|
Dear Colleagues,
I invite you to attend the 3rd Annual Quality Matters Conference set for November 7 - 9, in Baltimore, MD, and to submit one or more proposals for a conference presentation. The overarching theme of the conference is "Quality Standards Today and Tomorrow". We will focus on the ways distance learning is growing and changing, and how these changes are affecting the relevance of QM's course design rubrics and professional development initiatives. We want to hear from you, and something in the list of possible topics (below) may convince you that you have a story to tell.
Five program tracks will address the present and future of quality course design from different perspectives:
- New Contexts. Are you experimenting with new and innovative course formats, expanding the use of third party content, integrating social media into your courses more extensively, introducing new learning management platforms and tools, or designing and formatting courses to maximize their effectiveness on tablets, smartphones, ebook readers and other portable devices? Are QM's online and blended course design standards having an influence on face-to-face instruction at your institution?
- NEW QM Tools. The conference will be featuring the soon to be released Publisher Rubric, the updated (2011 - 2013) edition of the Higher Education Rubric, the still young Grades 6-12 Rubric, and a QM based "Online Learner's Bill of Rights." If you were involved in any of these projects, you are invited to propose sharing your perspective and/or early efforts to implement these new tools. We may, in turn, invite you to participate in panel discussions on these tools.
- Spreading the Word. How is the growth of distance learning affecting the professional development of faculty and staff at your institution? As distance learning enters the mainstream at your institution, would you like to share your established or developing QM implementation plans? Once your faculty and staff have learned the basics of the QM Rubric and approach, how are you keeping them challenged, engaged and rewarded for their commitment to the continuous improvement of distance learning?
- K-12. As the QM Rubric for Grades 6-12 makes its way, we would like to hear about your early efforts to implement it at the school, virtual school, district, and state level. What are the challenges in an environment that is both regulated and decentralized? Do you have a model to share for using the rubric to train future teachers?
- Research. Many of the sessions in this track will present the results of QM-sponsored research grants, testing the impact of QM process on faculty development and the impact of QM course improvements on evidence-based student learning, persistence, retention, and the impact of QM processes on institutions. If you are carrying out QM-related, independent research, we would like to hear from you, too.
If you have other ideas that would also fit the tracks, please do submit your ideas to our user friendly online form. You can submit as many proposals as you like in as many tracks.
There are two standard formats for conference presentations:
- 1 hour Conference Presentation (30 min. presentation + Q&A)
- Panel Discussions (3-5 panelists; 5-8 minute opening presentations + discussion)
Please specify which format fits your presentation.
This year's conference brings together leaders who are transforming quality in online education at their institutions. Intermediate users and novices will gain from the insights of those who are leading the way. There will be many opportunities in the sessions, tabletop discussions, and informal interactions, for all to share their insights, experiences, challenges and concerns, to network with other institutions and individuals, and to influence the future course of the Quality Matters Program. We urge you to play an active part.
Submit your proposals now through Friday, June 10 at http://www.qmprogram.org/conference/proposals
I look forward to seeing you in November.
Sincerely,
Ron Legon
Executive Director
The Quality Matters Program
|
