Clemson Online is proud to announce the official Quality Matters (QM) certification of two courses in December: EDLL 8000: Introduction to School Leadership, taught by Jacquelyn Williams, Ph.D. and ACCT 3030: Cost Accounting, taught by Erin Hawkins, Ph.D.
The QM Rubric focuses specifically on the design of the course in a way that centers student learning. To achieve certification, courses must meet expectations in eight different areas, including learning objectives, assessments, learning activities, and accessibility. Clemson Online first reviews courses internally in coordination with the course representative before sending them out for an official review. These courses were all submitted as part of the 2024-25 QM Cohort and are listed in the Quality Matters directory of certified courses.
EDLL 8000 was reviewed by Digital Learning Strategist Dara Abimbade, Ph.D., and Lori Kinley, Ph.D. About the process, Williams said,

” I am grateful to the supportive team at Clemson Online, as they guided me through the internal and external course review processes. As a QM Cohort member, I learned how to communicate the “why” behind my course design to my students more effectively. Additionally, I acquired the necessary skills to create high-impact learning environments for my learners, as well as highly accessible content and resources for students with diverse abilities.“
ACCT 3030 was reviewed by Digital Learning Manager Sharyn Emery, Ph.D., and Digital Learning Strategist Dara Abimbade, Ph.D. According to Hawkins,

” The Quality Matters review process was smooth and straightforward; I can confidently say that my online course reflects QM standards, and I, personally, have improved as an instructor. Working with the Clemson Online team, I always knew what to expect and had an abundant supply of resources for anything and everything that I needed. Going forward, I have a set of tools I can use across my courses to design learning activities that intentionally and thoughtfully meet course learning objectives.“
Quality Matters is the global leader in effective online course design. Its review process is a research-based, comprehensive and collaborative process that helps produce well-designed, rigorous online courses in keeping with Clemson’s mission as a high seminary of learning.
QM reviews are now eligible for submission as evidence of teaching effectiveness in the Faculty Success Annual Reporting system, thanks to the support of the Office of Academic Affairs and the Provost. Instructors should consult their individual departments and programs to determine how QM reviews will be recognized.

Creative Inquiry Course – Vibe Coding for Education
‘Dara Abimbade and Hansen Wetsel of Clemson Online are leading a new Creative Inquiry course this spring with the guiding question, “How can we use vibe coding to create educational tools that reflect the emotional and pedagogical values we want in the classroom?” It starts January 7, 2026. Here are the details!

Upcoming Events
Canvas Jumpstart Series
Monday and Tuesday, January 5-6th
Want to get ready for the Spring semester in a snap? Join us for our annual Canvas Jumpstart Series! We offer virtual workshop sessions covering how to build content, use grading rubrics, create a welcoming digital environment, and more!
See times and session titles at our registration link.
Clemson Online Drop-ins
Wednesday, January 7, 10 AM – 12 PM
Thursday, January 8, 1-3 PM
Drop in for one-on-one support with Canvas and Simple Syllabus.
Click here to join via Zoom! Ensure you are logged into Zoom with your Clemson ID to access this meeting.
Quick Hits: Introduction to Simple Syllabus
Thursday, January 8th, 3-4 PM
Join this session to learn about utilizing Simple Syllabus! This training will demonstrate how to use the Simple Syllabus tool to build and publish an effective syllabus for your course. The training will also cover integrating Simple Syllabus with Canvas and the benefits of using this tool in your course. When registering, please include any questions you have about this training topic.
Facilitated by Gray Jackson, Sr. Learning Tech Specialist.
Clemson Online Spring 2026 Events Calendar
Review our Spring 2026 Events Calendar to see what Online Instruction Development opportunities await!

We have a robust lineup of topics and live training formats to support your use of Canvas and other e-learning tools. Topics cover demonstrations of using Kaltura, engaging your students, and workshops to get your Canvas site ready to teach!
All of our live training is recorded. Registrants will automatically receive a link to that day’s video after it has been processed.
Contact Millie Tullis with any questions regarding these sessions.

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