Instructor Insights on Course Quality
In this recurring feature, the Office of Digital Learning recognizes instructors who have achieved high-quality certification of their online courses. The courses have passed a rigorous peer-review process based on the nationally recognized Quality Matters rubric. Using a Q&A format, instructors share their insights about the certification process.
This issue spotlights Azat Gündoğan, an associate teaching professor in the FSU Honors Program. Gündoğan is an urban sociologist and political scientist who received his PhD from Binghamton University.
Congratulations to Gündoğan for his high-quality certified course:
• IDH 3407 – Global Urbanization: Urban Diversity and Culture in the Age of Globalization (certified Summer 2025)
How do you think the Quality Matters (QM) review process has improved your course?
The QM review process significantly enhanced the clarity, structure, and alignment of my course. The whole process helped me build a deeper integration of learning objectives with assessments and instructional materials. This ensured a more coherent and transparent learning experience for students. In the end, I realized the significance of more intentional practices in accessibility and learner engagement which, in turn, improve both usability and learning outcomes.
What did you value most about the instructional design support you received from your ODL faculty liaison?
The accessibility support was invaluable in ensuring that my course materials are inclusive and compliant with ADA standards. In fact, the specialist helped me identify and correct accessibility issues, such as improving color contrast, adding meaningful alt text to images, and ensuring that all multimedia content had accurate captions. This support not only improved course accessibility but also made me more attentive to universal design principles in my teaching. Again, I must acknowledge the excellent support from the team, who provided detailed, systematic assistance in this area with great professionalism and care.
What did you value most about the accessibility support you received from your ODL course support specialist?
Prior to this process, my understanding of accessibility and how to adapt content for all learners was limited. The ODL team was instrumental in expanding my knowledge and showing me exactly how to make my course materials more accessible and adaptable. They not only guided me through best practices but also dedicated their own time to reviewing and modifying my materials to ensure accessibility standards were met. Their support made a significant difference in helping me create a more inclusive learning environment.
If you were to encourage a peer to participate in the QM review process, how would you communicate its value?
I would emphasize that the QM review process is an opportunity to elevate the quality of course design in ways that directly benefit students. It provides a clear framework for improving course alignment, clarity, and accessibility. I would also highlight the professional development aspect as it fosters reflective teaching practice and equips instructors with skills that enhance both online and face-to-face instruction. Having the support of an experienced and meticulous team like ours at ODL, especially professionals like Jamie [Lutz], Brittany [Endress], and Teodora [Abrams], makes the process manageable and ultimately rewarding.
