Managing Quality in Online Education

2013 ◽  
pp. 220-233 ◽  
Author(s):  
Teresa L. Coffman ◽  
Mary Beth Klinger
Keyword(s):  
Online Learning ◽  
Online Education ◽  
Course Design ◽  
Evaluation Process ◽  
Online Course ◽  
Instructional Designers ◽  
Quality Matters ◽  
Course Success ◽  
Online Course Development ◽  
Management Approaches

Online education is advancing the world over and recent emphasis has focused on the quality of online learning and student outcomes. This chapter focuses on managing quality in online learning design through two different project management approaches at two different institutions of higher education. University X instituted a pilot program of faculty and instructional designers to initiate online course development at this University and to identify and define quality in the online course design process. College Y has had a successful online cadre of courses and programs and recently adopted a for-purchase quality initiative through Quality Matters. Courses are put through the Quality Matters evaluation process to determine strengths and weaknesses. Both institutions will continue to offer online education as an alternative to traditional, classroom courses and both will continue to monitor quality as a key indicator of student learning and online course success.

Taking a Hard Look at the Soft Skills of Online Course Design and Online Teaching in Higher Education

2017 ◽  
pp. 158-181
Author(s):  
Kevin P. Gosselin ◽  
Maria Northcote ◽  
Kristi D. Wuensche ◽  
Trudy Stoddard
Keyword(s):  
Higher Education ◽  
Online Learning ◽  
Online Education ◽  
Online Teaching ◽  
Course Design ◽  
Soft Skills ◽  
Online Course ◽  
Online Course Design ◽  
Post Secondary ◽  
Online Educators

Over the past few decades, substantial growth has occurred in online education in general, and this has been particularly true of the higher education sector. Most universities and post-secondary institutions now offer students the opportunity to enroll in online pre-tertiary, vocational, undergraduate and/or postgraduate courses. While some of these courses are successful for the learners who enroll in them, others have been found somewhat deficient, often criticized for their lack of humanization, interaction, communication and online presence. This chapter examines the role of the so-called soft skills of online course design and online teaching that are seen as vital for online educators who are responsible for the facilitation of high quality online learning. Along with a review of relevant literature about the soft skills of online teaching, the chapter presents three institutional case studies from which a set of practically-focused recommendations for promoting the design of humanized online learning environments has been developed.

scholarly journals Comparing the Factors That Predict Completion and Grades Among For-Credit and Open/MOOC Students in Online Learning

2018 ◽  
Vol 22 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Ma. Victoria Almeda ◽  
Joshua Zuech ◽  
Ryan S. Baker ◽  
Chris Utz ◽  
Greg Higgins ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
At Risk ◽  
Online Learning ◽  
Online Education ◽  
Course Design ◽  
Student Groups ◽  
Course Success ◽  
Learning Platform ◽  
Massive Online Open Courses ◽  
New Students ◽  
Open Courses

Online education continues to become an increasingly prominent part of higher education, but many students struggle in distance courses. For this reasonFor this reason, there has been considerable interest in predicting which students will succeed in online courses , achieving poor grades or dropping out prior to course completionn). Effective intervention depends on understanding which students are at-risk in terms of actionable factors, and behavior within an online course is one key potential factor for intervention. In recent years, many have suggested that Massive Online Open Courses (MOOCs) are a particularly useful place to conduct research into behavior and interventions, given both their size and the relatively low consequences/costs of experimentation. However, it is not yet clear whether the same factors are associated with student success in open courses such as MOOCs as in for-credit course -- an important consideration before transferring research results between these two contexts. While there has been considerable research in each context, differences between course design and population limit our ability to know how broadly findings generalize; differences between studies may have nothing to do with whether students are taking a course for-credit or as a MOOC. Do , this body of literature has been split into two-subcategories: research on success in MOOCs and research on success in For-credit courses. Few studies Few studies have attempted tohave attempted to understand how students and their learning experiences differ between these contexts, bypassing an opportunity to synthesize findings across different student populations who engage in online education. Do bypassing an opportunity to synthesize findings across different populations who engage in online education. To address this issue, we Do learners behave the same way in MOOCs and for-credit courses? AAre the implications for learning different, even for the exact same behaviors? In this paper, we study these issues through developing models that predict student course success from online interactions, in an online learning platform that caters to both distinct student groups (i.e., students who enroll on a for-credit or a non-credit basis). Our findings indicate that our models perform well enough to predict students’ course grades for new students across both of our populations. Furthermore, models trained on one of the two populations were able to generalize to new students in the other student population. We find that features related to comments were good predictors of student grade for both groups. Models generated from this research can now be used by instructors and course designers to identify at-risk students both for-credit and MOOC learners, towards providing both groups with better support.

scholarly journals PROVIDING QUALITY ASSURANCE IN ONLINE GERONTOLOGY COURSES THROUGH A PEER REVIEW NETWORK

2019 ◽  
Vol 3 (Supplement_1) ◽  
pp. S978-S978
Author(s):  
Louise M Murray ◽  
Enoch Park
Keyword(s):  
Online Learning ◽  
Online Education ◽  
Online Teaching ◽  
Teaching And Learning ◽  
Learning Experience ◽  
Professional Staff ◽  
Online Course ◽  
Instructional Designers ◽  
Team Approach ◽  
Peer Reviewers

Abstract In health care and senior housing and care, the challenge of meeting diverse regional workforce needs is increasingly important in higher education. Educators within gerontology are rising to this challenge using multiple platforms, including online education (Carter, Solberg, & Solberg, 2017; Nadash, Miller, Porell, Birchander, Glickman, & Burr, 2014). This poster presents the life cycle of a traditional face to face introductory level graduate gerontology course which was transitioned to a fully online course. This transition was achieved using a structured course development process based on nationally recognized online course quality standards by Quality Matters (QM). Utilizing a team approach, the process incorporated faculty (subject matter experts and course developers), instructional designers, and professional staff in distance education, faculty teaching support, and online learning specialists. QM standards serve to assure quality online instruction, with the goal of providing students with a positive and successful online learning experience. Analysis of this case highlights the role of Certified (QM) peer reviewers who have expertise in Gerontology and can serve as the connector of online gerontology courses offered within programs, between institutions, and globally. Recommendations are presented to improve the pedagogical quality of online courses to attract and retain students in gerontology and aging studies courses. The case for building an initial network of online course peer reviewers to strengthen online teaching and learning within the gerontology profession will be made.

scholarly journals A “just-in-time” pragmatic approach to creating Quality Matters-informed online courses

2020 ◽  
Vol 121 (5/6) ◽  
pp. 365-380
Author(s):  
Angela P. Murillo ◽  
Kyle M.L. Jones
Keyword(s):  
Online Education ◽  
Course Design ◽  
Online Courses ◽  
Online Course ◽  
Pragmatic Approach ◽  
Online Course Design ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Quality Matters ◽  
Formal Quality ◽  
The Creation

Purpose Quality Matters is one of the most widely regarded standards for online course design. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, many instructors have needed to quickly convert face-to-face classes into an online environment. However, many instructors do not have online education expertise. Standards such as Quality Matters can help guide the creation of quality online course environments. This paper aims to provide a research-based and pragmatic approach for creating QM-informed online courses. Design/methodology/approach The Quality Matters Standards Rubric consists of eight General and 42 Specific Review Standards. Each standard was analyzed to determine the ease of implementation and implementation approach for a Quality Matters-informed online course template. Findings Of the 42 specific review standards, 16 (38%) are easily achievable, 20 (48%) are achievable, but required some intervention, and six (14%) are difficult to achieve through a course template. Practical implications This study provides guidance for implementing Quality Matters-informed online course design. As many instructors without an instructional design or online education background now need to conduct online classes, Quality Matters provides structure and guidance to assist with creating high-quality learning environments. As receiving formal Quality Matters certification is time-consuming and requires peer-review, this research provides guidance to create Quality Matters-informed online courses in a timely manner. Originality/value This study is particularly timely due to the COVID-19 pandemic and will help prepare instructors for any second-wave scenarios. Furthermore, through providing guidance on the creation of Quality Matters-informed online course design, this paper will help instructors have a greater chance of instructional success for online course delivery.

Authentic Learning in Online Courses

2012 ◽  
pp. 82-94 ◽  
Author(s):  
Deb Gearhart
Keyword(s):  
Online Learning ◽  
Real World ◽  
Course Design ◽  
Online Courses ◽  
Authentic Learning ◽  
Learning By Doing ◽  
Online Course ◽  
Instructional Designers ◽  
Online Course Design ◽  
Design Students

The purpose of this chapter is to describe authentic learning, review the literature pertaining to authentic learning, discuss the benefits for online learning, and provide a model for the use of authentic learning in online course design. Students comment they are motivated by solving real-world problems and often express a preference for doing rather than listening. At the same time, most educators consider learning by doing the most effective way to teach (Lombardi, 2007). The chapter will be beneficial to instructors and instructional designers alike.

scholarly journals Online Course Design

2019 ◽  
Vol 20 (3) ◽  
Author(s):  
Sally J. Baldwin ◽  
Yu-Hui Ching
Keyword(s):  
Higher Education ◽  
Online Education ◽  
Course Design ◽  
Online Courses ◽  
The United States ◽  
Course Evaluation ◽  
Online Course ◽  
Evaluation Instrument ◽  
Online Course Design ◽  
Quality Matters

The evaluation of online courses is an important step in providing quality online courses. There are a variety of national and statewide evaluation tools used to help guide instructors and course designers of online courses (e.g., Quality Matters, OSCQR). This paper discusses a newly released course evaluation instrument from Canvas, the second largest learning management system (LMS) used by higher education institutions in the United States. The characteristics and unique features of the Canvas Course Evaluation Checklist (CCEC) are discussed. The CCEC is also compared to established national and statewide evaluation instruments. This review is helpful for those interested in online course design and developments in the field of online education.

scholarly journals Bridging Disciplines with a New and Interactive Online Course: Drug & Nutrient Interactions

2020 ◽  
Vol 4 (Supplement_2) ◽  
pp. 604-604
Author(s):  
Sara Police ◽  
Jessie Hoffman,
Keyword(s):  
Student Engagement ◽  
Course Design ◽  
Online Course ◽  
Instructional Designers ◽  
Due Dates ◽  
Nutrient Interactions ◽  
University Of Kentucky ◽  
Student Cohorts ◽  
Graduate Certificate ◽  
Nutritional Sciences

Abstract Objectives The purpose of this project was to design, develop and implement an online two-credit course, Drug & Nutrient Interactions, as an elective for a new online Graduate Certificate in Applied Nutrition and Culinary Medicine at the University of Kentucky. Methods Drug & Nutrient Interactions was designed to meet the needs of select student cohorts: undergraduate Pharmacology minors, graduate students enrolled in the Masters in Nutritional Sciences program, and online graduate certificate students. Faculty within the Dept. of Pharmacology and Nutritional Sciences and the Division of Clinical Nutrition were consulted to identify curricular gaps and to avoid redundancy across programs. Instructional designers were consulted to identify evidence-based best practices in online course design and teaching. Results Content of the Drug and Nutrient Interactions course is structured within four thematic modules: 1. Introduction to Pharmacology and Food & Drug Interactions, 2. Exploring Drug-Nutrient Interactions, 3. Genes, Bugs & Time, and 4. Current and Future Directions in Nutrition & Pharmacology. Each module is three to four weeks in duration, to span a 14-week semester. Each week, students’ tasks include reading, watching, writing, and reviewing content related to the student learning objectives. Methods to promote student engagement with the content recur week-to-week, to ensure consistency for students’ experience. An eBook was written by the instructors to provide a current and interdisciplinary review of the intersections of nutritional sciences and pharmacology in the course. In lieu of proctored online exams, module-level assignments assess students’ achievement of learning outcomes. Drug & Nutrient Interactions launched in fall 2019 with nine students enrolling and completing the course. Course analytics track student engagement by logging page views and participation. Increasing students’ page views and participation align with due dates for module assignments. Therefore - in spring 2020, deadlines were shifted to a weekly timeline to foster consistent engagement. Conclusions Instructors should explore various methods to foster student-content, student-student and student-instructor engagement in an online learning environment. Funding Sources This course project was funded by a UK Online award & an Alternative Textbook grant.

scholarly journals Applying the Matrix Model in an English for Presentation Online Class during COVID-19 Pandemic: A Case Study of an Undergraduate Class in Thailand

2021 ◽  
Vol 14 (9) ◽  
pp. 12
Author(s):  
Prapaporn Sompakdee ◽  
Wichuta Chompurach ◽  
Werachai Thanamaimas ◽  
Siraprapa Kotmungkun
Keyword(s):  
Online Learning ◽  
Matrix Model ◽  
Online Courses ◽  
Private University ◽  
Online Course ◽  
The Matrix ◽  
Online Course Development ◽  
Data Collections ◽  
Class Presentation ◽  
Academic Year

During the COVID-19 pandemic, online learning was an important topic for scholars. A private university in Khon Kaen Province, Thailand followed a policy to create online courses for every subject to ensure that education could proceed effectively. To correspond with the policy, the Matrix Model was integrated with the online course development of an English for Presentation class at this private university. The Matrix Model is also known as SAMR which refers to Substitution, Augmentation, Modification, and Redefinition. The online course was presented in the third semester of the academic year of 2019 with 77 participants who volunteered to participate in this course. The research instruments used in this study were observation, surveying, and interview. The data collections were done at the beginning, during, and after the course to provide a comprehensive study of online learning. The data revealed both positive opinions and obstacles associated with this online learning. The results of using the SAMR model in this study do provide benefits to students and educators and show that 84% of the participants prefer online presentation over in-class presentation.

scholarly journals 9. Quality Matters: A Faculty-Centred Program to Assure Quality in Online Course Design

2011 ◽  
Vol 3 ◽  
pp. 49 ◽  
Author(s):  
Kay Shattuck
Keyword(s):  
Review Process ◽  
Course Design ◽  
Online Courses ◽  
Peer Review Process ◽  
Research Literature ◽  
Quality Assurance Program ◽  
Online Course ◽  
Design Standards ◽  
Online Course Design ◽  
Quality Matters

One of the dilemmas faced by today’s faculty is assuring quality in online courses. As one solution to that dilemma, Quality Matters (QM), a program of MarylandOnline, built a rubric of design standards informed by existing research literature and best practices. The rubric was implemented within a faculty-centred, peer review process in which colleagues share their expertise to facilitate course design improvements and to achieve an established level of quality in online course design. This article will describe the basic tenets and processes of QM as an inter-institutional quality assurance program for online learning.

scholarly journals Evaluating Online Course Quality: A Study on Implementation of Course Quality Standards

2020 ◽  
Vol 24 (4) ◽  
Author(s):  
Whitney Zimmerman ◽  
Barbara Altman ◽  
Bethany Simunich ◽  
Kay Shattuck ◽  
Barbra Burch
Keyword(s):  
Quality Assurance ◽  
Online Learning ◽  
Course Design ◽  
Quality Standards ◽  
Online Course ◽  
Faculty Professional Development ◽  
Course Quality ◽  
Peer Reviewers ◽  
Relationship Of ◽  
The Relationship

This study examined the relationship of intentional faculty professional development, intentional online course design, and informal course reviews to the results of official interinstitutional peer review within higher education institutions. Quality MattersTM (QM) provided the setting for this exploration of the relationship of three independent variables at the course level at institutions that have voluntarily implemented QM online learning quality assurance tools and processes. Data for this study were extracted from a larger statistical project conducted regularly by QM, which included the results of 5,436 online course reviews completed between September 2014 and May 2020 at 360 institutions. These courses were assessed for meeting quality standards in structured, interinstitutional, reviews, conducted by three faculty peer reviewers. QM provided the setting and data for this study; however, the study was not about QM. Instead, it was about exploring the relationships of variables within an institution’s control in the quest for benchmarking and improving online learning. Having and disseminating online course quality standards does not ensure implementation of those standards and quality assurance processes. This observational study provides a better understanding of how the implementation of those standards and quality assurance processes might impact outcomes.

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