Pilot program seeking Quality Matters certification for online courses
Outstanding instruction is a hallmark of the UNC Charlotte experience, and that extends to the large number of online offerings available through the University’s Distance Education Office.
Four faculty members recently completed online course redesigns to obtain certification of having met Quality Matters standards, a national, faculty-centered, peer-review process considered the gold standard for how distance education courses are structured. Quality Matters was started by MarylandOnline Inc., a consortium of colleges and universities.
This pilot program, which began this past fall, was a collaborative effort between distance education and the Center for Teaching and Learning.
“Our faculty have expressed an interest in delivering the highest quality courses they possibly can, which is the UNC Charlotte way,” said Garvey Pyke, director of the Center for Teaching and Learning. “Having our online programs Quality Matters certified will distinguish them in the marketplace where students have so many choices these days. They can trust a course if it is from UNC Charlotte.”
Patricia Wilkins, clinical assistant professor in the College of Education, teaches courses in the Instructional Systems Technology program, which is fully online.
“It is essential that students have the resources in place to be successful in online courses, which can have a higher attrition rate,” said Wilkins. “Through the QM redesign process, I viewed my course from the lens of a student, and I received feedback from my peers. The revisions will assist with student retention and improve learning outcomes, and I know that I’m providing a quality course with resources in place for student success.”
Nursing instructor Susan Lynch, who coordinates the University’s RN to BSN degree program, another completely online program, echoed Wilkins’ comments.
“QM’s goal is to ensure students have the support services they need, which most faculty who teach online courses know, but the standards and recommendations provide structure so students are more readily aware of the available resources,” Lynch explained. “QM also puts the focus back into creating a richer student experience that fosters discussions and activities where all voices are heard and valued.”
In addition to Wilkins and Lynch, Florence Martin, associate professor and program director of the Instructional Systems Technology program, and Meredith Troutman-Jordan, associate professor of nursing, participated in the pilot program to redesign online courses.
Shanna Coles, interim director of distance education and summer school, noted the University offers 31 degree programs and graduate certificates that can be completed online.
“Interest in online education continues to grow, and having our courses certified to meet a set of nationally recognized standards is beneficial for the students who enroll in the programs and the University as a whole,” said Coles.