Quality Online Instruction (QOI) Course Reviews
Get Involved with QOI
Reviews begin winter term.
The Quality Online Instruction (QOI) program supports the development and delivery of high-quality online courses at Chemeketa. Developed by faculty and staff, QOI was adopted by the college as a required component of online faculty responsibilities. The program builds on Chemeketa’s previous work with Quality Matters and includes standards for regular and substantive interaction (RSI) between instructors and students.
What is QOI?
QOI combines a set of course quality standards with a peer review process designed to support continuous improvement in online instruction. Courses that successfully meet the standards receive Chemeketa’s QOI certification.
The QOI rubric addresses four areas:
- Organization and Design
- Instructional Design
- Learner Support
- Regular and Substantive Interaction
QOI standards also align with the WOOFS Best Practices in Online Facilitation Guidelines, developed and adopted by the Chemeketa Faculty Senate.
The standards draw on research and established practices in online education, including Quality Matters, Portland Community College’s What Works, the Illinois Online Network rubric, Chico State’s Rubric for Online Instruction (ROI), and Western Carolina University’s Online Course Assessment Tool (OCAT).
How does the QOI review process work?
QOI uses a peer-based review process focused on instructional improvement. The process includes two parts:
1. Course Design Review (Standards 1–3) – Faculty Peer Reviewers
- A two-person team of Chemeketa faculty with experience in quality online instruction and course design reviews the course for organization and design, instructional design, and learner support.
2. Regular and Substantive Interaction Review (Standard 4) – Tech Hub Faculty Reviewers
- Two Tech Hub faculty review the course for evidence of regular and substantive interaction between instructors and students.
Throughout both reviews, faculty reviewers provide constructive feedback highlighting course strengths and opportunities for improvement. Tech Hub faculty also provide instructional design support and work with faculty to identify and implement course modifications.
The goal is a collegial process that recognizes effective practices while helping faculty strengthen their online courses.
Why does QOI matter?
A well-designed online course provides students with a clear, organized learning environment, meaningful learning activities, appropriate support, and opportunities for interaction with their instructor.
QOI provides a shared framework for evaluating and improving these elements. The standards reflect established practices in online education and support Chemeketa’s commitment to providing quality learning experiences for online students.
The Regular and Substantive Interaction (RSI) standard also addresses federal Department of Education requirements for instructor-initiated interaction in distance education. Learn more about regular and substantive interaction.
All online faculty are required to take at least one course through the QOI review process. Faculty may also choose QOI participation as an evaluation criterion.
Recognition
Chemeketa recognizes the time and professional commitment involved in participating in the QOI process. Faculty whose courses meet the QOI standards receive a $300 stipend and QOI certification. Faculty who serve as peer reviewers also receive a $300 stipend. QOI participants are celebrated at Chemeketa’s annual Spring Faculty Recognition event. Want to get your picture on a baseball card? Become a QOI All-Star! Have one of your online courses reviewed and join the faculty recognized for their commitment to quality online instruction.
Ready to participate in QOI?
Contact Tech Hub faculty, Beth Hale or Colin Stapp, to discuss the review process, identify a course for review, and learn about available instructional design support.
Center for Academic Innovation
Salem Campus, Building 9, Room 106
503.399.7873