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Quality Matters

What is Quality Matters?
Quality Matters (QM) offers a peer review process for the ongoing improvement of online and hybrid course design. NKU is a subscribing member of Quality Matters (QM), a peer review system for the assessment and continuous improvement of online and hybrid course design
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The QM process is guided by four principles:
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Continuous 
quality improvement
Centered
on research and best practices
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Collegial
faculty-driven review
Collaborative
based on evidence gathered by a peer review team
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History of Quality Matters
QM originated in 2003 with a FIPSE (Fund for the Improvement of Postsecondary Education) grant to MarylandOnline. (MOL). Today, it is a subscription-based service with over 1,000 member institutions representing K-12, higher education, and continuing and professional education. The QM review has become the internationally-recognized standard for evaluating the design of online and hybrid courses. NKU is a subscribing member of QM as part of the Kentucky Virtual Campus (KYVC) System.  
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A QM review involves several aspects of course design:
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1. 
Course overview and introduction
2. 
Learning objectives or competencies
3. 
Assessment and measurement
4. 
Instructional materials
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5. 
Learning activities and learner interaction
6. 
Course technology
7. 
Learner support
8. 
Accessibility and usability
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During a QM review, a team of peer reviewers uses a detailed rubric for guidance as they carefully examine the course design. The review is flexible, meaning there are many ways to meet the rubric standards. At the conclusion of the review, the instructor receives comprehensive, supportive feedback with concrete suggestions for improvement. If the course did not meet QM standards, the instructor may make revisions and resubmit to the peer review team. In the view of QM, every course has the potential to meet QM design standards. Furthermore, a course with a design that meets QM standards may still be improved for the benefit of learners.

A broad overview of QM is available as a video. More information may be obtained via the QM website.

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Questions?
For questions about Quality Matters at NKU, please contact the QM Coordinator and Course Review Manager, Dr. Stephanie Songer, at (859) 572-6370.