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QM 5.3 The instructor’s plan for regular interaction with learners in substantive ways during the course is clearly stated. (Essential)

QM 5.3 The instructor’s plan for regular interaction with learners in substantive ways during the course is clearly stated. (Essential)

Owned by Gina Persichini
Dec 20, 2024
2 min read

A clear plan for regular and substantive interaction between instructors and learners is a key component of effective online and blended courses. Quality Matters and other educational standards emphasize the importance of instructor presence and interaction to enhance learning experiences and outcomes. Articulate such a plan clearly in the course syllabus or introductory materials.

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General Suggestions

  • Specify the different ways in which interaction will occur. This could include synchronous sessions (live webinars, video calls), asynchronous interactions (discussion forums, email, course management messages), and feedback mechanisms (graded assignments, quizzes, formative assessments).

  • Clarify the expected response time for emails, forum posts, or other forms of communication. For example, "Students can expect responses to emails within 24 hours on weekdays."

  • State the instructor’s availability for one-on-one interactions, such as office hours or by appointment. Include how students can schedule these meetings and the platform or medium used (e.g., Zoom, phone, email).

  • Define how often interactions will occur. For example, "Weekly live Q&A sessions" or "Bi-weekly feedback on assignments." Providing a regular schedule helps set expectations for both the instructor and students.

  • The instructor invites learners to ask questions by preferred medium (e.g., email, Canvas Inbox, "Course Q&A" discussion board.

Examples

Instructor Interaction Plan:

  • Live Weekly Webinars: Every Tuesday at 3 PM EST, covering key concepts and case studies with a live Q&A session.

  • Discussion Forums: I will initiate weekly discussion threads every Monday and provide feedback and further questions within these forums at least three times per week.

  • Office Hours: Virtual office hours are held via Zoom on Thursdays from 1 PM to 3 PM EST, or by appointment.

  • Email Communication: I will respond to emails within 24 hours on weekdays. For more complex issues, I may schedule a phone or video call.

  • Assignment Feedback: Substantive feedback on assignments will be provided within one week of the submission deadline.

Faculty Development Opportunities

  • Instructor Immediacy - Making Yourself More Approachable to Your Online Students

Sign up for this and other faculty development offerings by logging into CampusGroups.

Regular and Substantive Interaction (RSI)/How this standard supports RSI

  • Direct impact: Instructor plans can include clear communication channels and expectations for engagement between the instructor and students.

Related Resources

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