Objective
By the end of this unit, you will understand how to maintain regular interaction between instructors and students throughout an online course to meet RSI standards.
Regular Interaction Defined
Regular interaction means instructors must initiate communication with students consistently throughout the course. These interactions are not one-time events but are expected to happen on a scheduled and predictable basis. The aim is to create a supportive learning environment where students know they can count on the instructor’s presence.
In a community college setting, where students are typically expected to dedicate about 6 hours per week to a 3-credit course during a Fall or Spring semester, regular interaction plays a critical role. This time includes both instructional activities and independent study, and ongoing instructor engagement helps students stay on track and meet their academic goals.
Key Characteristics of Regular Interaction
- Scheduled and Predictable. Interactions must occur at predictable intervals, such as weekly check-ins, announcements, or feedback sessions.
- Ongoing. These interactions should happen consistently throughout the course, not just at the beginning or end.
- Instructor-Initiated. Just like substantive interaction, regular interaction must be initiated by the instructor, not the student.
Examples of Regular Interaction
There are multiple ways to achieve regular interaction, depending on the structure and tools of your course:
- Weekly Announcements or Updates. Posting announcements to remind students of upcoming assignments, deadlines, or any important course updates helps maintain a consistent presence. For instance, a weekly “What’s Ahead” announcement can guide students and set expectations.
- Discussion Board Participation. Actively engaging in discussion boards by posting questions, responding to students, and moderating discussions ensures ongoing interaction. This can be both scheduled and spontaneous but should be frequent.
- Scheduled Feedback. Providing timely feedback on assignments is a key aspect of regular interaction. Students should know when to expect feedback, such as within a certain number of days after an assignment is submitted.
- Virtual Office Hours. Hosting regular office hours, whether synchronously through Zoom or asynchronously through a discussion board, offers a scheduled opportunity for students to interact with the instructor. Even if students do not attend every session, the availability signals your ongoing presence.
- Weekly or Biweekly Check-ins. Reach out to students individually or in groups to check on their progress or offer guidance. This could be through email, discussion boards, or short surveys that encourage students to reflect on their learning.
Why is Regular Interaction Important?
Regular interaction is essential because it keeps students engaged and supported, helping them stay on track and connected to the course. Without frequent communication, students may feel isolated or uncertain about their progress. To comply with Regular and Substantive Interaction (RSI) standards, ongoing, instructor-initiated interaction is required, as a few substantive exchanges throughout the term are not enough. Consistent instructor presence also encourages accountability, making students more likely to remain engaged, complete assignments, and participate in course activities on time.
Key Takeaway
Regular interaction fosters an environment of accountability and support, ensuring students know when and how they will interact with their instructor. This predictability helps students stay engaged and on track, while also meeting RSI compliance requirements.
