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Quality Matters Inter-Institutional Quality Assurance in Online Learning |
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
General QuestionsWhich institutions are best suited for adopting Quality Matters? How will my institution benefit from implementing Quality Matters? Subscription InformationHow do I decide if a Quality Matters subscription is a good match for my institution? What are the steps in obtaining a Quality Matters subscription? In order to qualify for the Consortia rate, must all three schools choose the Full Option? Does the 25% Consortia discount apply to the Supplemental Package? We've got a subscription, now what? What is Quality Matters?Quality Matters (QM) is a faculty-centered, peer review-based process that is designed to certify the quality of online courses and online components. QM, sponsored by MarylandOnline, Inc (MOL)., has generated widespread interest and received national recognition for its peer-based approach to quality assurance and continuous improvement in online education. Originating from a grant project, Fund for the Improvement of Postsecondary Education (FIPSE), MOL has transitioned the Quality Matters project into a self-supporting organization offering institutional subscriptions and a range of fee-based services including QM managed Course Reviews and an array of Trainings. Which institutions are best suited for adopting Quality Matters?Community colleges, technical colleges, liberal-arts colleges, universities, non-traditional online institutions, and boards of higher education across the country are subscribing to the Quality Matters Program to supplement their quality assurance efforts and improve the quality and effectiveness of their distance learning programs. How will my institution benefit from implementing Quality Matters?Quality Matters processes benefit both individual faculty and their institutions in the following ways:
How do I decide if a Quality Matters subscription is a good match for my institution?Institutions participate in QM for a variety of reasons. The goals and budget of your quality assurance effort will determine when your institution is ready for a subscription. In some cases, we recommend that your institution decide on specific implementation issues before you subscribe. Some questions to ask yourself before subscribing include:
What are the steps in obtaining a Quality Matters subscription?You may initiate the subscription process by contacting info@qualitymatters.org. Once a QM representative assesses your needs and helps determine if a subscription is a good match for your institution, the following will occur:
The Full Option description identifies two fee structures based on the number of online programs. How does QM define "online program"?A course of study, at least 2/3 of which is offered as distance education or electronically mediated, that culminates in a degree and/or full certificate. In practice, schools that plan and advertise a full degree program but have just started enrolling students can subscribe as a "small" program in their first year until the majority of the classes in the program have been taught. In order to qualify for the Consortia rate, must all three schools choose the Full Option?Yes, at least three schools in a Consortia must be on the Full Option in order to receive the discount. Does the 25% Consortia discount apply to the Supplemental Package?No, it does not. With a Statewide subscription, what type of membership benefits are afforded to the Statewide Subscriber and to the Affiliate Institutions?Please see this document, outlining the benefits of taking a Statewide subscription. We've got a subscription, now what?Your path depends on your specific goals and implementation plan. However, every school has some common first steps.
I'm not ready to commit to a QM subscription -- what are other ways I can participate in the QM process?You have several ways to gain more information about Quality Matters and paricipate in the process.
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