Quality Matters

Framingham State University adopted Quality Matters (QM) as our online and blended learning course design strategy in Spring 2011 through an initiative sponsored by the departments of Graduate Studies and Continuing Education, and the Center for Excellence in Learning, Teaching, Scholarship and Service (CELTSS).

What is Quality Matters?

Quality Matters (QM) consists of a set of standards that promote learning and engagement through a student focused, faculty managed and continuous quality improvement process. QM includes a Rubric and a peer review process. The Rubric defines standards related to online and blended course design. They are based on national best practice, research findings, and instructional design principles. The Rubric specifically focuses on design rather than on delivery or content. The faculty-centered peer review process includes an annual cohort of professors who meet periodically to discuss the Rubric.

How is QM implemented on the FSU campus?

Participation in the QM process is voluntary. Every spring semester, faculty are invited to join other online faculty in discussing the eight General Standards of the Quality Matters Higher Education Rubric and how to apply them to your online or blended courses. Participants can optionally submit their courses for a peer review. Course reviewers consist of Framingham State faculty and staff certified by Quality Matters to conduct reviews.