QM 5.4 The requirements for learner interaction are clearly stated. (Very Important)

Clearly stating the requirements for learner interaction in a course is crucial for setting expectations and ensuring effective participation, which is key to a successful learning experience, especially in online and blended learning environments. Interaction often supports learning objectives by encouraging the application of concepts in discussions, projects, and other collaborative activities.

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General Suggestions

Learner interaction could include discussion board activities, synchronous meetings on a tool like Zoom, group projects, or peer review exercises, collaborative annotation tools (like Perusall), case-based scenarios, and interactive simulations that promote application of course concepts.
Learners are provided with expectations for interactions with others (e.g. mandatory or optional, frequency, length, timeliness, etc.). This could be in the syllabus, at the point of need, or elsewhere.
Expectation for how often learners need to access course materials (e.g. students should check into the course at least 3 days a week).
Define what constitutes a meaningful interaction.
Explain how interactive components will be graded. Include specifics about what percentage of the grade comes from interaction, what aspects (frequency, relevance, engagement quality) are evaluated, and any rubrics used.
Ensure that interaction requirements consider accessibility issues and state available accommodations for students who may need them.
Specify any technical tools or platforms (e.g., Canvas features, third-party websites, video conferencing tools, annotation tools) that will be used for interaction, and provide guidelines or training on how to use these technologies effectively.

Examples

Interaction Requirements:

Discussion Forums: Each student is required to participate in weekly discussion forums. This includes posting at least one thoughtful, well-articulated original post (minimum 200 words) and responding to at least two classmates' posts (minimum 100 words each) for each topic covered.
Peer Review Assignments: Students must complete three peer reviews per semester, providing detailed, constructive feedback on assigned peer essays.
Live Sessions Participation: Attendance and active participation in monthly live Q&A sessions with the professor are expected. Students should come prepared with questions or comments on the material.
Grading: Participation in these interactive components constitutes 20% of your final grade. The breakdown is as follows: 10% for discussion forums, 5% for peer reviews, and 5% for live session participation.

Faculty Development Opportunities

Successful Group Work Strategies for Online Webinar
Social Annotation for Student Collaborative Learning in Online Courses
Instructor Immediacy - Making Yourself More Approachable to Your Online Students

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

Direct impact: As with 5.3, these plans can include clear communication channels and expectations for engagement between the instructor and students.

Related Resources

Syllabus Best Practices and Exemplars from eCampus Center