Raising questions. Pursuing answers. Curating and categorizing. That’s how we support QM quality assurance.
A founding principle that continues to drive Quality Matters is the need for QM Standards to reflect current academic research on effective learning. The initial standards and subsequent modifications have been based on the insights of teams of experienced online instructors and instructional designers and on the best practices standards promulgated by accrediting bodies and national and international organizations. In addition, the QM Standards have been examined for consistency with the conclusions of the educational research literature regarding factors that increase learning and engagement and that improve learner retention rates.
QM's Department of Innovation & Research is focused on curating and supporting research studies related to the impact and use of the Quality Matters model. Literature reviews to inform members of the Rubric Committees in their effort to assure that the Rubrics remain current with the research are also an important component of QM Innovation & Research activities. If you are looking for guidance on conducting QM-focused research or finding studies to support the use of QM, we recommend starting with the resources listed in this section.
qm research library
Search our curated selection of literature bearing a relationship to quality assurance in online learning, as well as the QM Standards, by either keyword or the QM Standard number.
See instructions for submitting references to the library.
CHLOE PROJECT
Access reports from this multi-year survey project of Chief Online Learning Officers. The reports provide insight into the trends and challenges facing a range of higher education institutions.
CHLOE 10 | Meeting the Moment: Navigating Growth, Competition, and AI in Online Higher Education is now available.
qm-related research resources
See a curated list of studies and publications related to the primary categories of QM Research.
Need help with your search? Contact QM Research with your questions.
Looking for a recording or miss a session?
See a list of all archived recordings.
Have an idea for a Research Webinar? Contact the Innovation & Research team.
Research Webinars
Sept. 30, 2025 — 2:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. Eastern
Building Quality from the Ground Up: A Systemic Approach to Online Degree Programs
Presented by Dr. Amy Grincewicz, Director of Instructional Design, Ambassador Crawford College of Business and Entrepreneurship at Kent State University
Move beyond course-by-course approaches to online program development with this research-backed framework for systematic quality. Based on a comprehensive synthesis of current literature and practice, this session explores how the four QM Program Certification pillars — Program Design, Teaching Support, Learner Support, and Learner Success — work together to create transformative learning experiences. Discover evidence-based strategies for building coherent curricula, fostering faculty partnerships, designing inclusive support systems, and cultivating authentic online communities. Whether you're launching new programs or enhancing existing ones, this session provides actionable insights for creating online degree programs that don't just deliver content at a distance but build pathways for learners to grow, connect, and lead.
Webinar begins at 2:00 p.m. ET, 1:00 p.m. CT, 12:00 p.m. MT, 11:00 a.m. PT
