Blended Program Development: Applying the Quality Matters and Community of Inquiry Frameworks to Ensure High Quality Design and Implementation

This paper describes how the Quality Matters (QM) and Community of Inquiry (CoI) frameworks can be applied at the program level to enhance curriculum development and maintain programmatic rigor when transforming traditional courses for the blended environment. The QM and CoI frameworks are summarized, and the application of these frameworks in the course design process is described. Explanations are provided of how the QM standards were applied to the design of individual courses to ensure the development of cognitive, social, and teaching presence in the transitioning of an entire master’s of educational leadership (EDL) program from face-to-face to blended delivery. The paper concludes with practical advice for others desiring to move into the blended arena.