Walsh University’s commitment to providing students with an exceptional online learning experience has been recognized by the international leader for quality assurance in online and innovative digital teaching and learning environments, Quality Matters (QM).
The certification is the result of Walsh University’s dedication to continuous improvement, including the innovative work of Walsh Assistant Professor of Psychology Dr. Nina Rytwinski and Senior Instructional Designer/Walsh University QM Coordinator Mary Beth Messner. The PSYC 401 online course is Walsh’s first course certified by Quality Matters.
"As a clinical psychologist, abnormal psychology is one of my favorite classes to teach. So, I was delighted to have the opportunity to develop it in an online format,” said Dr. Rytwinski. “It’s very exciting to see Walsh University becoming a leader in online education.”
An external team of three reviewers assessed the course and found that it met all essential standards to be recognized as reaching a national benchmark for quality course design. Reviews are conducted by QM-Certified Reviewers and use the Quality Matters Rubric and Associated Standards, which are based on research and best practices. A course earns the QM Certification Mark once it meets QM Rubric Standards at the 85% threshold or better and meets all Essential Standards.
“The Quality Matters Official Review provided the opportunity to reflect on this course and examine it from the learner perspective,” said Walsh Director of Digital Campus Christine Lynn. “From accessibility to learner engagement to assessments, the review used internationally recognized standards and best practices to examine critical course components related to the learner experience and ultimately learner success.”
The course is now listed on the QM directory of certified courses.
The Quality Matters Higher Education Rubric reviews course elements in eight areas: Course Overview and Introduction, Learning Objectives (Competencies), Assessment and Measurement, Instructional Materials, Learning Activities and Learner Interaction, Course Technology, Learner Support, and Accessibility and Usability.
“Dr. Rytwinski’s approach to course videos is especially noteworthy as she not only provided video lectures in each lesson, but she also opened each lesson with an intro video outlining what students may expect and sharing the significance of the materials and assignments,” said Messner. “Although this is an asynchronous course, these videos help students feel connected to their instructor and the content, increasing student engagement and success.”
About Quality Matters
Quality Matters (QM) is the global organization leading quality assurance in online and innovative digital teaching and learning environments. It provides a scalable quality assurance system for online and blended learning used within and across organizations. When you see QM Certification Marks on courses or programs, it means they have met QM Course Design Standards or QM Program Review Criteria in a rigorous review process.
