Quality Matters
In accordance with the Florida Board of Governors Strategic Plan for Online Learning, all online courses must be certified as meeting standards for quality online course design. To adhere to this requirement, all online courses will be submitted through the Quality Matters peer review process.
What is QM?
Quality Matters (QM) is a faculty-centered, peer review process designed to certify the quality of online and blended courses. The prestigious peer review process assesses the quality of course design using a research-based rubric focused on the following eight standards: Course Overview and Introduction, Learning Objectives, Assessment and Measurement, Instructional Materials, Learner Interaction and Engagement, Course Technology, Learner Support, and Accessibility. Certified courses receive national recognition in an online database for distance education.
Preparation and Training
Throughout the course design or redesign process, Instructional Designers help faculty prepare for Quality Matters review through the incorporation of best practices for design. Prior to external QM review, OLITS works with faculty to conduct an abbreviated internal review designed to identify any questions or comments the external reviewers may have.
Additionally, OLITS offers workshops designed to orient faculty to the QM Rubric, gain experience with its application, make improvements to their courses, and prepare for the review. Check the Professional Development page for upcoming offerings.
For details about the full Course Quality Review Program at USF St. Petersburg campus, view the Course Quality Review Program Plan document.
Questions and Submission
Ready to submit your course for review? Or, have more questions before you get started? Contact Steph James (stephjames@usf.edu or 727-873-4437).