The landscape of online and blended learning continues to grow rapidly in both reach and popularity. With this growth comes the need for thoughtful course design grounded in research-based best practices. One of the most effective ways to achieve this is by using established frameworks such as Quality Matters (Quality Matters). Founded in 2003, Quality Matters is a non-profit organization that offers a peer-reviewed rubric outlining standards for online course design, as well as professional development and certification opportunities. The QM rubric, now in its 7th edition (2023), helps institutions align courses with evidence-based design principles (Quality Matters).
What Is A Course Redesign?
For new courses, implementing a structured framework like Quality Matters from the outset can help ensure quality and consistency. However, many institutions also face the challenge of improving courses that already exist. This is where course redesign becomes essential.
Course redesign is the process of systematically updating and enhancing existing courses to improve alignment with learning objectives, engagement, accessibility, assessments, and use of technology. At Faulkner, internal course redesigns are supported by the SOAR I and SOAR II grants, which use the Quality Matters standards and the Faulkner Online style guide. In these projects, Student Success Instructional Technologists (SSIT) collaborate with faculty, who serve as subject matter experts, to build standardized course shells. These redesigned courses are then implemented in future semesters to measure their impact on student retention and success, compared to the original versions.
Another approach to course redesign is to seek official QM certification. A QM-certified course is “an online or blended course that has met QM Standards for a QM Rubric in an Official Course Review for Certification. Once certified, organizations can display the QM Certification Mark to demonstrate their commitment to quality, continuous improvement and High Quality Instructional Materials” (What is a QM-Certified Course?). Finally, a redesign can also occur incrementally. Faculty may continually update course materials and integrate research-based strategies to improve content and delivery. This process functions as an ongoing, smaller-scale redesign effort.
Examples of Redesign Elements
- Clear alignment of objectives, materials, and assessments
- Example: Each module includes clearly stated learning objectives linked to specific readings, videos, and assignments. For instance, a unit objective on “analyzing cultural diversity” is directly supported by assigned case studies and assessed through a short written analysis.
- Research-based best practices are implemented
- Example: Incorporation of active learning techniques such as scenario-based discussions and low-stakes quizzes, based on evidence that retrieval practice improves long-term retention.
- Enhanced course structure and navigation
- Example: Weekly modules are organized with a consistent “Overview, Materials, Activities, Assessments” layout, reducing cognitive load and making it easy for students to locate what they need.
- More accessible and inclusive
- Example: All videos include captions, readings are screen-reader friendly, and multiple formats (text, audio, visual) are provided for key content to meet diverse learning preferences and ADA compliance.
Redesigning an online course can feel daunting, but for many faculty members, the Quality Matters (QM) review process has proven to be both transformative and affirming. By focusing on student-centered design, accessibility, and alignment, QM helps instructors elevate their courses to meet nationally recognized standards. Faculty who have completed a review often walk away with more than just a certified course, they also gain deeper insight into effective teaching and renewed confidence in their work.
Sandy Ledwell, for example, shared how the review helped reframe her course design through a student-focused lens:
“The QM review helped me think through a student-focused lens. It pushed me to ensure greater consistency throughout my course, clearly communicate how objectives aligned with assessments, and prioritize regular, substantive interaction. All of these elements helped set my students up for success.”
She also noticed a practical outcome after teaching the redesigned course, “I had fewer student questions about assignments, which I took as a sign that the improved course design made everything more accessible.”
For Brenda Turner, the process sparked lasting change across multiple courses:
“The experience pushed me to revise key components like module narratives and improve accessibility by addressing alt-text and table formatting, things I might have otherwise overlooked. Although I sometimes felt overwhelmed, every recommendation added value and ultimately strengthened the course.”
Since then, she’s applied the insights more broadly, “The process really shifted the way I approach course design.” Brenda recommends the QM review especially to newer faculty and those working in programs with disciplinary accreditation goals, “It not only improves the course, but it gives you peace of mind that your design meets high standards. QM standards align closely with what accreditors want to see.”
Overall, course redesigns offer meaningful benefits to everyone involved. Students gain access to updated, more accessible, and user-friendly courses. Instructors pick up new design strategies and can more confidently apply current best practices in their teaching. Meanwhile, universities strengthen the quality and credibility of the courses they promote to prospective students. If you have questions about course redesigns or would like to get involved or learn more, please contact Faulkner Online at online@faulkner.edu.
References
What is a QM-certified course? (no date) Quality Matters. Available at: https://www.qualitymatters.org/node/13.
Quality Matters. (n.d.). Www.qualitymatters.org. https://www.qualitymatters.org/why-quality-matters/about-qm