The Quality Matters Rubric

Quality Matters created a set of forty specific elements, distributed across eight broad standards, by which to evaluate the design of online and hybrid courses. The web-based, fully interactive rubric is complete with annotations that explain the application of the standards and relationship between them. The eight broad standards include:

1. Course Overview and Introduction
2. Learning Objectives
3. Assessment and Measurement
4. Resources and Materials
5. Learner Engagement
6. Course Technology
7. Learner Support
8. Accessibility

What is Alignment?

Critical course components - Learning Objectives (2), Assessment and Measurement (3), Resources and Materials (4), Learner Engagement (5), and Course Technology (6) - work together to ensure that students achieve the desired learning outcomes. When aligned, each of these course components is directly tied to and supports the learning objectives. Specific standards included in Alignment are indicated in the rubric annotations.

When Do I Use the Rubric?

The Quality Matters rubric is intended for use with courses that are delivered fully online or a significant online component (hybrid and blended courses).

How Do I Obtain Access to the Rubric?

The rubric is available with both the Full and Basic Subscription Options.

See the latest research in support of the Quality Matters Rubric standards:

Introduction

QM Lit Review Update

QM Lit Review Update - Reference List

Appendix 1: References

The current rubric, as well as the Quality Matters name and logo, cannot be used without the explicit written permission of MarylandOnline, Inc. (Courses that were reviewed and that received QM Recognition to date may continue to use the logo they received).