps to dispel these myths. 

• Distance education is becoming one of the largest sources of enrollment and revenue.  The need for providing quality educational opportunities in this field is undeniable.  However, students are enrolling in distance courses faster than they can be adequately created.  A process to assure that the scale is balanced is necessary.

• Our students deserve courses that reflect design elements proven to enhance student learning.  Because QM is a dynamic process, it is designed to evolve as online learning evolves.  It is not enough that we offer more online course, but that we offer more quality assured online courses.

How can you become involved in the QM process?

• Look for upcoming opportunities in the Fall of 2007 to participate in a volunteer-based informal QM pilot process being developed by the Professional & Organizational Development Committee.

• The following faculty & staff have been trained in the QM review process:
  • Lisa Jackson, Distance Learning Coordinator
  • Cathy Hunt, P.O.D. Coordinator