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Augusta Technical College's Anatomy and Physiology I Course Receives Quality Matters Certification for Course Design Quality

by Kimberly Holden


Posted on Sep 19, 2024 at 10:00 AM


For Immediate Release

An uppercase abstract A in Heritage Green composed of a smaller leg representing Augusta Technical College supporting the larger leg representing the Augusta Community and economy.

The Quality Matters logo composed of the the words Quality Matters in small, blue, capitalized san-serif font above a yellow horizontal line. The captialized letters Q and M are in red serif font centered on the logo between the two yellow horizontal lines.

Augusta Technical College Anatomy and Physiology I Course
Receives Quality Matters Certification for Course Design Quality

Augusta, GA - September 19, 2024 Original Press Release


Ms. Sarah Osborn, a Caucasian female with long blonde hair, smiles at the camera wearing a black and white floral shirt, pictured against a tan background.Augusta Technical College’s BIOL 2113 - Anatomy and Physiology I Course, earned the Quality Matters (QM) Certification Mark following a rigorous review process. The QM Certification Mark is the internationally recognized symbol of online and blended course design quality and represents ATC’s ongoing commitment to creating learning environments that provide learners with a clear pathway to success.

The certification is the result of ATC’s dedication to continuous improvement, including the innovative work of Sarah Osborn, Biology Instructor in the School of Arts and Sciences. The course is now listed on the QM directory of certified courses.

According to Instructor Osborn, "Application of the Quality Matters rubric to BIOL 2113 - Introduction to Anatomy and Physiology Lecture gave me the opportunity to examine the course from a fresh perspective and identify areas that could be improved upon. Many aspects of the course were already in line with best practices but applying specific QM standards provided a pathway for improving learning activities that can help increase student success and retention. The consistency of the QM rubric across multiple gateway courses creates a neat, standardized interface for online classes that will also be beneficial for students, as they will see the same key design elements that will ease their transition from one class to another."

The QM Official Review provided independent validation of the quality, learner-focused course design found in BIOL 2113. Reviews are conducted by QM-Certified Reviewers and use the Quality Matters Rubric and associated Standards, which are based on research and best practices. A course earns the QM Certification Mark once it meets QM Rubric Standards at the 85% threshold or better and meets all Essential Standards.

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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.


About Augusta Technical College

Augusta Technical College, a unit of the Technical College System of Georgia, is a public postsecondary institution that provides academic and technical education, customized business and industry training, continuing education, student support, economic development, and adult education services to its service area (Burke, Columbia, Lincoln, McDuffie, and Richmond Counties) at a competitive financial value. Associate of Science Degrees, Associate of Applied Science Degrees, diplomas, and technical certificates of credit are provided through traditional and distance delivery methods. For more information, visit augustatech.edu.

Media Contact:

Kimberly N. Holden
Executive Director, Marketing & Public Relations
706.771.4819
kimberly.holden@augustatech.edu


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  • Press Release
  • School of Arts and Sciences
  • Quality Matters (QM)

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