Samford University has partnered with Quality Matters (QM), an internationally recognized, faculty-driven peer-review process used to ensure the quality of online and blended course design. Samford students can expect an exceptional education experience anchored in Christian values, a world class faculty, and a commitment to high quality online and blending learning.
As a QM subscribing institution, Samford University faculty and staff receive ongoing professional development in course design and the implementation of the Quality Matters Higher Education Rubric. The QM Rubric is a set of standards used to evaluate the design of online and blended courses. QM standards were developed and continue to be revised based on research and established standards in the fields of instructional design and online learning.
Course Quality by Design
Course design is critical to the quality assurance process at Samford University. Many factors can affect the quality of an online or blended course. These factors include course design, course delivery, the learning management system, faculty readiness, student readiness, infrastructures, and more. To ensure course quality, we have created three levels of course design approval utilizing various components of the QM Higher Education Rubric.
Samford Approved Online Course
This internal level of approval includes a broad application of the eight QM general standards plus Samford’s credit hour policy. This review is conducted by one of Samford’s Instructional Designers who are trained and certified QM Peer Reviewers.
QM Essentials Seal of Excellence
This internal level of approval is achieved when the course meets all 23 QM Essential standards plus Samford’s credit hour policy. This review is conducted by one of Samford’s Instructional Designers who are trained and certified QM Peer Reviewers using the QM Higher Education Rubric. A course must receive the QM Essentials Seal of Excellence prior to being eligible for QM Certification.
QM Certified Course
This level of approval is achieved when a course meets all 42 QM standards and Samford’s credit hour policy. This official review can occur through either an internal or external QM peer review process. This review is conducted by a three-person peer review team consisting of a Master Reviewer, an External Reviewer and a Subject Matter Expert, all of whom are certified QM Peer Reviewers.
Samford’s Quality Matters Certified Courses
The Samford courses listed below have earned the official QM Certification Mark following a rigorous course review process. A Quality Matters review provides an independent validation of the quality, learner-focused course design found in these courses. All QM reviews are conducted by QM-Certified Reviewers and use the Quality Matters Rubric and associated Standards, which are based on research and best practices.
Congratulations to these faculty members for their achievements of excellence and quality in online course design! We are proud of you!
If you are interested in submitting your online course for a QM peer review, please email kjarniga@samford.edu.