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 to 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.

CHLOE PROJECT

Access reports from this multi-year survey project of Chief Online Learning Officers. The reports provide insight into the trends and challenges facing a range of higher education institutions.

CHLOE 10 | Meeting the Moment: Navigating Growth, Competition, and AI in Online Higher Education is now available.

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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.
 

October 20, 2026

Building Quality Through Alignment: Designing Online Programs for Measurable Success
Part 2 of a 3-part series on holistic quality in online degree programs

Presented by Amy Grincewicz, Director of Instructional Design, Ambassador Crawford College of Business and Entrepreneurship at Kent State University

What happens when students can’t see how today’s assignment connects to their degree? They disengage, disconnect, and often walk away. This webinar tackles one of the most persistent challenges in online program design: fragmentation. Learn why alignment — from individual learning activities to course outcomes to program-level competencies — isn’t just a design nicety, but a measurable driver of student success. Drawing on current research, this session offers a roadmap for building an online degree program that is meaningful for students and supports their success. Whether you’re redesigning an existing program or building one from the ground up, you’ll leave with concrete strategies for creating the kind of coherent, cumulative learning journey that keeps students engaged, motivated, and moving toward completion.

Webinar begins at 2 PM ET, 1 PM CT, 12 PM MT, 11 AM PT

Register
 
 

 

 

 

 

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