During National Distance Learning Week (November 6 – 10, 2017), we want to recognize and thank the following peer reviewers and master reviewers from the Colleges and Universities of Minnesota State as well as the University of Minnesota. These individuals have given of their time and expertise over the past year by participating as peer reviewers or master reviewers on course review teams for courses submitted for review by their sister institutions within Minnesota as well as for institutions across the United States. Each of the individuals listed below is a Certified Quality Matters Peer Reviewer or Master Reviewer and each has served on at least one official Quality Matters course review during the past year. Through their efforts, faculty colleagues at many institutions have been provided helpful feedback meant to improve online and blended courses for students.

The course peer review process involves a comprehensive review of an online or blended course by these trained and certified peer reviewers. In this process, courses are reviewed by a team of 3 certified reviewers trained by QM to apply the Quality Matters rubric and provide feedback to improve the course being reviewed. Courses that meet standards are listed in a national database of recognized courses. The course developer is provided access to an online “seal” from QM that indicates the year the course met standards.

During National Distance Learning week it seems fitting to recognize these individuals for their collaboration within the system and for their contributions to the collective improvement of learning experiences for our students.