Quality Matters

At Lehigh Carbon Community College, we believe every online student deserves a premier learning experience. That’s why the Department of Online Learning utilizes the Quality Matters (QM) framework. By integrating these internationally recognized benchmarks, we ensure our virtual classrooms are as rigorous, engaging, and supportive as our face-to-face ones.

The LCCC Department of Online Learning staff and an increasing number of our faculty have been trained in the QM Rubric, standards, and rigorous peer-review process.

The QM Rubric

The Quality Matters Rubric is a set of 8 General Standards and 42 Specific Review Standards used to evaluate the design of online and blended courses. The standards are based on best practices and relevant research.

The eight General Standards are:

• Course Overview and Introduction
• Learning Objectives (Alignment)
• Assessment and Measurement
• Instructional Materials
• Learning Activities and Learner Interaction
• Course Technology
• Learner Support
• Accessibility and Usability

Our Commitment to Excellence

At LCCC, we believe that high-quality course design is the foundation of student success. A course meets QM Certification only if it meets these standards at an 85% level or higher. When you see the QM Certification Mark on a course syllabus or within Canvas, it informs students that the course has:

1. Clear Expectations: Students know exactly what is required to succeed.
2. Meaningful Content: All materials and activities align with the learning objectives.
3. Engaging Design: The course is structured to promote active learning and interaction.

LCCC Certified Courses

We are proud of our faculty members who have dedicated themselves to this continuous improvement process. You can view our growing list of nationally recognized, QM-certified courses directly on the Quality Matters website:

View LCCC’s QM-Certified Courses

Get Involved

Faculty interested in preparing their courses for QM review or attending a QM workshop should contact the Department of Online Learning. We provide guidance, instructional design support, and professional development opportunities throughout the academic year.

Contact Information

For more information about the Quality Matters initiative at LCCC, please contact:
Rachel Zarzatian Instructional Design Manager and QM Coordinator rpeters@lccc.edu