The document discusses the 8 standards of the Quality Matters rubric for designing online courses. The standards address making the overall course design clear, using learning objectives, incorporating assessments, including instructional materials, facilitating activities and interactions, utilizing appropriate technologies, providing learner support, and ensuring accessibility. Meeting these standards helps create an engaging course where learners can achieve the objectives through supported and accessible means.

1. Online Course Design
Using Quality Matters (QM) For Design

2. Objectives
• Identify the 8 general standards
associated with the Quality
Matters (QM) Rubric
• Discuss the pedagogical
reasoning behind each
standard
• Identify methods of
implementing the standards in
your course

3. Overall Design of the Course
Standard 1

4. Standard 1: Making it Clear
• Standard 1: The overall design of the course is
made clear to the learner at the beginning of the
course.
• Research:
https://www.qmprogram.org/qmresources/research/
• Pedagogy: Why might overall design be important in
your course?

5. Methods for Inclusion
• Getting started and course orientation
• Introducing the purpose and structure
• Outlining etiquette and expectations
• Listing minimum technology requirement standards
• Itemizing minimum technical skills
• Providing a self-introduction
• Offering learner introductions

6. Learning Objectives
Standard 2

7. Standard 2: Creating Value
• Standard 2: Learning objectives or competencies
describe what learners will be able to do upon
completion of the course.
• Research:
https://www.qmprogram.org/qmresources/research/
• Pedagogy: How will learning objectives direct and
guide your course?

8. Methods for Inclusion
• Developing measurable outcomes
• Creating consistent learning objectives
• Optimizing clear directives for learners
• Relating objectives to activities
• Identifying outcomes appropriate to course level

9. Assessment & Measurement
Standard 3

10. Standard 3: Making It
Important
• Standard 3: Assessments are integral to the learning
process and are designed to evaluate learner
progress in achieving the stated learning objectives
or mastering the competencies.
• Research:
https://www.qmprogram.org/qmresources/research/
• Pedagogy: Describe how assessments will be
important for your course?

11. Methods for Inclusion
• Measuring the stated learning objectives
• Developing a clear grading policy
• Outlining criteria for evaluation
• Providing sequenced and varied assessments
• Designing opportunities for learners to track own
progress

12. Instructional Materials
Standard 4

13. Standard 4: Support the
Learning
• Standard 4: Instructional materials enable learners
to achieve stated learning objectives or
competencies.
• Research:
https://www.qmprogram.org/qmresources/research/
• Pedagogy: What instructional materials will help
your students reach the objectives in your course?

14. Methods for Inclusion
• Contribute to the achievement of objectives
• Identify a clear purpose and use
• Appropriately cite your sources for materials
• Ensure these materials are current or seminal
• Provide variety and clearly denote optional or
supplemental learning materials

15. Activities and Interaction
Standard 5

16. Standard 5: Making It
Engaging
• Standard 5: Course activities facilitate and support
learner interaction and engagement.
• Research:
https://www.qmprogram.org/qmresources/research/
• Pedagogy: What sort of interaction do you want in
your course?

17. Methods for Inclusion
• Alignment to learning objectives
• Create interactions
• Response time and feedback
• List clear requirements

18. Technology
Standard 6

19. Standard 6: Making It
Relevant
• Standard 6: Course technologies support learners’
achievement of course objectives or competencies.
• Research:
https://www.qmprogram.org/qmresources/research/
• Pedagogy: How can technology engage your
learners in your course?

20. Methods for Inclusion
• Alignment of technologies to learning
• Create active learning opportunities
• Obtainable - access to technology delivery
• Current use of technological tools
• Privacy needs are met for learners

21. Learner Support
Standard 7

22. Standard 7: Making It
Supported
• Standard 7: The course facilitates learner access to
institutional support services essential to learner
success.
• Research:
https://www.qmprogram.org/qmresources/research/
• Pedagogy: What support considerations will you
implement for your course?

23. Methods for Inclusion
• Obtaining effective support for your learners
• Accessibility policies and services available
• Use of academic support services
• Identify student support services for learners

24. Accessibility
Standard 8

25. Standard 8: Making It
Accessible
• Standard 8: The course design reflects a
commitment to accessibility and usability for all
learners.
• Research:
https://www.qmprogram.org/qmresources/research/
• Pedagogy: What accessibility and usability
considerations will you have for your course?

26. Methods for Inclusion
• Ease of use
• Accessibility of technologies
• Alternative access
• Readability
• Multimedia equally accessible