Designing with Quality Matters Standards

CPE has adopted Quality Matters (QM) Links to an external site. for online course design which is a widely recognized program that provides a set of standards and a peer review process aimed at improving the quality of online and blended courses. The QM program is based on research-supported, best practices for designing and delivering effective online learning experiences.  Our team has incorporated the QM standards into the Course Readiness Checklist, Download Course Readiness Checklist, you can use this guide as you design your course.

QM Rubric: The foundation of the program is the QM Rubric, which contains detailed, research-backed standards used to evaluate the design of online and blended courses.

The rubric focuses on:
   - Course design and structure.
   - Learning objectives and outcomes.
   - Assessments and measurement of student progress.
   - Instructional materials and resources.
   - Interaction and engagement strategies.
   - Accessibility and usability for students.

By adhering to QM standards, institutions and instructors aim to enhance the learning experience, ensure student satisfaction, and improve learning outcomes in online education.

Why Use Quality Matters?

1. Improves Course Design: The QM Rubric helps instructors focus on critical elements of course design, such as clear learning objectives, alignment between assessments and activities, effective use of instructional materials, and opportunities for student interaction.

2. Promotes Student Success: By ensuring that courses are well-organized, accessible, and pedagogically sound, Quality Matters enhances the overall learning experience for students, which can lead to higher satisfaction, better engagement, and improved learning outcomes.

3. Research-Based: QM’s standards are grounded in current educational research and best practices in online learning, ensuring that courses are designed using evidence-based methods that align with effective teaching strategies.

4. Facilitates Continuous Improvement: Quality Matters encourages iterative improvements to courses. Instructors can use the QM Rubric to identify areas of their course design that could be enhanced over time, creating a culture of ongoing development.

5. Peer Collaboration: QM fosters a collaborative approach, allowing instructors to receive feedback from colleagues on how to refine their courses, making the review process an opportunity for professional growth and collegial exchange of ideas.

6. Focus on Accessibility: A key aspect of QM is ensuring that courses are accessible to all learners, including those with disabilities. This ensures compliance with accessibility standards and provides an inclusive learning experience.

By using Quality Matters, institutions can systematically improve the design and delivery of their online courses, leading to more effective teaching and better outcomes for students.