Amplifying Student Voices: The Value of RSI in Online Learning

#onlinelearning #RegularSubstantiveInteraction #rsi #highereducation #studentengagement #onlineteaching #elearning #pedagogy #edtech #distanceeducation #studentsuccess

Regular Substantive Interaction (RSI) is a critical component of online learning that involves meaningful engagement between students and instructors in teaching, learning, and assessment. While adhering to the Department of Education's RSI requirements is important, the primary motivation for incorporating RSI should be the enhancement of the learning experience for students. By integrating RSI into online courses, instructors can create a more supportive and effective learning environment that aligns with students' expectations.

The Power of Student Voices on RSI:

Students at?Pima Community College have expressed their desire for increased engagement with faculty in their online courses. Below are a few quotes highlighting the significance of RSI from the student's perspective:

• “Wish there was more face-to-face interaction with the professor. More like a video conference where we could ask questions.”
• “It would be great if all instructors could send out weekly emails about the week's upcoming expectations and assignments. I really liked the video messages that some instructors created. It is a good way to stay connected with students and helps me understand assignments better.”
• “My other classes all had videos from the instructor to go with the reading. I would like to see more video lectures on the topic or more interaction in the discussions with the professors.”

With these insights in mind, consider incorporating the following best practices to meet RSI expectations in online courses:

1a) Create One Regular Video Communication Per Week: A brief (5-10 minutes) weekly video message should incorporate one or more of the following RSI characteristics:

• Interactive elements: Embed questions or prompts in the video for students to respond to, fostering dialogue between the instructor and students.
• Personalized feedback: Provide individualized feedback for each student's assignment within the video, demonstrating a direct connection between the instructor and the student.
• Responsiveness to student needs: Address student questions or concerns raised during the week in the video, showing the instructor's active engagement with the class.
• Summative feedback with instructional interventions: Model instructional interventions through the context of student work in the video, and accompany it with additional opportunities for student interaction and engagement.

Or 1b) Create One Text-based Announcement Per Week: Craft a personalized weekly announcement that highlights upcoming deadlines, course updates, and any relevant news or resources. Encourage student engagement by including discussion prompts or questions related to the course content or by asking students to share their insights, questions, or concerns. This way, the announcement not only provides important information but also fosters dialogue and interaction between the instructor and the students, constituting RSI

2) Participate in One Regular "Advanced RSI Activity": Engage in interactive practices such as whole-class discussions, D2L Discussions, or tools like Perusall. These activities promote collaboration and a deeper understanding of course materials while also meeting students' expectations for increased interaction with their professors.

To ensure faculty participation in discussions meets RSI standards, follow these guidelines:

• Engage meaningfully: Respond thoughtfully to students' ideas and encourage critical thinking.
• Address individual contributions: Personalize responses, highlighting specific insights or challenges.
• Foster collaboration: Facilitate interaction between students by posing questions or prompts.
• Be responsive and timely: Regularly participate and address concerns in a timely manner.
• Provide guidance: Offer clarification on complex concepts and course material.
• Encourage application: Ask students to apply course concepts to real-world situations or problem-solving exercises.

In Conclusion:

Prioritizing good pedagogy and meeting student expectations should be the driving force behind incorporating RSI into online courses. By being present and engaged, instructors demonstrate their commitment to student's academic success and create a supportive environment that fosters active learning and critical thinking. Implementing these RSI best practices can have a significant positive impact on the online learning journey for students.