Guidelines for Teaching in the Online Environment

The following guidelines outline the expectations and responsibilities of instructors utilizing distance learning tools. For assistance with implementing the guidelines, please contact your campus Learning Technologist.

Last revised and approved by Faculty Senate: May, 2021.

  1. General Information

    Instructors teaching online or hybrid must utilize the Learning Management System (LMS) provided by Polk State College. Courses may be available to students in Canvas six days before the start date of the course. All course modalities receive a course shell in Canvas. It is encouraged, but not required, that content be published six days prior to the start date of the course.

    Courses that meet the criteria for quality course design as specified in the Polk State College Quality Online Course Rubric will be awarded a badge, visible on each course homepage.

  2. Required Training

    Polk State College offers online teaching certification for all instructors intending to teach hybrid or online courses. First-time online instructors are required to complete “Teaching Online at Polk State College” training before teaching any distance learning courses. Training is available to all instructors but is not mandatory for those previously certified. It is, however, recommended that instructors trained prior to Canvas complete the appropriate courses given the rapid and significant changes that occur in online teaching delivery and design.

    Additional online teaching certification information can be found at Learning Technology Support.

  3. Course Content and Organization

    A. Introductory Information

    By the start of the term, the instructor will publish in the LMS:

    1. Link to BCI page (FOOF– 2)
    2. Syllabus (FOOF– 2)

    Syllabus and BCI guidelines can be found in Procedure 1001 .

    At the start of the course, the instructor will provide: (FOOF – 1)

    1. “Course Outline/Schedule”
    2. “Getting Started” message (How to begin the course; appropriate academic support resources; e.g., Tutoring)
    3. “Navigation” overview of online components of the course
    4. Course specific “Technical Skills Needed” as well as general “Digital Literacy Skills”
    5. “Instructor Introduction”
    6. Opportunity for“Student Introductions”
    7. “Accessibility Information” to align with Procedure 5008
    8. Include netiquette guidelines which outline unacceptable behavior in the online environment. Online conduct expectations aligned with Rule 4.01 II(A-D)*

    * Information, examples, and resources can be found at zeb0.zb-fc.com/exemplary-online-courses  

    B. Attendance and Participation

    Online instructors are required to state their attendance policy in the course syllabus. Online class attendance begins the first day of the session. The instructor should:

    1. Clearly define academic dates/weeks/time units for which student attendance and participation will be determined.
    2. Explain what constitutes attendance in online courses. Attendance in online courses frequently entails the completion of certain academic tasks such as reading or viewing posted lectures and materials, posting/replying, taking quizzes, or submitting assignments.
    3. Clearly identify due dates and times for all assignments.
    4. Alert students that partial completion of academic tasks may (or may not) satisfy the attendance requirement.

    C. Communication and Feedback

    The College maintains communication with students in a number of ways: e-mail, discussion boards, assignment feedback, web conferencing, social networking, and other forms of contact. This information has been shared with students in the Guidelines for Students in the Online Environment. Instructors will adhere to the following best practices in online instruction to facilitate positive communication:

    1. E-mail will receive a response within 24-48 hours, excluding weekends and holidays. (QOC – 3.2)
    2. Questions via other communication tools (i.e. discussion boards, text, Canvas inbox, etc.) will receive a response in a reasonable amount of time. Anticipated-response time will be clearly stated in course introductory information.
    3. Assignment feedback will be provided in a reasonable amount of time. The anticipated time for assignment feedback should be clearly expressed to students in course introductory information or in the syllabus. (FOOF– 3, QOC – 3.3)
    4. Course grading policy and rubrics are clearly communicated in the syllabus or course information, including how students can access grade progress information. (QOC – 2.6)

    Netiquette refers to a set of rules for proper online behavior and applies to tone in electronic/online communications. Rules for conduct in discussions, e-mail, blogs, chats, online rooms, social networking sites, web conferences and other aspects of communication content, such as quality, style, and grammar expectations, are addressed.

    Polk State College expects students to adhere to specific guidelines in online environments. Student guidelines can be found at the following link: Guidelines for Students in the Online Environment. Instructors will adhere to the same netiquette guidelines when communicating with students in the online environment. To promote appropriate and effective communication, the instructor may choose to do the following:

    1. Provide examples of “acceptable” and “not-acceptable” forms of communication
    2. Detail specific guidelines for discussion postings
    3. Provide an environment conducive to learning for all students. (FOOF– 4)
      1. All students are treated with courtesy and respect.
      2. Ideas and comments can be exchanged in a collaborative manner.

    D. Instructional Materials

    Course objectives in any one course number, regardless of delivery mechanism or content, should be the same. However, in the online environment, certain instructional elements should be considered. In example, a traditional lecture may be segmented into smaller “chunks” to create shorter videos which are more likely to promote success for the online learner. The course materials are provided in a timely manner. (FOOF – 5) Polk State College endorses interactivity in its online courses.

    Considerations unique to the online learning environment necessitate the following:

    1. Modules are in a logical order. (FOOF– 6, QOC – 1.3)
    2. The course designed facilitates readability and ease of course navigation to meet the needs of diverse learners. (FOOF– 7, QOC – 1.4)
    3. Materials are professional in appearance and text is clear of spelling and grammatical errors. (FOOF– 8, QOC – 2.1)
    4. Clear explanations regarding which materials, assignments and resources are required vs. optional, in order for the student to complete course activities and assignments.
    5. Each module/unit of content should explain the purpose, learning objectives, and align with the assessment measures. (FOOF– 1)
    6. For each assignment, the instructor’s expectations should be clearly expressed. Assignments and tasks should be distributed over the term with regular deadlines. (FOOF– 1)
    7. Source materials used in the course must be clearly identified and appropriately cited. all Instructors will adhere to appropriate copyright guidelines as explained in Procedure 4004.
    8. Proficiency is demonstrated in the subject matter through the utilization of appropriate instructional materials and feedback provided to students. (FOOF– 9, QOC – 2.4)
    9. There are opportunities for interaction and tools for learner engagement that support student learning outcomes (i.e. discussion boards, chat, simulations, games, etc.). (FOOF– 10, QOC – 2.3)

    E. Course Technology

    The course technologies are readily obtainable, hyperlinks and multimedia are updated (non-functional items are removed/replaced). External tools (i.e. Films on Demand, Kaltura, Merlot) are available to embed into online courses.  Appropriate information on using any required tools will be included in the course.

    When publisher materials are integrated into a course, the following information must be provided:

    • Technical requirements (Hardware and Browser Requirements)
    • Instructions for access
    • Login instructions (if not directly linked in Canvas)
    • Technical support information and PSC Bookstore contact

    Web Conferences shown on the Canvas course navigation menu as “Conferences” offers instructors an additional mode of online communication with students. Polk State College also offers access to the following web conference tools: Zoom, Microsoft Teams, and BigBlueButton Personal Rooms. When web conferencing is required in a course, the Live Online course designation should be used. Instructors should communicate the following anytime web conferencing is used:

    • Participation requirements: mandatory/optional
    • Meeting schedule (dates, times)
    • Connection information
    • Microphone, speakers, camera requirements
    • Technical requirements (hardware and browser requirements)
    • Technical support
    • Expected participation behaviors (as appropriate)

    F. Assessment and Measurement

    Faculty must inform students of their progress throughout the duration of the course. Canvas includes a Grades Tool. It is recommended for fully online and hybrid courses that the grades tool be used to inform students of their course progress. For those using grading tools outside Canvas, clear instructions on how to access student progress should be provided.

    1. The course has appropriate instructions, evaluative criteria, and due dates for activities or assignments. (FOOF– 12, QOC – 2.6)
    2. The course includes diverse learning activities and assessment instruments that align to course learning outcomes to support instruction and enable students to track progress. (FOOF– 12, QOC – 2.8)

    Proctored and/or In-Person Exams: Faculty who require students to take proctored exams, in-person, through a campus testing center must provide advance written notice of date(s) and include links to institution-specific academic support services and how to access these services (e.g., location of testing center and/or proctored test sites, hours of operation, phone numbers, and email addresses for key personnel). Instructors may also make available the option for remote proctoring.

    For local in-person testing, instructions and test materials must be provided to the appropriate TLCCs. For at-a distance students who are unable to test at a TLCC, faculty may offer proctored exams via the remote proctored testing service or at a non-Polk testing center. Students are responsible for identifying a testing center in their location and for providing the necessary information to the instructor so materials and instructions can be submitted to that site. Students may access the National College Testing Association for help identifying a testing center in their area. The instructor will provide the necessary test materials and instructions to the approved test location along with instructions for the return of the materials.

    For more information on remote proctoring please visit: http://zeb0.zb-fc.com/distance-learning/remote-proctoring-option/

    • Syllabus statement for instructors using Remote Proctoring via Honorlock:

    Polk State College instructors are given the discretion to require proctored exams, providing three options for students to test: on campus via the TLCC, at a designated testing center, or through remote proctoring. Polk State College provides one option for remotely proctored exams through Honorlock. Remote proctoring requires a room scan as part of the test session. The room scan provides an opportunity for students to display their testing space, free of any unauthorized materials or persons, to ensure the integrity of the test session. The entire testing session will be recorded. A Google Chrome extension plug-in must be installed to use this proctoring service.  Unusual behavior is flagged and an Honorlock specialist reviews and makes notes about the behavior. Additionally, Honorlock uses Integrity Analytics, which means that while the exam is live, Honorlock is monitoring for attempts by the test taker to find answers to the questions on the Internet using any device, such as a smartphone, tablet, or additional computer. Honorlock also monitors attempts to leave the test session, open a new browser, and copy/paste questions. The instructor receives the report from Honorlock to review and ensure academic integrity. Some instructors may require specific elements be included as part of the remote proctoring session, such as a mirror. Students have the option to test at a TLCC or certified testing center. Contact your instructor for specific guidance.

     

    Document Originality Checking: One of the following statements below should be included in the syllabus if an originality checking service is being utilized per Procedure 1001.

    This section shall contain a statement regarding the use of a plagiarism detection service and/or the Originality Check feature in Canvas.

    • If students are required to submit their paper to a plagiarism detection service via the Canvas Assignment:

    This course utilizes an automatic plagiarism detection service. Your paper will be submitted to the service upon submission to selected Canvas Assignment. Please remove your name from your paper prior to submission. For more information about this service, please visit Turnitin.com.

    • If the instructor will submit only select papers to a plagiarism checking service/software:

    This course utilizes an automatic plagiarism detection service. Your paper may be submitted to this service to check for originality. For more information about this service, please visit Turnitin.com.

  4. Policy on Regular and Substantive Interaction (RSI)

    Purpose

    This policy outlines the requirements and standards for Regular and Substantive Interaction (RSI) between instructors and students in distance education courses at Polk State College. It is designed to ensure compliance with Title IV of the Higher Education Act of 1965, as amended, and to uphold the quality and integrity of our online educational offerings.

    Definition of Regular and Substantive Interaction

    The Federal Government’s Regular and Substantive Interaction (RSI) guidelines for Title IV refer to specific requirements for distance education and correspondence courses in the context of U.S. federal financial aid. These guidelines define the levels and types of interaction that must occur between instructors and students in distance education.

    The guidelines require:

      1. Interaction between faculty and students be regular, meaning that it occurs with a predictable and scheduled frequency, mimicking the level of engagement found in traditional classroom settings.
      2. Interaction must also be substantive, involving academically relevant material and activities. This includes direct instruction, assessing student coursework, and providing feedback, among other activities.
    Implementation

    Instructors should plan for and schedule regular interactions with students throughout each course and communicate the plan within their course syllabus or course information so that students know the expected interactions. Instructors are expected to respond to student inquiries in accordance with the Guidelines for Teaching in the Online Environment.

    The regular and substantive interaction between the instructor and the student must be initiated by the instructor and should include at least two of the following components:

      1. Providing direct instruction
      2. Assessing or providing individualized feedback on a student’s coursework
      3. Providing information or responding to questions about the content of a course or competency
      4. Actively participate in group discussions regarding the content of a course or competency
      5. Other instructional activities approved by the institution or programs’ accrediting agency

    Examples of these components include but are not limited to:

      • Instructor-initiated communication (email, phone call, text message, meetings both in person or online)
      • Scheduled office hours
      • Discussion boards including instructor contributions
      • Hosting synchronous virtual lectures
      • Recording/streaming asynchronous virtual lectures and posting them online
      • Graded assignments with individualized feedback
      • Content-specific or performance-based course announcements
    Accreditation and Compliance

    Educational institutions must demonstrate compliance with these guidelines to maintain accreditation and eligibility for federal financial aid. It is recommended that institutions have a policy to provide documentation that RSI measures are in place and instructors are aware of such measures and expectations.

    Suggestions to meet the expectations:

    1. Faculty may include an “Intent to Interact” information item in their courses which explains to students the ways in which the instructor plans to interact and the timeframe for such interactions.
    2. Adherence to alignment with the Polk State College Quality Online Course Design Rubric ensures that courses meet a high standard for online education which includes RSI measures. Instructors are encouraged to designate their courses in this manner.
    3. Instructors teaching distance education courses must complete Online Teaching Certification, as required by accreditors, which includes training on RSI and effective online teaching practices.
    4. Faculty may participate in professional development opportunities to obtain resources to support and develop strategies for regular and substantive interaction in their courses.
    5. Course syllabus or course information may include a statement describing how RSI is implemented.

  5. Syllabus Requirements

    Polk State College utilizes Simple Syllabus, a template-based syllabus tool, for all courses. Simple Syllabus enables instructors to use departmental templates, input instructor-specific information, and roll the content from term to term for easy syllabi maintenance.

    Each course syllabus template includes sections required by Procedure 1001, Polk State College Quality Online Course Rubric, and FL Senate Bill 7044. Some areas are pre-populated with College-wide and/or program-wide information.

    Polk State College Procedure 1001

    Polk State College Procedure 1001 contains guidelines for communicating course information to students. The procedure clearly outlines the elements instructors are required to include in their syllabus.

    Polk State College Quality Online Course Rubric

    Polk State College’s Quality Online Course Rubric (QOC) contains guidelines for communicating course information to students, relative to Procedure 1001. The rubric also specifies best practices for communicating course information in the online environment.

    FL Senate Bill 7044

    Florida Senate Bill 7044 contains guidelines for syllabi content and publication for general education core courses. Although the bill applies to general education core courses, Polk State College requires all course to meet the criteria.

    For more information on Simple Syllabus, including resources for how to use the tool, visit Learning Technology Support.