Preparing Your Course for QM Certification: Four Standards

Liza climbing on a mountain in Ladakh, India.

Physics 184: Physics of Energy and the Environment

Course Description

This upper division GE area B5 course enrolls 30 students each semester in an online format. Students learn how energy connects to the environment through seven distinct modules. For each module, students build knowledge in the specific area and then apply it by exploring and evaluating real world problems.

**Motivation for Preparing Your Course for QM Certification: 4 Standards Participation**

I decided to participate in this course because there were elements of active learning that I had implemented in person that seemed to not be as functional in an online setting. In particular, I found that students were struggling with teamwork elements. I was hoping that this FLC would provide me with the tools to implement more effective teamwork in an online setting.

Alignment or Engagement Changes Addressed in Course

As part of this FLC, I worked on four specific QM elements, completing modules 1, 6, 7, and 8. As part of module 1, I revised my home page, adding elements described under SRS 1.2. In module 6, I modified the technology area of my welcome page to include information required to meet SRS 6.1. For module 7, my welcome module already included most of the information recommended in SRS 7.1-4; however, I noticed that some of the links were no longer functional. I plan to update with the most recent page from CTL. Finally, in module 8, I ran the accessibility assessment and found that I do have some documents with inadequate text contrast. I plan to update these documents in future semesters. In the end, I was able to modify the course to move toward alignment with the requirements for all four of those modules.

Evidence of Redesign

Examples of Redesign
Welcome page modified to include additional detail on course format.	Additional info on access to required technology provided in welcome. Modification made as needed.	Links to external sites and outdated offerings noted for future modifications.	Accessibility still has work to be done, but it's on its way!

Plan for Pathway toward QM Certification

I still have four modules left to complete, but would feel comfortable submitting for certification after completing the remaining modules. However, I still have many questions about teamwork and how to best implement it in an online setting. I hope by participating in future QM FLCs, I will be able to find answers to some of these questions.

Faculty Bio
	Dr. Eliza Morris is an Associate Professor of Physics at California State University, Sacramento. Her research focuses on the physical characterization of soft condensed matter systems, such as biological polymer networks, cells, and biofilms. Eliza is also an active physics education researcher, for which she was awarded an NSF DHR:IUSE grant. Eliza’s work focuses on improving representation and outcomes for historically underrepresented groups both in and out of the classroom, for which she was recently recognized with the College of NSM 2022-23 Outstanding Faculty Award for University Service and the 2023-2024 Outstanding Faculty Award for Teaching.