◉ REQUIRED STANDARD

Expectations

• 1. Research by the developers of the QM rubric shows that engaging the student in an online course is key to them achieving success in the course; ergo, it is essential that you are engaged with your students, and that your content lends itself similarly to be engaging to the students.

  2. Student-student interaction is another important—though not essential—element to engage students in your course.

  3. All courses should provide for interaction between the student, instructor, and content.

  4. Per guidance from the Department of Education (34 CFR 600.2), in order to satisfy "regular and substantive" interaction, the instructor/course must satisfy at least two of the following criteria:

     • providing direct instruction (e.g., lectures, regular office hours/help sessions, etc.)

     • assessing or providing feedback on a student’s course work in a timely fashion

     • providing information or responding to questions about the content of a course or competency

     • facilitating regular group discussions regarding the content of a course or competency

     • other instructional activities approved by the institution’s or program’s accrediting agency

Examples

• • instructor-student interaction examples:

    • self-introduction

    • providing lectures (live/recorded)

    • hosting office hours

    • discussion postings and responses

    • providing feedback on project assignments

    • evidence of one-to-one email communication

  • student-content interaction examples:

    • essays

    • term papers

    • group projects

    • self-assessment exercises

  • student-student interaction examples:

    • self-introduction discussion or exercise

    • group discussion postings and replies

    • group projects/assignments

    • peer review/evaluation

References

• • QM FIPSE rubric V.2

  • 34 CFR 600.2