When is a course review a Quality Matters review, and when is it an Online Course Evaluation? 

The way an online course is designed and organized is reviewed formally using the (on myUNG) Quality Matters (QM) rubric. This is a peer review process designed to certify the quality of online course components. At UNG, the QM review takes place after the new online course is taught. For example, if the online course is taught in the Fall 2018 term, then the course is reviewed in February (2019). This occurs once, and QM certification lasts for three years.

On the other hand, the (on myUNG) Online Course Evaluation Rubric is UNG’s tool to ensure that our online students’ needs are being met in quality online courses each and every term. All online courses are reviewed in terms of how they are delivered, as opposed to how the courses are designed. These delivery evaluations are completed by mid-term of each semester.

The Online Course Evaluation rubric is used to ensure that the delivery of an online course meets quality criteria. In collaboration with departments offering online courses, we hope to ensure community–building, instructor presence, and student-to-student interactions. The evaluation rubric also examines the facilitation of discussion threads (instructor presence), as well as feedback and use of the grade book. Our ultimate goal is that the tool will serve as a valuable professional development resource.