Written by Madison Szczygiel

Published as part of QILT News & Notes Fall 2026

What does your course look like from a student's perspective? Is it easy to navigate? Are learning objectives clearly connected to activities and assessments? Can all students access and engage with the course materials?

These are just a few of the questions at the heart of Quality Matters (QM), a nationally recognized framework for designing and improving online courses. The QM Standards for Course Design emphasize key principles such as alignment, clarity, accessibility, and student engagement, all of which contribute to meaningful learning experiences.

The best part? Quality Matters is about continuous improvement, not perfection.

As you teach your course over multiple terms, you have opportunities to reflect on what is working well, consider the learner experience, and identify areas for improvement. After your course has been taught for at least two terms, a Quality Matters review can offer a fresh perspective on its design and help you identify meaningful changes that bring your course closer to meeting the QM standards.

Ready to Give Quality Matters a Try?

Curious how your course aligns with QM standards? We offer an informal Quality Matters review for instructors interested in reviewing their course through the QM framework. Our learning designers who have completed Applying the QM Rubric training provide collaborative, constructive feedback on course strengths and opportunities for improvement. An informal review is separate from official QM certification and offers an opportunity to become familiar with the standards without committing to the formal certification process.

Whether you're exploring QM for the first time, refining an existing course, or considering certification in the future, why not give it a try? A fresh perspective and a few thoughtful adjustments can make a meaningful difference in your learners' experience.

Connect with us to explore an informal Quality Matters review →