IST program achieves second Quality Matters certification

The Instructional Systems Technology Program recently received its second Quality Matters (QM) program certification. This new recognition is for Online Learner Success. UNC Charlotte is the second institution to receive this individual certification, since the introduction of QM program certification in 2015.

According to the Quality Matters website, Online Learner Success Certification “recognizes programs that are able to articulate a mission-driven definition of success for their learners that also meets the expectations of their external stakeholders and to demonstrate that their learners are achieving success at a high rate, based on external comparisons and benchmarks.”

Florence Martin, a professor in the Department of Educational Leadership in the Cato College of Education, led the team that achieved this second level of QM certification with support from the IST program faculty Beth Oyarzun and Ayesha Sadaf and Enoch Park, an online learning specialist with the Center for Teaching and Learning.

In 2017, the IST program received QM program certification in Online Program Design. QM program certification also includes two other individual certifications: Online Teaching Support and Online Learner Support.

“The IST program (soon to be called Learning, Design and Technology program) defines success of our learners as the administrative indices of academic competence, evidence of professional accomplishment and leadership, successful achievement of the IST competencies and positive experience in the program,” said Martin. “This certification, along with the other course and program level certifications, assists us in designing and delivering quality online courses to meet the needs of our online students.”

Click here for a list of institutions that have received QM Program Review Certification.

Photo: ITS faculty members Florence Martin, Ayesha Sadaf and Beth Oyarzun.