Objective
By the end of this unit, you will be able to identify and understand the types of activities that constitute substantive interaction in online courses.
Substantive Interaction Defined
Substantive interaction refers to instructor-initiated activities that go beyond passive content delivery. These activities directly engage students in the learning process and provide meaningful instructional support. To meet RSI standards, these interactions must be:
- Instructor-Initiated. The instructor, not the student, is responsible for initiating the interaction.
- Academic in Nature. Interactions must be related to the course content and contribute to the student’s learning experience.
Examples of Substantive Interaction
There are several types of activities that can be classified as substantive interaction. These include:
- Providing Direct Feedback on Assignments. Personalized, specific feedback on student work, such as comments on an essay or a grading rubric for a project, helps students improve their performance.
- Facilitating Discussions. Active participation in discussion boards, responding to student posts, or moderating live class discussions allows for deeper engagement with course material.
- Offering Synchronous or Asynchronous Lectures. Whether live or pre-recorded, instructor-led lectures that include opportunities for student interaction count as substantive.
- Conducting Q&A Sessions. Holding office hours, whether in person, over Zoom, or through a forum, gives students a chance to ask questions and receive direct, meaningful answers from their instructor.
- Providing Additional Instructional Content. Offering supplemental materials or tutorials that address student needs or clarify complex topics enhances student understanding and engagement.
Why is Substantive Interaction Important?
Substantive interaction is essential for keeping students engaged in the learning process, helping them stay connected and understand course concepts more effectively. Instructors need to do more than just provide content; they must actively guide and support students to meet RSI standards set by the U.S. Department of Education. If these standards are not met, a course may be classified as correspondence, risking the loss of financial aid eligibility or the need to repay financial aid funds.
Key Takeaway
Substantive interaction goes beyond grading or automated responses. It requires meaningful, academic engagement from the instructor to ensure students are supported, engaged, and progressing in their learning.
