Home > Public Services > Distance Learning > Faculty Services > Quality Matters
Faculty Services
Quality Matters (QM) is a course review process that is currently being established At Valdosta State University. It allows for the continuous improvement of online and hybrid courses. It was developed by a MarylandOnline grant project with the Fund for the Improvement of Post-Secondary Education (FIPSE). Courses that have been taught for at least two semesters are eligible for QM review.
QM is not a faculty evaluation that will affect promotion and tenure. It focuses solely on course design, not faculty performance. QM provides the opportunity for faculty course developers to be an active part of a review process which provides feedback and recommendations for course design improvements to meet quality expectations based on National Standards and research literature. This is accomplished by aligning the course to a rubric that consists of the following general review standards that are based on eight national standards and instructional design principles which help students reach desired learning objectives:
- Course Overview and Introduction
- Learning Objectives
- Assessment and Measurement
- Resources and Materials
- Learner Engagement
- Course Technology
- Learner Support
- Accessibility
A set of forty specific elements distributed across these eight broad standards are used to evaluate the design of online and hybrid courses.
The Quality Matters Process at Valdosta State University
1. If you are an instructor at VSU, request the Quality Matters Rubric
2. Self Evaluate your course
- Use the Quality Matters Rubrics to make content and design improvements to your course.
3. Contact the Distance Learning Department to continue the peer review process.
Visit the Quality Matters Website