Are You My Teacher? Increasing Student Engagement by Maximizing Instructor Presence

The Department of Education (DoE) and our accrediting agencies have become more vigilant recently in reviewing public college distance education programs to confirm all online courses provide the required “regular and substantive interaction” (RSI). Colleges found lacking risk losing their accredited status and/or their eligibility to provide federal financial aid. In this session, participants will learn how the DoE and other agencies define RSI and what they look for when they visit. Presenters will share guidelines and rubrics that can be used to assess courses, and will explain what colleges and instructors can do to ensure their online courses provide adequate RSI.