1. 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. 2011. All rights reserved

2. 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. 2011. All rights reserved

3. The Online Classroom Where Institutional Policy and QM Standards Intersect ©MarylandOnline, Inc. 2011. All rights reserved

4. Online Students on Campus ©MarylandOnline, Inc. 2011. All rights reserved

5. Student-Institution Relationship ©MarylandOnline, Inc. 2011. All rights reserved

6. 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. 2011. All rights reserved

7. The Quality Matters Rubric Structures the way the student experiences the institution through the online classroom ©MarylandOnline, Inc. 2011. All rights reserved

8. 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. 2011. All rights reserved

9. 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. 2011. All rights reserved

10. QM Rubric & Online Students ©MarylandOnline, Inc. 2011. All rights reserved QM Rubric Faculty Development, Course Reviews IRs, IDs, Faculty, Reviewers Institution: Policies Design of Online Classroom Online Learning Students

11. How Policy Affects Course Quality As Evaluated by the QM Rubric Standards ©MarylandOnline, Inc. 2011. All rights reserved

12. Factors Affecting Course Quality QM Reviews Course Design ONLY ©MarylandOnline, Inc. 2011. All rights reserved

13. 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. 2011. All rights reserved

14. Policy Areas Affecting Course Design ©MarylandOnline, Inc. 2011. All rights reserved

15. 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. 2011. All rights reserved

16. Quality of Course Design ©MarylandOnline, Inc. 2011. All rights reserved # of Affected QM Standards PointsValue 103Essential 72Very Important 14Important 1848Does Not Meet QM Standards

17. An Opportunity for Improvement How QM can affect policy ©MarylandOnline, Inc. 2011. All rights reserved

18. Where QM Can Affect Policy ©MarylandOnline, Inc. 2011. All rights reserved QM Course Content Course Delivery Faculty Readiness Learning Platforms & Technologies Student Readiness Institutional Infrastructure

19. 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. 2011. All rights reserved

20. 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. 2011. All rights reserved

21. 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

22. The Leverage of a National Standard 540 + 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. 2011. All rights reserved

23. Next Steps What QM Needs to Know From You ©MarylandOnline, Inc. 2011. All rights reserved

24. 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. 2011. All rights reserved

25. Help QM Help You To continue the discussion – QM LinkedIn Group – Discussion Forums on QM website – dadair@qualitymatters.org ©MarylandOnline, Inc. 2011. All rights reserved

26. Thank You! ©MarylandOnline, Inc. 2011. All rights reserved