Raising questions. Pursuing answers. Curating and categorizing. That’s how we support the QM system.
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 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 remains current with the research are also an important component of QM 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.
qm research library
Search our curated selection of literature bearing a relationship to the QM Standards by either keyword or the QM Standard number. References on teaching competencies can be found in the Online Instructor and Teaching Competencies Literature Review.
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.
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.
Looking for a recording or miss a session?
See a list of all archived recordings.
Have an idea for a Research Webinar? Contact the Research team.
Research Webinars
May 26, 2021
Professional Development for Digital Accessibility:
A Needs Assessment
Presented by
Barbara Frey, D.Ed. — an Instructional Design Consultant with the University of Pittsburgh and a Senior Optimization Consultant with Campus Works Inc. She is also an Adjunct Assistant Professor with the School of Education at Point Park University in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.
Rae Mancilla, Ed.D. — a Senior Instructional Designer with the School of Health and Rehabilitation Sciences at the University of Pittsburgh.
The authors of the QM Digital Accessibility Policy white paper series will discuss the digital accessibility professional development needs reported by QM institutions, as well as the potential formats and delivery mechanism for such training.
Webinar begins at 1:00 p.m. ET, 12:00 p.m. CT, 11:00 a.m. MT, 10:00 a.m. PT
