WEST LIBERTY, W.Va., April 13, 2022 — West Liberty University’s Psychology Department earned the distinction of earning an internationally recognized certification from Quality Matters (QM) recently.
Introduction to Psychology (PSYC-101) is the first WLU course to earn the QM mark of excellence following a rigorous review process.
“The Quality Matters Official Review provided the opportunity to reflect on this course and examine it from the learner perspective,” said Dr. Tammy McClain, professor of psychology and coordinator of master’s in the Clinical Psychology Program at WLU. “From accessibility to learner engagement to assessments, the review used internationally-recognized standards and best practices to examine critical course components related to the learner experience and ultimately learner success.”
McClain began the process of developing the course with the goal of earning the QM mark after she herself took a summer course geared towards professors and the increase in online learning. The instructor of that professional course suggested that McClain pursue the prestigious certification for her online course.
“WLU is now part of a short list of schools that have achieved this status,” McClain noted.
The QM Certification Mark is the internationally recognized symbol of online and blended course design quality and represents a school’s ongoing commitment to creating learning environments that provide learners with a clear pathway to success.
“The certification is the result of West Liberty University’s dedication to continuous improvement, including the innovative work of the Department of Psychology at WLU,” said Dr. Merilee Madera, interim director of Distance Education in the Office of eLearning.
The QM Official Review provided independent validation of the quality, learner-focused course design, found in Introduction to Psychology (PSYC-101). 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.
West Liberty University uses the Quality Matters Rubric as a guideline in all course development and revision.
“The QM Rubric and process fit perfectly into our mission of providing quality online courses to students,” Madera said . “We are very excited that this is our first course certified, and we hope that it becomes a model to inspire other faculty to get their courses certified. When faculty members are ready to seek certification, the Office of eLearning is here to help.”
The Psychology Department is housed in WLU’s College of Sciences and offers a quality undergraduate psychology program offering both a BA and BS in Psychology. For more information, please call 1.866.WESTLIB or click here westliberty.edu.