Unit 2: The 8 QM General Standards: Materials, Activities & Technology
2.4 Standard 3: Instructional Materials
What it measures: Whether course materials and content are current, relevant, accessible, and properly attributed.
Why it matters: Students cannot learn from outdated, irrelevant, or poorly designed materials. High-quality instructional materials enhance engagement and support understanding. Proper attribution respects intellectual property and teaches academic integrity.
Key criteria include:
- Course materials are relevant to the learning outcomes and current (publication dates are recent when currency is important)
- Materials are from credible sources or are original/created by qualified experts
- All sources are properly cited and attributed (APA, MLA, Chicago, or other appropriate style)
- Materials are organized in a logical, easy-to-navigate structure
- Reading level and complexity are appropriate for the target learner population
- Multimedia materials (images, videos, audio) enhance learning and are properly licensed
2.5 Standard 4: Learning Activities and Learner Interaction
What it measures: Whether the course includes varied, well-designed learning activities that promote active engagement and learner-to-learner and learner-to-instructor interaction.
Why it matters: Passive lecture content is not effective in online learning environments. Students learn best through active engagement, practice, collaboration, and feedback. Online courses must intentionally design interactions because they don't happen naturally as they do in face-to-face classrooms.
Key criteria include:
- Course includes varied learning activities (discussions, simulations, problem-solving, projects, etc.)
- Learning activities directly support achievement of learning outcomes
- Course provides regular opportunities for learner-to-instructor interaction
- Course provides opportunities for learner-to-learner interaction (when appropriate)
- Interaction is meaningful and contributes to learning (not busy work)
- Interaction guidelines and expectations are clear
- Response time expectations for instructors are stated (e.g., "I will respond to emails within 24 hours")
2.6 Standard 5: Course Technology
What it measures: Whether the course uses technology that supports learning outcomes, is accessible, and is appropriate for the target learner population.
Why it matters: Technology in online courses is not optionalâthe Learning Management System (LMS) and other tools are fundamental to the learning environment. The wrong technology choice can create barriers to access, frustrate learners, or fail to support the intended learning activities.
Key criteria include:
- Technology tools are appropriate for supporting the learning outcomes and activities
- The course LMS and all embedded tools are accessible (WCAG 2.1 AA compliance)
- Technology tools have reliable support and documentation available to learners
- System requirements are clearly communicated (browser compatibility, bandwidth, plugins, etc.)
- Technical support contact information and response time expectations are provided
- Necessary technologies are either freely available or low-cost (to ensure equitable access)
