Throughout this module, we have covered the principles of Regular and Substantive Interaction (RSI), breaking down the concepts of regular interaction and substantive interaction. We then explored the two primary communication methods: student-to-student interaction and instructor-to-student interaction. Once these principles and communication methods were established, we aligned them with the tools available in Canvas, providing recommendations on how they can be used for the successful implementation of RSI.

Building upon this foundation, we will not apply these principles to create a comprehensive RSI strategy and plan of action. This section will guide you through a step-by-step template for crafting an effective RSI plan, provide concrete examples and tips for executing each step, and offer suggestions for customizing these recommendations to develop an RSI approach tailored to your specific course needs and teaching style.

By the end of this module, you will have the tools and knowledge needed to create an actionable plan for integrating regular and substantive interaction seamlessly into your online course design within Canvas.

Step-by-Step Template for Developing an Effective RSI Strategy

Step 1: Define Your RSI Goals

Objective: Determine specific, measurable outcomes you intend to achieve by implementing RSI in your course. Goals may include increasing student engagement, improving learning outcomes, or enhancing student satisfaction.
Action: Write down 2-3 measurable goals for your RSI strategy.
Examples of measurable RSI goals:
- Increase student participation in weekly discussions by 20% compared to the previous term
- Achieve an 85% student satisfaction rating on end-of-course evaluations regarding instructor interaction and responsiveness
- Have 90% of students engage in at least one peer review activity during the course
Tips:
- Review your course learning objectives and identify which ones could be supported by increased interaction
- Set realistic targets based on your course size and student demographics

Step 2: Assess Current Interaction Levels

Objective: Analyze the current interaction patterns in your course. Identify areas where student-to-student and instructor-to-student interactions can be improved.
Action: Review course feedback, participation metrics, and your current communication tools in Canvas.
Tips:
- Look at your course analytics in Canvas to see student activity levels in discussions and assignments
- Create a quick survey asking students about their interaction preferences and expectations
- Make a list of the communication tools you currently use and brainstorm ways to use them more effectively

Step 3: Select Appropriate Tools and Methods

Objective: Select Canvas tools and method that support your RSI goals and address the identified gaps in interaction.
Action: Decide on a mix of tools (e.g., Discussions, Announcements, Inbox) and interaction methods (e.g., collaborative projects, virtual office hours) to enhance RSI.
Examples of interaction tool combinations:
- Weekly announcements + discussion forums + small group Zoom sessions
- Flipgrid video introductions + Canvas collaborations on Google Docs + Canvas Inbox messages
Tips:
- Start with tools you are already comfortable with and gradually incorporate new ones
- Choose tools that are mobile-friendly and easily accessible to all students
- Consider creating a "Course Communication Plan" document to share with students, outlining which tools will be used for different purposes

Step 4: Plan Regular and Substantive Activities

Objective: Create activities that foster both regular and substantive interactions among students and between students and instructors.
Action: Create a schedule of regular activities (e.g., weekly discussions, announcements) and substantive activities (e.g., group projects, peer reviews) for the duration of the course.
Tips:
- Create a consistent weekly structure for interaction activities, such as discussions due on Thursdays and peer reviews due on Sundays
- Use the Canvas Calendar to map out key interaction points throughout the term
- Aim for a balance of individual and collaborative activities to cater to different learning preferences
- Build in flexibility for students to choose between interaction formats when possible (e.g., written discussion post or video response)
- Schedule time in your own calendar for providing substantive feedback on student work

Step 5: Implement and Monitor

Objective: Execute your RSI plan and consistently track its effectiveness
Action: Launch your RSI activities in Canvas, and use feedback and analytics to assess engagement and participation. Adjust your strategy as needed based on student feedback and performance data.
Examples of data to track:
- Discussion post frequency and depth of responses
- Timeliness of instructor feedback on assignments
- Student logins and last access dates
- Grades on interactive assignments vs solo work
Tips:
- Use Canvas rubrics to clearly communicate expectations for interaction quality and quantity
- Send personalized messages through Canvas Inbox to students who are not engaging regularly
- Keep notes on what's working well and what could be improved as you go

Step 6: Evaluate and Refine

Objective: Measure the impact of your RSI strategy on achieving your initial goals.
Action: At the end of the course, evaluate the success of your RSI plan based on your defined goals and student outcomes. Identify areas for improvement and refine your strategy for future courses.
Tips:
- Send out an anonymous end-of-course survey asking students to rate the effectiveness of different interaction activities
- Review your course analytics and interaction records to identify trends and areas for improvement
- Ask a colleague or instructional designer to review your course and provide feedback on your RSI strategy
- Keep a running document of successful interaction tactics to reuse or build upon in future courses
- Explore professional development opportunities related to online teaching and learning to stay current on best practices

Recommendations for Customizing Your RSI Implementation Plan

While the step-by-step template provides a general framework for developing an RSI strategy, each instructor's course is unique. Here are some suggestions for adapting these recommendations to craft a personalized plan of action:

Teaching Style and Strengths:

Consider your teaching style and strengths when developing an RSI plan.

Prioritize synchronous sessions if you excel at facilitating live discussions
Focus on substantive assessment interactions if you provide rich, multimodal feedback
Align the plan with your teaching strengths and preferences

Student Population's Needs and Preferences:

Factor in your student population's needs and preferences when designing interactions.

Survey students to determine interaction formats that resonate with them
Provide options and choices when possible to give students agency
Tailor interactions to meet the specific needs of your student population

Subject Matter and Course Format Alignment:

Align interaction activities with your subject matter and course format.

Utilize document collaborations frequently for courses that rely heavily on writing
Focus on small-group work for courses with complex problems to be solved
Ensure interaction activities are appropriate for the course content and structure

Combining Interaction Types:

Look for areas to combine interaction types to manage workload effectively.

Provide video feedback on student projects to blend direct instruction with assessment
Integrate feedback and content explanations through whole-class discussions of common misconceptions noticed in assignments
Streamline interactions by combining multiple purposes when possible

Personal Workflow and RSI Tracking:

Establish your own RSI tracking method that aligns with your workflow.

Use a simple spreadsheet or checklist organized by week to ensure consistent RSI
Develop a tracking system that integrates seamlessly with your personal workflow
Regularly review and adjust your tracking method to optimize effectiveness and efficiency

Remember, an effective RSI plan is one that you will be able to implement consistently and sustainably given your own workload and teaching context. Regularly assess what is working well for you and your students, and don't be afraid to adjust your approach as you gain experience. The most impactful interactions are often those that come naturally and authentically.

By considering these recommendations for customization, in addition to the core steps of the RSI planning template, you can develop an individualized plan of action that will enable you to meaningfully enhance the learning experience in your unique online course through regular and substantive faculty-student and student-student interaction using the tools available within Canvas.

Page Highlights:

Step-by-Step Template: Following a structured approach to developing an RSI strategy, addressing key aspects of online course design and delivery with concrete examples and tips for executing each step effectively
Customization Recommendations: Adapting the RSI template to individual teaching styles, student needs, course formats, and personal workflows to create a sustainable and impactful personalized plan of action
Continuous Refinement: Assessing the effectiveness of RSI efforts, gathering feedback, and adjusting approaches over time to maximize the benefits of interaction on the student learning experience in one's unique course within the Canvas environment