Riverland instructors Jill Holmes and Heidi Schara receive national recognition for online courses

Riverland Community College business instructor Jill Holmes and speech instructor Heidi Schara have received national recognition from Quality Matters (QM) for online courses they developed. The QM program is a faculty-centered peer course review Quality Assurance process. The goals of the program are to increase student retention, learning and satisfaction in online courses by implementing better course design. Currently, Holmes and Schara are the only instructors in the state of Minnesota to have earned this distinction.

Holmes designed Introduction to Online Learning, a course that provides students an orientation to the online learning environment, online learning strategies, and communication and technology features.

Schara's course, Interpersonal Communications, focuses on the practical and theoretical aspects of human communication, including communicating in personal, social, and professional environments.

"We are extremely proud of Jill and Heidi's achievement," said David Hietala, dean of academic affairs -- extended learning for Riverland Community College. "The Quality Matters Seal of Recognition places their courses in the top 15 percent of online courses nationwide."

In order to meet QM review expectations members of a Quality Matters Peer Review Team evaluated the courses against 17 essential standards including course overview and introduction, learning objectives, assessment and measurement, resources and materials, learner engagement, course technology, learner support and accessibility.

"We intend to increase the number of Riverland online courses that meet QM standards," said Hietala. "In spring semester alone, we have committed funds to assist faculty who participate in the QM process for up to 25 courses."

Currently, Riverland has seven program tracks that can be completed entirely online including business, accounting, computer technology, business and office technology, supervisory management and associate in arts. More than 225 courses are offered either entirely or partially online. In 2008-2009, Riverland sold 15,000 credits for online classes and currently more than 1000 student are receiving education online.

Riverland online programs and courses provide flexibility and convenience for students to complete coursework according to their schedules from the comfort of home. Students can also save time on the road and money on gas and childcare. For more information on Riverland online programs and courses visit www.myriverlandonline.com.

The Quality Matters program is a faculty-centered peer course review Quality Assurance process. Review criteria are linked to external standards; criteria and process are supported through instructional design principles; and the process is vetted by faculty experts. The goals of the program are to increase student retention, learning and satisfaction in online courses by implementing better course design. Quality Matters is sponsored by MarylandOnline, Inc. and has been adopted by hundreds of higher education institutions across forty states and Canada. Additional information may be found at www.qualitymatters.org