5.1 Regular and Substantive Interaction (RSI) Definitions
Module Definitions
Here are some key definitions that will be referenced in this module.
Term | Definition |
---|---|
Accreditation Standards: | The guidelines and criteria set by accrediting agencies that institutions must meet to ensure the quality and integrity of their online programs, which include requirements for regular and substantive interaction. |
Active Learning: | An approach to instruction that involves actively engaging students in the learning process through meaningful activities, discussions, and projects, which is supported by regular and substantive interaction. |
Announcements: | A communication tool within the Canvas LMS that allows instructors to post important updates, reminders, and information to the entire class, supporting regular interaction and keeping students informed. |
Canvas Inbox: | A messaging system within the Canvas LMS that facilitates direct communication between instructors and individual students or groups, enabling personalized interaction and support. |
Canvas Learning Management System (LMS): | A web-based platform that provides a wide range of tools and features to support online teaching and learning, enabling instructors to create, deliver, and manage engaging and interactive online courses. |
Collaborative Learning: | An approach to learning that involves students working together on shared goals, projects, or assignments, leveraging the power of peer interaction and diverse perspectives to enhance understanding and skills development. |
Collaborations: | A Canvas tool that enables students to work together on shared documents in real-time, using integrated third-party applications like Google Docs or Microsoft Office 365. |
Course Design: | The process of planning, structuring, and creating an online course that incorporates elements of regular and substantive interaction to support student engagement and learning. |
Discussion Forums: | An asynchronous communication tool within the Canvas LMS that allows students and instructors to engage in meaningful conversations, share ideas, and collaborate on course topics. |
Feedback: | Information provided by the instructor to students regarding their performance, progress, and areas for improvement, which is a critical component of substantive interaction and supports student growth and achievement. |
Inclusive Learning Environment: | An online classroom that values and supports diversity, equity, and accessibility, ensuring that all students have the opportunity to engage in meaningful interactions and succeed in their learning. |
Instructor-Initiated Interaction: | Interactions that are initiated by the instructor, demonstrating their presence, availability, and commitment to student success in the online learning environment. |
Instructor-to-Student Interaction: | Interactions between the instructor and individual students or groups of students, providing guidance, support, and personalized feedback throughout the learning process. |
Learning Outcomes: | The knowledge, skills, and abilities that students are expected to achieve by the end of the course, which are supported and assessed through regular and substantive interactions. |
Online Learning Community: | A virtual environment within an online course where students and instructors interact, collaborate, and support one another, fostering a sense of belonging and shared purpose. |
Peer Review: | An educational strategy that involves students providing feedback on each other's work, promoting critical thinking, collaboration, and substantive interaction among learners. |
Personalized Learning: | An approach to education that tailors learning experiences to individual student needs, interests, and goals, which can be supported through regular and substantive interactions with instructors. |
Regular and Substantive Interaction (RSI): | The concept of consistent, predictable, and meaningful interactions between instructors and students in online courses that directly relate to the course content and learning objectives. |
Regular Interaction: | Predictable, scheduled, and instructor-initiated interactions that occur frequently throughout the course, ensuring a continuous dialogue between instructors and students. |
SpeedGrader: | A Canvas tool that allows instructors to efficiently view, grade, and provide feedback on student submissions, supporting timely and personalized interactions. |
Student Engagement: | The level of student involvement, motivation, and active participation in the learning process, which is enhanced by regular and substantive interactions with instructors and peers. |
Student-to-Student Interaction: | Interactions among students that foster collaboration, peer learning, and a sense of community within the online classroom, enhancing the overall learning experience. |
Substantive Interaction: | Interactions that are directly related to the course content, enhancing understanding and mastery of the subject matter, and involving at least two forms of engagement, such as direct instruction, assessment, feedback, or facilitation of discussions. |
Title IV Federal Financial Aid: | Financial assistance provided by the U.S. Department of Education to eligible students enrolled in online programs, which is contingent upon institutions demonstrating regular and substantive interaction in their courses. |