The Benefits of Regular Substantiative Interaction (RSI) in Online Learning

Tuesday, March 24, 2026 :: 10:00-11:00 AM

Virtual | WebEx

Intended Audience: CMU Faculty

Facilitated by: Dr. Sarah Learman

Are your interactions with students truly Regular Substantive Interaction (RSI)—or do they drift into passive instruction without you realizing it? And more importantly… how can you tell the difference?

In this session, we’ll demystify RSI and clarify why it’s a cornerstone of high-quality online learning—and a key factor separating legitimate distance education from correspondence education. We’ll break down the regulatory expectations, explore real-world examples, and highlight what does and doesn’t count as substantive engagement. You’ll also discover the powerful impact RSI has on student success: increased satisfaction, stronger persistence, and deeper learning—backed by current research and proven best practices.

Finally, you’ll walk away with practical, actionable strategies to implement RSI confidently and consistently, ensuring both regulatory compliance and an enriched, high-quality online learning experience.

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