Raising questions. Pursuing answers. Curating and categorizing. That’s how we support QM quality assurance.

A founding principle that continues to drive Quality Matters is the need for QM Standards to reflect current academic research on effective learning. The initial standards and subsequent modifications have been based on the insights of teams of experienced online instructors and instructional designers and on the best practices standards promulgated by accrediting bodies and national and international organizations. In addition, the QM Standards have been examined for consistency with the conclusions of the educational research literature regarding factors that increase learning and engagement and that improve learner retention rates.

QM's Department of Innovation & Research is focused on curating and supporting research studies related to the impact and use of the Quality Matters model. Literature reviews to inform members of the Rubric Committees in their effort to assure that the Rubrics remain current with the research are also an important component of QM Innovation & Research activities. If you are looking for guidance on conducting QM-focused research or finding studies to support the use of QM, we recommend starting with the resources listed in this section.

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qm research library

Search our curated selection of literature bearing a relationship quality assurance in online learning, as well as the QM Standards, by either keyword or the QM Standard number. 

See instructions for submitting references to the library.

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research toolkit

Get guidance on developing a research question that will make for a solid study and facilitate attaining information significant to online learning stakeholders.

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qm-related research resources

See a curated list of studies and publications related to the primary categories of QM Research.

Need help with your search? Contact QM Research with your questions.

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Looking for a recording or miss a session?

See a list of all archived recordings

Have an idea for a Research Webinar? Contact the Innovation & Research team.

Research Webinars

Join the QM Research Colleagues and other researchers from the QM Community for presentations of research on the impact of quality assurance in online learning and other related topics.
The webinars are free and open to QM Members as well as non-members.
 

January 24, 2024 — 1:00 p.m. to 2:00 p.m. Eastern
D2L and QM: Integrating Quality from the Start

Presented by Dr. Cristi Ford, Ph.D., Vice President, Academic Affairs, D2L and Bethany Simunich, Ph.D., Vice President, Innovation and Research, QM

Did you know that LMS templates can be a vital support tool for faculty, designers, and online students? In fact, research shows that templates embedded with quality practices and standards can positively influence everything from student retention and learning to faculty satisfaction and institutional ROI. Join this webinar for an overview of the “what, why, and how” of LMS templates. Tackle some of the most common template myths and receive an invitation to join the free D2L Master Class, developed in partnership with QM. Plus, hear about an exciting wrap-around research project!

Webinar begins at 1:00 p.m. ET, 12:00 p.m. CT, 11:00 a.m. MT, 10:00 a.m. PT

Register

 

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