Microlearning Program Recap
Congratulations on completing the microlearning program on Facilitating Regular and Substantive Interaction (RSI) in Online Courses! Throughout this program, you have gained valuable insights into the importance of RSI, strategies to maintain consistent communication with your students, and practical ways to leverage LMS tools like Brightspace to enhance engagement and support student success. You now have a clearer understanding of how to provide timely feedback, create meaningful interactions, and ensure compliance with federal RSI standards.
Next Steps: Introducing the RSI Template
To help you apply what you have learned, we provided a RSI Template that you can customize for your courses. This practical resource supports your efforts in maintaining engagement and meeting RSI compliance.
Instructions
- Replace [Course Title] with the name of your course.
- Adjust the specifics (e.g., response time, feedback time) to align with your course policies.
- Customize the activities (synchronous and asynchronous) to reflect the instructional design of your course.
- Ensure your syllabus and class schedule provide clear guidance on how RSI will be implemented throughout the course.
TEMPLATE
Regular and Substantive Interaction (RSI) Statement for [Course Title]
Regular and Substantive Interaction (RSI) RSI is a requirement set by the U.S. Department of Education and is essential in distinguishing online courses from correspondence courses, which are not eligible for financial aid.
Instructor Responsibilities in [Course Title]
In [Course Title], RSI standards include specific engagement expectations for both students and instructors. Your instructor will:
- Monitor and support your academic engagement and success.
- Facilitate discussions and group activities through both synchronous and asynchronous sessions.
- Provide feedback on your work via oral critique, written comments, and grading rubrics.
- Your instructor is available via email, during office hours, and by appointment via [platform]. Additionally, the Course Q&A Discussion Board (or equivalent tool) is available for interaction with your instructor and classmates. Emails will typically be answered within [response time, e.g., 24-48 hours], and feedback on assignments will be provided within [feedback time, e.g., 7 days] after submission.
Student Responsibilities in [Course Title]
You are expected to engage in a variety of instructional activities, both synchronous and asynchronous, to meet RSI standards and contribute to your learning experience. Below are the key RSI-related expectations:
- Interact with the Instructor
In [Course Title], you will have opportunities for synchronous and asynchronous interactions:
- Synchronous Interaction
Participate in scheduled live sessions (e.g., Zoom meetings) where you will engage in real-time discussions and activities with your instructor and peers. - Asynchronous Interaction
- Complete assignments, participate in discussion forums, and work on tasks at your own pace. Feedback from the instructor will be provided on your submissions, offering insights and guidance for improvement.
- Make sure to regularly check your email and LMS dashboard for course announcements and communications. If needed, contact your instructor through email or during office hours for assistance.
2. Regularly Refer to the Class Schedule
The class schedule outlines tasks, deadlines, and opportunities for both synchronous and asynchronous interaction. This may include:
- Synchronous Participation: Engage in live discussions, group work, and other activities during scheduled class sessions.
- Asynchronous Participation: Study course materials, complete assignments such as readings, quizzes, labs, and projects, and participate in discussion boards.
- Optional office hours may also be available for additional interaction with your instructor and peers.
3. Review and Understand the Syllabus
The syllabus serves as your course roadmap, outlining learning objectives, assessments, schedules, and policies. It includes details about the activities that constitute RSI, both synchronous and asynchronous, helping you to engage meaningfully in the course and meet course expectations.
4. Engage in Learning Activities Multiple Times Per Week
Substantive interaction occurs through both synchronous (real-time) and asynchronous (self-paced) activities. You are expected to commit approximately [time commitment, e.g., 6 hours per week] to these activities. Regular engagement is critical for your success and will be reflected in your overall course performance.
Ethical Use of AI Statement
The development of this microlearning project has been assisted by the use of advanced AI tools, including ChatGPT-4o in the research, data analysis, and content drafting phases. The tool has been used in adherence to established academic and professional standards. All content has been thoroughly reviewed, and fact-checked by Ana Marjanovic and Wilfredo Rodriguez, and aligned with current educational theory and national standards. Revisions have been made to ensure accuracy, relevance, and originality, while also mitigating any potential biases of AI algorithms. No identifiable personal data was included in AI inputs. The final product represents a blend of AI’s computational efficiency with careful human oversight and expertise, ensuring the highest quality and integrity of this learning framework.
