Quality Matters Regional Conferences Focus On Quality Learning For Remote And Online Learners

Originally planned as face-to-face events in California and New York, the April 3 and April 24 events were moved to an online format — like much of education — due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Presenters and participants embraced the opportunity to come together virtually during a time when many online professionals are being tapped for their expertise. The support of the QM community is valuable during this time when many institutions are looking for resources related to #remoteteaching, such as QM’s Emergency Remote Instruction Checklists (ERIC). While not the focus of these conferences, the community’s commitment to quality learning environments was on display during the April 3 event in presentations such as “Designing Learning That Promotes Transparency and Student Success” and “Strategies for Transitioning to Remote Instruction for the Short and Longer Term.” 

Over 170 education professionals attended 29 sessions during the West Regional Online Conference. Attendees, like JJ Johnson from Eastern Washington University, who tweeted out, “Thanks to the entire @QMProgram crew for hosting a very beneficial #QMWestRegional virtual conference. Excellent choice of #KeynoteSpeaker MelodyBuckner…,” may also attend the East Regional Online Conference April 24 as part of the $125 registration fee. Sessions will be recorded and made available to registrants following the conference.

The April 24 QM East Regional Online Conference is particularly relevant to those seeking guidance from a community of educators. The conference includes the following presenters with decades of online experience:

• Sasha Thackaberry, Vice President for Digital and continuing education at Louisiana State University with her keynote address on creating quality online learning experiences for students and communities of practice. 

• Patrick Dempsey, Director of the office of Digital Teaching and Learning, Loyola University Maryland, with his presentation “Designing for Change: Creating Transformative Online Learning Experiences” 

• Melissa Kaufman, Director of Online Learning, Dornsife School of Public Health, Drexel University, with her presentation “The online Students are coming! Reimagining Support Services for Online Student Success”

“Although we will miss meeting face to face with our colleagues, the East Regional Conference is timely,” said Phoebe Ballard, QM program committee member. “Every day online learning is changing and we need to continually seek new ways to provide online learners with quality learning environments. In this new reality, we will discuss how educators are meeting the needs of learners with new ideas and best practices to put into action. We are collaborating with our peers on how to help today’s learner succeed.”

“It is more imperative than ever to share our resources and ideas and showcase the many ways our experienced and knowledgeable community works to ensure student success. Their mastery of quality online education shines through in these online conferences. Now it is time to share ideas — not just for students and institutions, but with each other.” said Dr. Deb Adair, QM Executive Director. “We are pleased that so many from the QM community attended the April 3 event to connect with resources for supporting student success and we  look forward to ‘Reimaging Quality Pathways’ during the April 24 online conference.”

About Quality Matters

Grounded in research. Driven by best practices. A community that puts learners first. 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.