If you have completed the HE APPQMR or K-12 APP, you could already be on your way to becoming either a QM-Certified Peer Reviewer (HE) or K-12 Course Reviewer. If you’ve taken QM workshops for course improvement, you already know that well-conceived, well-designed, well-presented courses and programs make a difference for learners. The next step for investing in yourself — and the quality assurance process — is to elevate the way you make online learning better for learners.

Acting in a QM-Certified Reviewer role (see types at right) offers benefits for you, and helps you contribute to the quality assurance process. Most importantly, it allows you to directly impact the quality of online courses and programs.

Here are just a few reasons to consider earning a reviewer role:

Make a difference in online learning

As a reviewer, you provide important feedback on how a course can be improved to meet QM Standards. You become a crucial part of the QM quality assurance process and, in turn, make a real difference in online learning.

Reflect on and improve your own course

Reviewing courses from a learner's perspective can change the way you view your own course and help you better understand the way learners may view your course. Plus, being a reviewer is a great way to see what others are doing to create quality online courses — you'll be reviewing courses from all over the country, and possibly outside the U.S. — sparking new ideas you can use in your own course.

Make important connections

Being part of a review team allows you to collaborate with colleagues from around the country and the world.

Enhance your communication skills

Providing feedback is a critical part of the review process. Hone your skills and apply what you learn to communicating with your own learners.

Add to your resume and increase career opportunities

QM certifications show your commitment to learner success. Stand out when looking to advance your career, apply for grants or propose quality assurance initiatives at your organization or school district.

Earn stipends

Reviewers can earn $150 or more per course review and K-12 Reviewers often conduct 3-4 reviews per year. Of course, most reviewers find the experience of aiding course improvement is the true reward.

Gain recognition

Many institutions, such as the University of North Alabama, recognize their Peer Reviewers on their websites or through other communications.

Plus, there are benefits for your institution:

A culture of commitment

There are many components to building and maintaining a QM Program. Having QM experts on staff can serve to create a culture of commitment to quality assurance and continuous improvement in online learning.

Cost-saving reviews

Having a QM-Certified Peer Reviewer on the team provides Higher Ed members with Full or System subscriptions the opportunity to conduct Subscriber-Managed reviews — a significant cost savings.

Start investing in yourself today. Find out how you can become a QM-Certified Peer Reviewer or a QM-Certified K-12 and K-12 Publisher Reviewer.

Questions? Please contact info@qualitymatters.org.