Aligned

The course includes a clear explanation of when and how the instructor will initiate regular interaction with students (e.g., in module 0 and syllabus) and is evident throughout the course design.

Why This Is Important (select to expand)

Why This Is Important

Instructor-initiated interaction helps students understand how the instructor will be actively involved in the course throughout the term.
Clearly explaining when and how the instructor will communicate with students helps establish expectations early in the course.
This information helps students understand how they will receive guidance, feedback, reminders, and support throughout the learning experience.
Instructor-initiated interaction is an important part of Regular and Substantive Interaction (RSI), which requires regular instructor engagement with students in distance education courses.

How to Implement This in Your Course (select to expand)

How to Implement This in Your Course

Aligned courses include a clear, brief, student-centered explanation of how the instructor will stay engaged with students throughout the course, and that explanation is reflected in the course design.

Elements of Instructor-Initiated Interaction

➡️Communication Methods

Explain how you will communicate with students.
On your communication page, include a short section labeled “Instructor Interaction” or “Communication”

➡️Ongoing Weekly Interaction

Describe what students can expect on a regular basis.
Common examples include:

- Weekly announcements or module overviews
- Participation in discussions
- Feedback on assignments
- Responses to student messages
- Office hours or other support opportunities

➡️Clear Time frames

Set expectations for response and feedback timing.
On your communication page, include a description of your response and feedback time frames.

Example: Instructor Interaction Statement

Here is an example of what this could look like in your course:

Instructor Interaction in This Course
Throughout the course, I will stay actively engaged to support your learning. Each week you can expect:

A weekly announcement introducing the module
Participation in discussion forums to guide conversation and answer questions
Feedback on assignments within one week of submission
Responses to messages within 24–48 hours on weekdays

If you have questions, you can message me through Canvas or post in the Course Questions discussion

Checking for Alignment (select to expand)

Checking for Alignment

Where this May Appear in the Course

This information is commonly located in the syllabus, Start Here or Orientation module, or a page labeled Instructor Interaction or Communication.

What Demonstrates Alignment

The course demonstrates alignment when it clearly explains how and when the instructor will interact with students and reflects that interaction throughout the course.

Evidence may include:

A clear explanation or clearly labeled communication page that includes instructor communication methods
Defined frequency of interaction (e.g., weekly announcements)
Stated response times for messages and feedback

Visible instructor presence in course activities

Common Issues that Prevent Alignment

No explanation of how the instructor will interact with students
Information is unclear or difficult to locate
Expectations for communication or feedback are not defined
Course relies primarily on automated grading with little instructor interaction

When expectations are clearly communicated and consistently implemented, students are more likely to feel supported and stay engaged.

Accessibility and Design Tips (select to expand)

Accessibility and Design Tips

Accessibility Tips

Ensure all forms of instructor communication are accessible. If using video or audio announcements, include captions or a written summary.

Design Tips

Place communication information in a consistent and easy-to-find location, such as the Start Here module and syllabus. Use clear headings in your documents so students can quickly locate communication expectations.

👉Consistency Between Design and Practice -The explanation should match what students actually experience in the course.

What this looks like in Canvas:

Weekly announcements posted regularly
Instructor participation in discussions

Timely, meaningful feedback on assignments

Going Beyond Aligned

✨ Exceptional courses include an explanation that facilitates student understanding of why RSI matters and provides deeper interaction throughout the course.

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