What is Regular Substantive Interaction (RSI) and its Statutory Requirement?

The US Department of Education requires that all courses that are considered “distance education” contain regular and substantive interaction between the instructor and students (RSI). Distance education includes any course that involves educating at a distance and is eligible for Title IV student aid funding. 

Regular and substantive interaction must: 

  • Be with an instructor.
  • Be initiated by the instructor.
  • Be scheduled and predictable.
  • Be substantive, meaning teaching, learning, and assessing that is relevant to the academic content in the course.

What Do I Need to Do If I’m Teaching Online?

At least two of the following should be included in every online course, regardless of whether your course is taught synchronously, asynchronously, or is a blend of both. LILE is available to help you implement these techniques in your course!

EXAMPLES OF RSI

Provides direct instruction

  • Schedule regular and predictable Zoom course sessions led by the instructor
  • Pre-record lecture videos followed by discussion forums

Assesses or provides feedback on a student’s coursework

  • Provide prompt, personalized feedback on student work such as written comments, use of rubrics, or audio notes
  • Provide a summary comment for any assigned, graded discussion forum topics that highlights key discussion points and/or provides additional insights

Provides information or responds to questions about the content of a course

  • Regularly schedule Zoom office hours or course check-ins
  • Send regular announcements that remind students of upcoming work, point out trends in assignments, or answer emailed questions
  • Facilitate a discussion forum for class topics, and respond frequently

Facilitates group discussion

  • Actively participate in online discussion forums
  • Host exam reviews and assignment discussion Zoom meetings
  • Assign group projects that require regular team update meetings with the instructor

Why Is RSI Important in Online Teaching and Learning?

Engagement with students is a vital element of effective teaching, whether it is in-person or online. Research shows that students are more successful in meeting learning goals when they engage in student-to-instructor, student-to-student, and student-to-content interaction in their courses.

The US Department of Education implemented RSI as a way to distinguish between distance education and correspondence education, both for consumer protection and to comply with federal laws regulating federal education funds and student financial aid.

References