Instructor Presence
Overview
This standard ensures that the instructor is actively engaged with the course and learners frequently and consistently, and through several avenues.
Summary of Evidence
Course provides students with opportunities for regular and substantive interaction with the instructor.
Rationale
The U.S. Department of Education requires distance course instructors to meet Regular and Substantive Interaction (RSI) standards in the LMS. Refer to NICC’s RSI policy for more information.
Additionally, we want our students to have the opportunity to learn as much as they can from our instructors, and to benefit from being a part of a learning community regardless of course modality. Faculty can use Brightspace tools to help facilitate the learning community in the LMS and to make individual connections with their students.
Supporting Research
Martin, Florence, Wang, Chuang, Sadaf, Ayesha. Student perception of helpfulness of facilitation strategies that enhance instructor presence, connectedness, engagement and learning in online courses. The Internet and higher education, 2018-04, Vol.37, p.52-65
Checklist
These steps will help you build a course that meets proficiency in this standard.
Adhere to the NICC policy on Regular and Substantive Interaction for Distance Learning Courses.
Publish a direct method of contact outside of office hours in the course.
Engage with students in the LMS courseroom a minimum of five days per week per the dean’s online evaluation observation rubric.
Clarify reasonable expectations for engagement and response to students: “Assignment grades will be posted within one week of the due date.” or “I will monitor your class discussion and post summary comments after your discussion period ends.”
Post grades and feedback in the LMS in a timely manner to provide students a sufficient window of opportunity to act on recommendations for improvement.
Respond to student inquiries within 24 hours on school days and 48 hours on non-school days.
Actively monitor student progress, contact students who are not making satisfactory progress, and submit Early Alerts as appropriate.
Notify the class via Brightspace announcement of any instructor absences from the course.
Next-Level Recommendations
To advance your course design even more, consider these best practices:
Undertake the tips outlined on the Regular and Substantive Interaction page.
Provide personalized comments (in any medium) on each assignment and exam.
Facilitate and participate in regular class discussions or group interactions (minimum one per week in a 3-credit course per the dean’s online evaluation observation rubric).
Organize working/study groups to encourage student-to-student interaction.
Publish a weekly announcement to help learners transition between units.
Deliver personalized, constructive feedback regularly to each learner.
Provide overview videos and/or instructor video lectures.
Identify struggling students and offer personalized support.
Building Guides
Use these resources to build course design elements in this standard.
