The Center for Teaching Excellence is dedicated to enhancing online education at USC and offers a variety of resources designed to support faculty in delivering high-quality online education.

Quality Standards for Online Courses (QSOC)

The  Quality Standards for Online Courses (QSOC) is a comprehensive evaluation tool that enables faculty to assess and elevate the quality of online courses. QSOC is more than just a tool; it’s a pathway to excellence. It provides a structured approach for identifying strengths and areas for growth within online courses. By adopting QSOC, faculty can create courses that prioritize accessibility, engagement, and academic success. This approach ensures every student can be successful in their learning experience.

Quality Matters (QM) Program 

CTE offers a variety of resources designed to support faculty in delivering high-quality online education. In addition to QSOC, CTE has a Quality Matters (QM) membership that provides faculty with access to a nationally recognized program that sets rigorous, research-based standards for creating clear, accessible, and impactful online courses. QSOC is based on these national standards and other relevant guidelines. These standards help ensure that courses align with best practices in course design. 

Online Learning Consortium (OLC) 

The Online Learning Consortium (OLC) is a professional organization dedicated to advancing the quality of digital and online education. USC’s membership provides faculty access to cutting-edge research, workshops, webinars, and a global community of educators sharing innovative strategies for online teaching. Faculty can create free accounts for QM and OLC using their USC email addresses.

Instructional Design Support 

Additionally, CTE’s instructional designers are available to assist faculty with consultations and provide support in course design, helping ensure courses are engaging, accessible, and aligned with best practices in online teaching. 

Foundations of Online Teaching (FOOT) Short Course 

The Foundations of Online Teaching (FOOT) short course helps educators strengthen their skills in online teaching. Whether new to online teaching or looking to refine their approach, participants explore effective strategies and techniques for creating engaging, student-centered online learning environments. 

• Application Deadline: Monday, April 7, 2025 
• Course Duration: Four weeks, from Thursday, May 8, 2025, to Wednesday, June 4, 2025 
• Incentive: Participants who successfully complete the course receive a $100 Amazon gift card and a certificate of completion.

For more information and to apply, visit Foundations of Online Teaching.