Dr. Amy J. Heston, Professor of Inorganic Chemistry at Walsh University in North Canton Ohio, presented at the QM Research Online Conference. The title of the session was “Research and Innovation in Forensic Science: Achieving Quality Matters Course Certification.” Heston completed the Quality Matters (QM) Teaching Online Certificate and is a QM Master Reviewer in Higher Education and K-12. In the fall of 2020, Heston completed APPQMR and then took numerous QM courses. Their goal was to complete courses and certification of several courses. Walsh is a four-year private Catholic university. Heston focused on the multiyear evolution of the Introduction to Forensic Science. This course was originally designed in 2008 and achieved QM certification in 2023. In 2014, the first online asynchronous offering was launched. Fourteen students took this course. Heston improved the course with weekly quizzes to reinforce key concepts (including case study quizzes), reflections to promote self expression and critical analysis, rubrics for discussions, refections, and case study. Introduction videos and overview were provided. Heston took a deep dive into assessment and alignment to Module-level Learning Objectives. Heston shared the course goals and prompts that highlighted each connection and activity. The sire includes overviews and general (clear) policy and assignments. For this course, Heston embedded an ebook. Heston shared how they increased the variety with smaller stakes, more video demonstrations, and forums for a sense of community. Students commented on the ease of navigation, and Heston noted that the grades increased.
