6.5 Common Questions and Answers

Q: Is QM certification mandatory for all courses?

A: No. At Saylor, QM certification is a strategic priority, but courses can be high-quality without formal certification. However, using QM standards for self-review and course design is valuable even without external certification.

Q: Does QM prescribe specific pedagogical methods (e.g., synchronous vs. asynchronous)?

A: No. QM is flexible. It sets standards for outcomes, alignment, interaction, and support, but it doesn't mandate specific methods. A course can achieve QM standards using synchronous instruction, asynchronous, self-paced, blended, or other models.

Q: What if my course doesn't fit the QM rubric exactly?

A: The 8 General Standards apply to all courses, but there's significant flexibility in how you meet them. If you have a highly specialized or unique course format, discuss it with your instructional designer or a QM specialist.

Q: How long does it take to make a course QM-compliant?

A: It depends on the current state of the course. A well-designed course might need only minor revisions (2–4 weeks). A course with significant gaps might require 2–3 months of work. The self-review process will identify what needs attention.

Q: Can QM be applied to blended (partly online, partly face-to-face) courses?

A: Yes. QM was developed for online and blended courses. If your course has an online component, QM standards apply to that component.

Q: What happens if my course doesn't meet QM standards initially?

A: That's normal and expected. The review process provides detailed feedback on every standard and criterion. Use that feedback to make improvements, then resubmit. Most courses are certified after one revision cycle.

6.6 Staying Current with QM

Quality Matters continues to evolve. The rubric is updated periodically based on new research and feedback from practitioners. Here's how to stay current:

  • Subscribe to the QM newsletter for updates on research, best practices, and new rubric versions
  • Follow QM on social media (@QualityMatters) for announcements and resources
  • Attend QM webinars and conferences to engage with the broader QM community
  • Participate in your institution's QM communities of practice
  • Periodically revisit the official rubric to ensure you're using the latest version

6.7 Your Next Steps

Now that you've completed this training, here's what comes next:

  1. Assess your current courses: If you have courses, conduct a self-review using the QM rubric to identify strengths and areas for improvement.
  2. Prioritize improvements: Based on the self-review, identify the most impactful changes you can make to improve alignment and overall course quality.
  3. Connect with your team: Share what you've learned with colleagues. Discuss how QM could be applied to your courses or program.
  4. Participate in QM activities: Whether it's becoming a peer reviewer, attending professional development, or joining a community of practice, find ways to deepen your engagement with QM.
  5. Apply QM principles going forward: Incorporate QM standards into any new course design you undertake or revisions you make to existing courses.
  6. Seek support: Don't try to make all improvements alone. Work with instructional designers, colleagues, and QM specialists to guide your improvement efforts.

6.8 Final Reflection

Quality Matters is grounded in a simple but powerful belief: that online education, when well-designed, can be as effective (or more so) than face-to-face education. QM provides the tools and framework to achieve that excellence. By understanding and applying QM principles, you are contributing to a global movement to improve online education and expand access to high-quality learning for students everywhere.

Thank you for engaging in this course. Your commitment to understanding and applying Quality Matters standards reflects your dedication to learner success.

Key Takeaways from Unit 6

  • You've achieved all five course learning outcomes
  • QM principles can be applied immediately to your courses and programs
  • Quality Matters has extensive resources for ongoing professional development
  • QM is flexible and adaptable to diverse course formats and disciplines
  • The next step is to assess your own courses and identify improvements based on QM standards
  • Your engagement with QM contributes to a global effort to improve online education
Back to 'Unit 6: Summary and Next Steps\'