Regular and Substantive Interaction
In their last step to outline their expectations for distance (online) education, the U.S. Department of Education has implemented regulations going into effect July 1, 2021. (2020-18636.pdf (govinfo.gov))
One of the key elements to these new regulations is establishing the expectation that a distance education course must be have regular and substantive interaction between the students and the instructor.
“Substantive interaction” is defined as “engaging students in teaching, learning, and assessment, consistent with the content under discussion and also includes at least two of the following:”
- Providing direct instruction;
- Assessing or providing feedback on a student’s coursework;
- Providing information or responding to questions about the content of a course or
competency; - Facilitating a group discussion regarding the content of a course or competency; or
- Other instructional activities approved by the institution’s or program’s accrediting
agency. Id.
“Regular interaction” requires an “the opportunity for substantive interactions with the student on a predictable and regular basis commensurate with the length of time and the amount of content in the course or competency.” The “instructor is responsible for promptly and proactively engaging in substantive interaction with the student.” Id.
Further guidance can be gleaned from the Department’s definition of “academic engagement” which is “[a]ctive participation by a student in an instructional activity related to the student’s course of study” as defined by an institution consistent with any requirements imposed by its state approval or accrediting agency.
Academic engagement can include:
- Attending a synchronous class, lecture, recitation, or field or laboratory activity, physically or online, where there is opportunity for interaction between the instructor and students (merely logging into class is insufficient without further participation);
- Turning in an academic assignment or taking a test;
- Participating in an interactive tutorial, webinar, or other computer-assisted instruction;
- Participating in a faculty led or directed study group, group project, or an online discussion; or
- Interacting with the instructor regarding academic matters.
SIUE Guidance
To ensure a quality and meaningful online educational experience at SIUE, in addition to viewing/listening/reading the course content, it is the recommended guidance of SIUE that faculty create an opportunity for the students to interact with the content of the course in a manner outlined in the regulations at least:
- once a week in a standard 16 week course and
- two to three times per week for accelerated courses
