Institutional Policy & Quality Matters Standards: The impact of policy on course quality Deb Adair, QM Director Sloan-C Conference November 9-11, 2011 ©MarylandOnline, Inc All rights reserved

Presentation Framework The Online Classroom – The intersection of QM and Institutional Policy The QM Rubric – Structuring the relationship between learner and institution How Institutional Policy Affects Course Quality An Opportunity for Improvement: How QM can Affect Policy Next Steps: What we need to know from you ©MarylandOnline, Inc All rights reserved

The Online Classroom Where Institutional Policy and QM Standards Intersect ©MarylandOnline, Inc All rights reserved

Online Students on Campus ©MarylandOnline, Inc All rights reserved

Student-Institution Relationship ©MarylandOnline, Inc All rights reserved

The Design of the Classroom The way a course is designed will affect the way the student experiences the institution. It is the structure for the learning environment and the primary vehicle for interaction with institutional resources and rules. The QM Rubric can provide the structure for designing the course to support positive interaction between the student and the institution. Institutional policies will affect the way the course is designed, as well as delivered. Because QM Rubric standards and institutional policies will intersect in the online classroom, it’s important they do not conflict. ©MarylandOnline, Inc All rights reserved

The Quality Matters Rubric Structures the way the student experiences the institution through the online classroom ©MarylandOnline, Inc All rights reserved

Consisting of: 8 key areas (general standards) of course quality 41 specific review standards Including 21 essential standards and detailed annotations and examples of good practice for all 41 standards The Rubric is the Core of QM ©MarylandOnline, Inc All rights reserved

The QM Rubric Eight General Standards: 1. Course Overview and Introduction 2. Learning Objectives (Competencies) 3. Assessment and Measurement 4. Instructional Materials 5. Learner Interaction & Engagement 6. Course Technology 7. Learner Support 8. Accessibility Key components must align. Alignment: Critical course elements work together to ensure that students achieve the desired learning outcomes. ©MarylandOnline, Inc All rights reserved

QM Rubric & Online Students ©MarylandOnline, Inc All rights reserved QM Rubric Faculty Development, Course Reviews IRs, IDs, Faculty, Reviewers Institution: Policies Design of Online Classroom Online Learning Students

How Policy Affects Course Quality As Evaluated by the QM Rubric Standards ©MarylandOnline, Inc All rights reserved

Factors Affecting Course Quality QM Reviews Course Design ONLY ©MarylandOnline, Inc All rights reserved

QM’s Role in Quality Assurance QM looks at course design The harnessing of technology to deliver instruction and promote student learning Quality Matters Rubric Standards are not wholly discreet from other factors of course quality. They intersect at the level of institutional policy. ©MarylandOnline, Inc All rights reserved

Policy Areas Affecting Course Design ©MarylandOnline, Inc All rights reserved

Policies Affecting QM Standards PoliciesImport for Course DesignQM-Standard Content: Course Learning objectivesMeasurability of Learning Objectives 2.1, 2.3, 2.5, 3.1, 4.1, 5.1,6.1 Content: Course PrerequisitesCommunication to Online Students1.5 Student Readiness: Technical SkillsCommunication to Online Students1.6 Student Readiness: Communication Behavior Communication of appropriate behavior to Online Students: Netiquette 1.3 Faculty Readiness: Training on Accessibility Course must demonstrate a commitment to accessibility for all students 8.1, 8.2, 8.3, 8.4 Infrastructure for Learner Support: Technical, Accessibility, Academic, Student Support Communication to and access by Online Students 7.1, 7.2, 7.3, 7.4 Infrastructure: Academic Integrity, Student Conduct, Student Grievances, etc. Communication to Online Students1.4 Infrastructure: Intellectual Property Resources and materials are appropriately cited 4.3 LMS: Technology ResourcesCurrency of technologies6.5 ©MarylandOnline, Inc All rights reserved

Quality of Course Design ©MarylandOnline, Inc All rights reserved # of Affected QM Standards PointsValue 103Essential 72Very Important 14Important 1848Does Not Meet QM Standards

An Opportunity for Improvement How QM can affect policy ©MarylandOnline, Inc All rights reserved

Where QM Can Affect Policy ©MarylandOnline, Inc All rights reserved QM Course Content Course Delivery Faculty Readiness Learning Platforms & Technologies Student Readiness Institutional Infrastructure

QM Standards Impact Policy PoliciesImport for PolicyQM-Standard Existence, articulation, and relevance for online students Content: Mandated Learning Objectives Course learning objectives must be measurable to align with module objects, assessments, materials, activities, and technology 2.1, 2.3, 2.5, 3.1, 4.1, 5.1,6.1 Content: Grading PoliciesClearly explains relationship between elements and grades3.2 Student Readiness: Communication Behavior Communicate netiquette behavior relevant for online students1.3 Faculty Readiness: Training on Accessibility For course to demonstrate commitment to accessibility, faculty require training 8.1, 8.2, 8.3, 8.4 Faculty Readiness: Personnel Policies Plan for classroom response time and availability is clearly stated and appropriate for online students 5.3 Infrastructure for Learner Support: Technical, Accessibility, Academic, Student Support Commitment to services appropriate for online students: Technical support, student advising, online registration, counseling services, library services, tutoring services, disability services, financial aid counseling 7.1, 7.2, 7.3, 7.4 Institutional policies with which the student must comply Student conduct codes, academic integrity policies, penalties for late assignments, withdrawal procedures and deadlines, incomplete grades, grievance procedures relevant for online students 1.4 Faculty Readiness: Intellectual Property Training and resources to ensure materials are appropriately cited4.3 LMS: Technology ResourcesAcquisition of current technologies6.5 ©MarylandOnline, Inc All rights reserved

Can QM IMPROVE Policy? Improved courses Engaged faculty Reduced course development time Ongoing faculty development Quality benchmarking Awareness & support for online learning Institutional improvement ©MarylandOnline, Inc All rights reserved

Raising Awareness Reported Uses of QM Tools: Guidelines for initial online course development Quality assurance of existing courses Ongoing faculty professional development Institutional re-accreditation packages Focus attention on distance learning policies & steering committees Create a campus climate and structure that promotes teaching and learning

The Leverage of a National Standard current subscribers More than 44 states represented, 6 countries QM has trained 14,000+ faculty and instructional design staff Community Collaboration Largest community collaboration on quality in online education Award Winning - Sloan-C, USDLA, WCET ©MarylandOnline, Inc All rights reserved

Next Steps What QM Needs to Know From You ©MarylandOnline, Inc All rights reserved

Should QM do more by identifying best practices in each of these areas? Are there other areas of institutional policy that are affected by institutional efforts to meet QM standards? Are there other institutional policy areas that the QM Rubric should address? ? If not in the QM rubric, how does QM best encourage improvement on these? Questions ©MarylandOnline, Inc All rights reserved

Help QM Help You To continue the discussion – QM LinkedIn Group – Discussion Forums on QM website – ©MarylandOnline, Inc All rights reserved

Thank You! ©MarylandOnline, Inc All rights reserved