Regular and Substantive Interaction

Tags teaching RSI

What is RSI?

Regular and Substantive Interaction (RSI) is part of the definition of distance learning and is articulated in the Code of Federal Regulations Title 34 Subtitle B Chapter VI Part 600 Subpart A Β§600.2 (34 CFR 600.2). This requirement went into effect in 2021. The goal of this regulation is to ensure students in distance education (online courses) have the same quality of experience as face-to-face students.

Distance education:

  1. Education that uses one or more of the technologies listed in paragraphs (2)(i) through (iv) of this definition to deliver instruction to students who are separated from the instructor or instructors and to support regular and substantive interaction between the students and the instructor or instructors, either synchronously or asynchronously.
  2. The technologies that may be used to offer distance education include:
    1. The internet;
    2. One-way and two-way transmissions through open broadcast, closed circuit, cable, microwave, broadband lines, fiber optics, satellite, or wireless communications devices;
    3. Audio conference; or
    4. Other media used in a course in conjunction with any of the technologies listed in paragraphs (2)(i) through (iii) of this definition.
  3. For purposes of this definition, an instructor is an individual responsible for delivering course content and who meets the qualifications for instruction established by an institution's accrediting agency.
  4. For purposes of this definition, substantive interaction is engaging students in teaching, learning, and assessment, consistent with the content under discussion, and also includes at least two of the following:
    1. Providing direct instruction;
    2. Assessing or providing feedback on a student's coursework;
    3. Providing information or responding to questions about the content of a course or competency;
    4. Facilitating a group discussion regarding the content of a course or competency; or
    5. Other instructional activities approved by the institution's or program's accrediting agency.
  5. An institution ensures regular interaction between a student and an instructor or instructors by, prior to the student's completion of a course or competencyβ€”
    1. Providing the opportunity for substantive interactions with the student on a predictable and scheduled basis commensurate with the length of time and the amount of content in the course or competency; and
    2. Monitoring the student's academic engagement and success and ensuring that an instructor is responsible for promptly and proactively engaging in substantive interaction with the student when needed on the basis of such monitoring, or upon request by the student.

In short, when we are engaged in distance education, we need to have regular and substantive interactions with our students that guide their learning, as determined by our course outlines. 

What Does Regular Mean?

"Regular" refers to interactions between faculty and student that are predictable and scheduled.

It also means that instructors are tracking and monitoring student progress in the course.

What Does Substantive Mean?

"Substantive" means the interaction is related to the course content.

What does RSI Look Like?

Here are some easy ways to ensure you are checking all the RSI boxes:

πŸ’‘ Regular Posted Announcements (R)

βž• even better when instructor posts on a regular schedule
βž• even better when it addresses course content or tips for success
βž• even better when there is a preview of the coming content/unit
βž• even better when they highlight exemplary work
βž• even better when they answer common student questions or misconceptions

πŸ’‘ Instructor-Facilitated Discussion Forums (S)

βž• even better when there is a Q&A discussion forum
βž• even better when posts/responses help students connect content
βž• even better when the instructor clarifies content
βž• even better when the instructor highlights the key points made
βž• even better when the instructor provides a recap of the discussion

πŸ’‘ Communications Policy (R)

βž• even better when it includes contact information for multiple modes
βž• even better when a timeline is set for when to expect responses

πŸ’‘ Personalized (S) and Timely (R) Feedback

βž• even better when feedback includes points of success and areas of improvement
βž• even better instructor also provides class-level debriefing of assignment
βž• even better when feedback is given with enough time for students to make corrections and deepen understanding

πŸ’‘ Monitor Student Progress (S)

βž• even better when interventions come early
βž• even better when students can see their progress in the course

πŸ’‘ Hold Office Hours (R)

βž• even better when they are scheduled throughout the course
βž• even better when they are offered in multiple modes
βž• even better when they are used to collaborate with students
βž• even better when they are used to answer questions or clarify content

πŸ’‘ Regular Deadlines (R)

βž• even better when deadlines are distributed throughout the course
βž• even better when deadlines are posted at the start of the semester

What is Not RSI?

The following items do not meet the requirements of RSI by themselves, but may in combination with other things:

❌ pre-recorded lecture videos
❌ automatically graded quizzes
❌ student-initiated meetings
❌ adding numeric grades to gradebook
❌ unmoderated discussion forums
❌ announcement about upcoming deadline

 

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