We are currently accepting applications for FSU quality certification. See How to Get a Course FSU-Certified below for details.
FSU's Online Quality Initiative promotes academic excellence in distance learning courses and provides a strong foundation for student success in the online learning environment. With increased support for online course design and a course certification process focused on student success, FSU is removing barriers to learner achievement in distance learning courses. Together, we’re taking "distance" further!
What Does a Quality Online Course Look Like?
FSU uses the nationally recognized Quality Matters rubric to assess the quality of its online courses. Backed by research in online learning, the rubric is a set of eight standards for benchmarking quality in online course design. The rubric is used in a faculty-centered, peer review process to evaluate and certify the quality of online courses. Focusing primarily on course design, rather than on content or delivery, the rubric helps ensure a course is structured to achieve the desired learning outcomes. Courses designed with the standards in mind remove obstacles to learner achievement, are easier to navigate, and result in better learning outcomes and student experience.
More student interactions
Quality Matters Standard #5 focuses on how well learning activities provide learner interaction in support of active learning.
Better student participation
Quality Matters Standard #3 focuses on assessment and how well a course connects the learner's work to the grading policy.
Technology supports learning
Quality Matters Standard #6 focuses on the inclusion of various technologies to promote learner engagement and active learning.
Higher course evaluation marks
In one study, students enrolled in Quality Matters courses gave higher marks on course evaluations than those enrolled in non-QM courses.*
FSU Course Certification
We already boast an extensive catalog of courses that demonstrate high standards of academic quality and rigor. So why go to the trouble of certifying a course for quality? Course certification helps FSU affirm that all online courses demonstrate our university’s core values for academic excellence, diversity, and student success. Regardless of the course, students can count on an experience designed to promote their success online. Preparing a course to pass a quality or high-quality review involves creating measurable course- and module-level learning objectives, aligning learning objectives with learning activities, attending to principles of universal design, developing accessible course materials, and incorporating course elements that engage students and promote a quality learning experience.
