The document discusses Quality Matters (QM), which is a faculty-driven process for peer review of online courses. QM focuses on course design rather than delivery or performance, ensuring key elements are aligned to help learners achieve desired outcomes. These elements include the course overview, learning objectives, assessments, instructional materials, activities, technology, and support. The QM rubric contains eight general standards and six specific standards courses are reviewed against to meet quality thresholds.

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Integrating Alignment

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QM is a faculty-driven, peer review process that is…
– Collaborative
– Collegial
– Continuous
– Centered
Underlying Principles of QM

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Design vs. Delivery
The instructor is
integral to both design and delivery.
QM is about DESIGN - not delivery or faculty performance
Course Design …
is the forethought and
planning that an instructor
puts into the course.
Course Delivery …
is the actual teaching of the
course, the implementation of
the design.

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• More than average,
more than “good enough”
• An attempt to capture what’s
expected in an effective
online course at about an
85% level
• Based on research and widely
accepted standards
For Our Purposes, Quality Is:

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About Alignment

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Eight General Standards
1. Course Overview and Introduction
2. Learning Objectives (Competencies)
3. Assessment and Measurement
4. Instructional Materials
5. Course Activities and Learner Interaction
6. Course Technology
7. Learner Support
8. Accessibility and Usability
About the QM Rubric
Six Specific Review
Standards within
these five General
Standards must align.
Alignment: Critical course elements work together to ensure
learners achieve the desired learning outcomes.

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Key Elements That Must Align
Submitted by James Fowlkes
& Brenda Boyd