Quality Matters | Waubonsee Community College

About Quality Matters

Quality Matters (QM) began as a consortium of higher ed institutions, mostly community colleges, in Maryland called MarylandOnline. Certificates and degrees were offered online, and courses were shared through a program not unlike the Internet Course Exchange (ICE). However, uncertainty about the quality of peer institutions was an immediate obstacle, ultimately overcome through the creation of common design standards funded by a FIPSE grant in 2003.

Quality Matters is focused on course design rather than course delivery or performance and features:

A set of standards for online/blended course design
A faculty-centered peer review process for courses with an online component
A tool for instructional designers to work with faculty
A professional development opportunity for faculty and staff

Today, many states have their own QM consortium; the Ohio Quality Matters Consortium has even innovated a bartering system for course reviews.

Quality Matters Rubric

The Quality Matters rubric is supported by current research literature. It is reviewed and updated every 2-3 years. "The rubric for the rubric" has been part of the process since the beginning. The underlying principles about continuous improvement are not limited to courses being reviewed; it also has a significant impact on faculty development as well.

The QM Higher Ed Rubric is focused on holistic course design and the use of technology to support quality instruction and promote student learning. Currently, the rubric is in its 6th edition (2018), and consists of eight key areas. While it might appear like a checklist, the rubric has an intrinsic connection between Specific Review Standards called Alignment that individuals unfamiliar with QM often overlook. This basic internal structure ensures critical course components work together to build effective online course.

Peer Review Types

When a course is up for review, instructors can choose from two course review options: Waubonsee Review (Internal) and Quality Matters Review (External).

Both Waubonsee Reviews and QM Reviews use the QM rubric except that Waubonsee Reviews acknowledge QM certification criteria (e.g. ≥85 points) as guidance for continuous course quality improvement only. Unless an instructor requests otherwise, a Waubonsee Review is the default option.

Waubonsee Review

The main purpose of an internal review is for continuous improvement. Its focus should be on individual Specific Review Standards (SRSs); based on the reviewers' comments, reviewees are encouraged to see which areas among the 42 SRSs could be improved.

Who have access to the review feedback/data?
Other than Waubonsee QM Coordinators/Review Managers, who manage the reviews, only reviewees have access to the review feedback provided by reviewers. Reviews are for reviewees' reference only; it is not available for anyone else or used for other purposes.

What happens if a course doesn't meet expectations?
Internal Reviews are for reflection and continuous improvement. While all instructors are encouraged to get their courses QM‑certified, meeting QM criteria is not a requirement for delivering online.

Quality Matters Review

Courses seeking QM certification need to meet three different criteria: Courses need to have Module Level Outcomes or Objectives (MLOs) (SRS 2.2) to quality for official QM review/certification. MLOs are a component of Alignment, which is a concept unique to the QM rubric. Courses need to have been created with well‑applied Course Level Outcomes (CLOs) (SRS 2.1). For more information about aligning outcomes, you are strongly encouraged to register for the Intro2QM workshop. Finally, courses need to meet all essentials SRSs and total at least 85 points on the rubric.

Whether a Waubonsee or QM review is chosen by an instructor, developing Module Level Outcomes is highly encouraged as they will help reveal the alignment between Course Level Outcomes with content and activities.

Comparison

Quality Matters Review	Waubonsee Review
This option can result in a QM certification mark if the course meets the expectations of these 3 criteria: Alignment All 23 essential SRSs 85 total points or higher This option may also be chosen if you feel uncomfortable having Waubonsee colleagues review your course. MLOs are required to complete the QM review and they must match the CLOs.	This option follows the same process as the internal reviews spanning 2017-2020, updated to use the QM rubric. It does not qualify a course for a QM certification mark. The comments provided by reviewers are housed on the QM website. The review is only for reviewee reference to consider what could be improved in the course and is not used for other purposes. After a course is reviewed internally, you can still request a QM review if you are seeking certification.

Quality Matters Review

Waubonsee Review

This option can result in a QM certification mark if the course meets the expectations of these 3 criteria:

Alignment
All 23 essential SRSs
85 total points or higher

This option may also be chosen if you feel uncomfortable having Waubonsee colleagues review your course. MLOs are required to complete the QM review and they must match the CLOs.

This option follows the same process as the internal reviews spanning 2017-2020, updated to use the QM rubric. It does not qualify a course for a QM certification mark.

The comments provided by reviewers are housed on the QM website. The review is only for reviewee reference to consider what could be improved in the course and is not used for other purposes.

After a course is reviewed internally, you can still request a QM review if you are seeking certification.

Review Process

Quality Matters is a faculty-driven, peer review process that is:

Collaborative
Collegial
Continuous
Centered

QM offers the structure for faculty to provide peer-to-peer feedback that is useful and actionable in the continuous improvement of online courses.

The peer reviews are designed to be a formative assessment for course improvement. They are about the course quality, not about individual instructors or faculty evaluation. Unsurprisingly, many peer reviewers are Faculty Advisors from major publishers. The process is intended to be diagnostic and collegial in a supportive environment, not evaluative and judgmental.

A QM Certified course is one that meets the expectations of the shared standards. Statistically, 61% of QM-managed course reviews meet standards upon their initial review, with most meeting after minor amendments. A QM course certification is valid for five years, unless substantial changes (>20% on a component) are made after the course is certified. Recertification can extend validity for an additional three years before another review cycle takes place.

Applying the QM Rubric

Course reviews rely on a community of collegial and collaborative coordinators, facilitators, and peer reviewers.

Peer reviews are the most common way to be involved with QM. Reviewers are typically compensated for completing each review. Reviewing online courses (often from other colleges and universities) allows you to gain insight into your own practice and walk away with new ideas. Participating in peer reviews is a low-stakes activity that leads to continuous improvement.

Peer reviews are a safe space for sharing resources and leading by example. They promote a self-reflective cycle of growth. To understand what the review process entails, you are encouraged to attend the Applying the QM Rubric (APPQMR) workshop (please see the registration instructions below), which is the pre-requisite for the Peer Reviewer Course (PRC) that is required to become an official QM Peer Reviewer.

Even if you do not plan to become an official QM reviewer, APPQMR provides the foundational concepts of Specific Review Standards (SRSs) that are grounded in the research literature and best practice. The implementation of any SRS directly helps improve student learning. QM also has a variety of workshops that focus on different areas beyond the QM rubric. Your courses may already meet the expectations to be QM-certified!

Introduction to Quality Matters (INTRO2QM) Online - Registration Instructions

You can register yourself for the INTRO2QM session hosted by Quality Matters at no cost. It is important that you follow the instructions when registering, particularly your email address and the workshop you choose.

Introduction to Quality Matters (INTRO2QM) Online - Registration Instructions

Follow the instructions below to register yourself for an online session in MyQM.

Open an Internet browser (Chrome, Firefox, or Safari).
Enter https://www.qmprogram.org/myqm into the address bar.
Enter your MyQM email address and password. If you do not already have a MyQM account, follow the steps below to create one:
1. Select “No, I am new here.”
2. Select the Sign In button.
3. Enter your @waubonsee.edu email address, first name, last name, and institution/organization.
4. Enter your desired password.
5. Enter your desired password again to confirm.
6. Select your preference for receiving QM emails.
7. Enter GETACCT into the verification box.
8. Select the Create Account button.
  1. If prompted, select your institution from the list provided.
  2. Select the Create Account button.
9. You will receive a confirmation email from technology@qualitymatters.org with the subject line “Quality Matters – MyQM – New Account Created” at the email address you used to create your MyQM account (check your spam folder if you do not see this email in your inbox).
Select the Sign In button.
If prompted, accept the Terms of Use and select your preferred program.
Select the “Workshop – Register” menu.
Select the QM Training link.
Adjust the filters:
(1) Filter by Training Type: INTRO2QM,
(2) Filter by Program: Higher Education, and
(3) Filter by Training Formats: Online
then click the Filter button to narrow your options.
Select the Register link for the session for which you wish to register.
Select the Register for Session button.
Select the Cancellation/Refund Policy link and read the policy.
Then check both boxes and click the Continue button to indicate you have read and agree to the Cancellation/Refund Policy and that the workshop will be conducted in English.
If you see 'Participant Email Address:', enter your Waubonsee email address and then click the Search Accounts button.
Select Invoice for the method of payment and click the Proceed to Payment Information button.
Select Institution for Party Responsible for payment and click the Finalize Registration button.
A confirmation message will appear indicating you have successfully registered for the session. You will also receive an email confirmation.

Applying the QM Rubric (APPQMR) Online - Registration Instructions

You can register yourself for the independent APPQMR session hosted by Waubonsee Community College at no cost. Each session has a maximum capacity of 20 participants. Registration is on a first-come, first-served basis.

It is important that you follow the instructions when registering, particularly your email address and the workshop you choose.

Seats are limited. Before you decide to register for the workshop, please check the syllabus to make sure that it works with your schedule. If you need any assistance, please contact Faculty Development and Engagement at FacultyDaE@waubonsee.edu.

Applying the QM Rubric (APPQMR) Online - Registration Instructions

Follow the instructions below to register yourself for an online session in MyQM.

Open an Internet browser (Chrome, Firefox, or Safari).
Enter https://www.qmprogram.org/myqm into the address bar.
Enter your MyQM email address and password. If you do not already have a MyQM account, follow the steps below to create one:
1. Select “No, I am new here.”
2. Select the Sign In button.
3. Enter your @waubonsee.edu email address, first name, last name, and institution/organization.
4. Enter your desired password.
5. Enter your desired password again to confirm.
6. Select your preference for receiving QM emails.
7. Enter GETACCT into the verification box.
8. Select the Create Account button.
  1. If prompted, select your institution from the list provided.
  2. Select the Create Account button.
9. You will receive a confirmation email from technology@qualitymatters.org with the subject line “Quality Matters – MyQM – New Account Created” at the email address you used to create your MyQM account (check your spam folder if you do not see this email in your inbox).
Select the Sign In button.
If prompted, accept the Terms of Use and select your preferred program.
Select the “Workshop – Register” menu.
Select the Dedicated Training link.
Select the Register link for the session for which you wish to register. If the session you are looking for does not appear in the list, you may need to select a different program using the “Select Program” menu on the right-hand side of the page or the program tabs at the top of the page.
Select the Submit Training Registration button.
Select the Cancellation/Refund Policy link and read the policy. This policy applies to the maximum capacity of each workshop. If the cancellation happens earlier, a colleague could use the seat.
Select the check box and the Continue button to indicate you have read and agree to the Cancellation/Refund Policy.
A confirmation message will appear indicating you have successfully registered for the session. You will also receive an email confirmation.

Quality Matters Rock Stars 🌟

Timeline

~~Spring 2021~~
- ~~Train the trainer~~
~~Fall 2021~~
- ~~Begin training Waubonsee Peer Reviewers~~
~~Spring 2022~~
- ~~Waubonsee Peer Review Process begins.~~
Fall 2022
- Waubonsee Peer Review Process continues.
Spring 2023
- Waubonsee Peer Review Process continues.
Fall 2023
- Waubonsee Peer Review Process continues.

♻ Cycle continues until all eligible course shells have been reviewed.

Frequently Asked Questions

Still have questions? Please see the Quality Matters FAQs or submit your question(s) below.

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