In line with its ambition to remove barriers to success for its online learners, Hamad Bin Khalifa University (HBKU) has joined Quality Matters (QM) — the international leader for quality assurance in online and innovative digital teaching and learning environments. 

Membership of QM provides HBKU with access to a comprehensive research-supported quality assurance process to design and develop accessible and engaging online courses. Additional tools and resources allow HBKU to evaluate course and program design to ensure that the needs of today’s online learners are being met. QM’s professional development opportunities provide faculty and staff with a pathway to develop and strengthen key online design and delivery skills. 

“Joining the QM community — a community that puts learners first – aligns perfectly with the goals of HBKUx to develop quality online and blended programs,” said Dr. Ala Al-Fuqaha, Acting Associate Provost for Teaching and Learning. 

“There is significant movement towards online engagement as it equips learners with the skills required to work in an increasingly digital world. Learners who were previously classified as ‘non-traditional’ now make up the largest number of student enrolments worldwide and this is uniquely the case at HBKU being a graduate university. Working adults who seek to reskill and upskill are a huge market for online learning. These workforce changes present a unique opportunity for agile universities to find creative ways to equip millions of workers to transition into new jobs and provide ongoing training to help individuals keep pace with the new world of work.”

Dr. Yaping Gao, Senior Academic Director of Member Services and Partnerships for Quality Matters, said, “Quality Matters continues to engage with the global education community, ensuring a streamlined digital learning experience. Our current membership comprises more than 1,250 institutions across 19 countries spanning six continents. It is an honor to welcome HBKU on board as the first member institution in Qatar. Our collaboration underpins quality assurance in education excellence in Qatar and beyond, and is one which enables both institutions to learn from and support each other as we strive to positively impact the online learning experience across the globe.”