Wrap-up: RSI Is a Part of Great Course Design

RSI Wrap-upRSI Is a Part of Great Course Design

Wrap-up

Yahoo!! You did it! You're an RSI expert!

You've achieved the following objectives:

  • You can define Regular and Substantive Interaction (RSI) and explain its importance in online education settings.

  • You can identify and differentiate between strategies that constitute RSI and those that do not, applying a framework for evaluation.

  • You are equipped to integrate RSI strategies into your online courses.

  • You've developed skills to enhance student engagement and learning outcomes through the application of RSI principles.

  • You can assess the effectiveness of RSI strategies in your courses and make informed adjustments to improve student interaction and academic engagement.

  • You learned techniques for documenting RSI activities and interactions within your courses, ensuring visibility and accountability for accreditation purposes.

But There's More!

RSI is one piece of great course design. If you're interested in learning more, we've got you covered. 

  • Would you like personalized support? Book an appointment with Amber Toland Perry or Bri Brown!
  • We recommend any of the @One courses Links to an external site. to level up your instruction.
  • Did you like the design of this module? We are offering the POCR Buy-in program twice a year, which will teach you how to apply the DesignPLUS templates we all now have access to. If you're interested in joining us, email jeanette.calo@gcccd.edu.
  • Finally, join us for our Summer and Winter Camps--online-centered instructional professional development that occurs the week before FLEX week. Watch your email for announcements from GC Canvas Resources.

The Online Education Initiative (OEI) Rubric

The OEI Rubric Links to an external site. was created to assist faculty and online programs in delivering high-quality online courses.

It focuses on:

  • Course Design
    • Ensuring courses are well-structured and content is presented clearly and effectively.
  • Interaction
    • Facilitating meaningful interaction among students, between students and instructors, and with course materials.
  • Assessment
    • Implementing effective, engaging and equitable assessment strategies.
  • Accessibility
    • Making courses accessible to all students, aligning with DEIA principles.

Originating from California's Community Colleges, the rubric is a widely used and locally and state-supported resource developed to enhance online education's effectiveness.

If you've never reviewed the rubric and have the time, please do so!

The Peralta Equity Rubric

The Peralta Equity Rubric Links to an external site. expands on the OEI rubric and was designed to further guide the development and evaluation of online courses with a focus on diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility (DEIA). 

The Peralta Equity Rubric integrates DEIA principles into course design through:

  • Culturally Responsive Teaching: Incorporating diverse cultural perspectives and representation into content and activities.
  • Equity-Focused Content: Selecting materials that reflect a wide range of identities and experiences while acknowledging bias.
  • Inclusive Interaction: Designing activities that encourage participation from all students, recognizing diverse backgrounds and support needs, and creating a sense of community/belonging.
  • Accessible Materials: Ensuring course resources are accessible to students with disabilities, using adaptable formats and UDL (Universal Design for Learning) principles.

Originating from a group of Bay Area Community Colleges, the rubric is a widely used and locally and state-supported resource. If you've never reviewed the rubric and have the time, please do so!

Universal Design for Learning (UDL)

Universal Design for Learning (UDL) is a framework aimed at improving teaching and learning for all people based on scientific insights into how humans learn. It guides the development of learning environments and materials that can accommodate individual learning differences. UDL emphasizes providing multiple means of engagement, representation, action, and expression to cater to diverse learners' needs. For a comprehensive overview, the CAST website Links to an external site. is a valuable resource.