Have you ever wondered whether your course design is as clear as it feels in your head? Or whether your students—busy, working, commuting, juggling family and school—are able to easily navigate your course and understand what they need to do to succeed? If so, you’re exactly who this message is for!
This semester, we continue to encourage faculty to engage with Quality Matters (QM) trainings and materials to improve their online courses. There are several opportunities for you to do so! Read on to learn more.
What is Quality Matters (QM)?
Quality Matters is a nationally recognized framework for ensuring high-quality online and hybrid course design. It provides research-based standards that help instructors create clear, accessible, and engaging learning experiences. Check out this video introduction to QM from SCTCC’s own Susan Engel!
How does QM benefit our students?
At community and technical colleges like SCTCC, Quality Matters supports student success by helping eliminate barriers to learning. Clear navigation, transparent expectations, and aligned assessments are especially important for students balancing work, family responsibilities, and varied academic backgrounds. QM‑aligned courses support retention, confidence, and equitable learning experiences.
QM Professional Development Opportunities at SCTCC
SCTCC will cover the cost of QM professional development opportunities when coordinated with your dean. Upcoming QM workshops are available throughout the semester, and include hot topics such as:
- Accessibility
- Generative AI
- Building Relationships with Online Students
- Connecting Learning Objectives and Assessments
- Designing/Improving your Online Course
Ready for a QM Peer Review of your Course?
Local peer review of online courses is available this semester! This is an opportunity to get collegial feedback from another instructor on the development of your online course. If you would like your course peer reviewed, please contact me at caitlin.hickcox@sctcc.edu.
Want to learn more?
If you have questions, want help finding the right QM training, or simply want to talk about online course quality, reach out anytime: caitlin.hickcox@sctcc.edu.
Thank you for your continued dedication to high‑quality teaching and learning!