Written by SI • July 31, 2023 • 2 min read
With more than 450 lessons across 11 disciplines certified by Quality Matters, Science Interactive is the only online lab provider with 100% of its disciplines certified by Quality Matters.
ENGLEWOOD, CO —July 31, 2023—Science Interactive, a leader in supporting effective online science education, recently earned Quality Matters certification across 11 different disciplines. This means instructors can be confident that with any of Science Interactive’s curricula, they are teaching the critical skills and concepts online students need to achieve learning outcomes and course competencies.
With the demand for online STEM programs continuing to increase—STEM occupations have grown 79 percent over the last three decades—expanding access to science education and training is more important than ever. Online programs can reach a wider pool of students, including both non-traditional and underrepresented populations. The challenge is providing those students with the same quality experience as on-campus students.
Quality Matters is the leading global organization for quality assurance in online teaching and learning, developing research-supported, practice-based quality standards for courses, programs, and content providers. Over the last 30 years, Science Interactive has worked with thousands of institutions to expand access to their online science courses. Now as the only provider with 100% of its disciplines certified by Quality Matters, Science Interactive makes it easier for programs to deliver the most authentic, engaging online lab course possible. Instructors can elevate the online learning experience, and students gain critical thinking and problem-solving skills—no matter where they’re learning from.
“I developed the first online biology courses, nearly ten years ago at Century College. I’ve gone through the rigorous QM certification review process for two of my online biology courses, which include hands-on labs. I use Science Interactive for these, and having their [disciplines] QM certified saves time and effort for instructors who want to get their online courses certified and provides students with the same high quality, engaging, hands-on learning experience as on-campus labs,” said Pamela Thinesen, biology instructor at Century College.
All Science Interactive curricula are developed by in-house PhD scientists, who design every lab with measurable learning outcomes. Science Interactive’s team of instructional designers test those labs for quality, accuracy, repeatability, safety & ADA compliance. Instructors currently teaching those courses then peer-review the labs. As a final step, each discipline is put through a rigorous Quality Matters certification process. Lessons are reviewed regularly and designed with built-in flexibility so instructors can customize any component to suit their needs and course objectives.
“The Quality Matters Certifications are the result of Science Interactive’s dedication to continuous improvement, including a focus on meeting quality standards in the innovative work of instructional designers and/or faculty involved with the certified courses. The courses are now listed on the QM directory of certified courses. We look forward to our continued collaboration to focus on improving the learning experience for students,” said Melissa Poole, Director of Quality Assurance at Quality Matters.
“Our mission is to empower scientific literacy for learners everywhere by helping institutions expand access to their science programs. We want instructors to have the right resources to deliver an engaging online learning experience that supports better outcomes and student success rates, without having to sacrifice the quality of an in-person learning experience,” said Science Interactive’s Chief Executive Officer, Sasha Peterson.
To learn how you can deliver a more authentic and engaging lab experience for your online students, visit scienceinteractive.com.
About Science Interactive
Science Interactive makes science education accessible to all students, no matter how far they are from campus. Our complete lab solution combines customizable kits, a rigorous digital curriculum, and cutting-edge technology that makes it easier to create and deliver a hands-on lab experience for students in online courses. Over 800 institutions nationwide partner with Science Interactive to expand their online science programs, increase student engagement, and improve success rates. To learn more, visit scienceinteractive.com.
About Quality Matters
Grounded in research. Driven by best practices. A community that puts learners first. Quality Matters (QM) is the global organization leading quality assurance in online and innovative digital teaching and learning environments. It provides a scalable quality assurance system for online and blended learning used within and across organizations. When you see QM Certification Marks on courses or programs, it means they have met QM Course Design Standards or QM Program Review Criteria in a rigorous review process.
