Unit 2: The 8 QM General Standards: Key Takeaways & Video

Key Takeaways

• The 8 QM General Standards address: Learning Outcomes, Alignment, Instructional Materials, Learning Activities & Interaction, Course Technology, Learning Support, Accessibility, and Assessment & Evaluation
• Each standard is critical; weakness in any one standard undermines overall course quality
• Alignment (Standard 2) is the glue that holds all other standards together
• Accessibility and support are non-negotiable aspects of quality online education
• Assessment serves both to measure learning and to drive continuous improvement

Self-Check Questions

1. What are the 8 QM General Standards?
2. Why is "learning outcomes" the first standard?
3. Give an example of a misaligned course scenario and explain why it's problematic.
4. Why is interaction intentionally designed in online courses, whereas it happens naturally in face-to-face classrooms?
5. List three examples of accessibility barriers in online courses and how to address them.
6. What is the difference between formative and summative assessment?