“Formative assessment, implemented correctly, is a continuous measure of student success throughout any unit of study. When we provide students with quick, real-time information about their progress, they gain valuable knowledge that transcends any grade.”
-Miriam Plotinsky
Dear Faculty,
As we continue to enhance the quality and impact of our online courses, this month we’re taking a deeper dive into the Engage phase of the 5E instructional model—an often overlooked but powerful starting point for student-centered learning. The Engage phase is more than just an introduction; it sets the stage for inquiry, invites curiosity, and connects learners to the content in meaningful ways.
When approached through the lens of backward design, we can be intentional about crafting Engage activities that not only align with our learning outcomes but also support Regular and Substantive Interaction (RSI) standards. By incorporating low-stakes engagement strategies early and often, faculty can create opportunities for authentic interaction—between instructors and students, as well as among peers—without adding a significant grading burden.
In this edition, we’ll explore how to plan with the end in mind, using backwards design to ensure the Engage phase leads naturally into deeper learning while also satisfying RSI requirements. You’ll find practical examples of low-stakes activities that foster presence, participation, and connection—all critical to a successful online learning experience.
Let’s design for connection, curiosity, and compliance—starting with Engage.
Best regards,
The ID Team
CITS | Instructional Development
Like many modern instructional frameworks, the 5E model is based on the Constructivist Theory, where students learn by experiencing phenomena and reflecting upon their learning. During the introduction of a class or learning module, the instructor engages students in an activity that builds upon their prior knowledge. Similarly, the steps of the 5E model scaffold new learning in ways that align with Bloom’s taxonomy, progressing from understanding to articulating and developing. At the end of the class or learning module, students might be tasked with assessing their own understanding, and the instructor may evaluate the learners on key skills and/or concepts. (Yale Poorva Center for Teaching and Learning).
Backwards Design your way through 5E:
As you develop your units or modules, if working in Canvas, it is helpful to use the 5E instructional model and the backward design framework. They can be used together to create effective online learning modules. The 5E model provides a structure for student-centered, inquiry-based learning, while backward design offers a systematic approach to course planning and development. With backward design, you first establish learning goals, determine how you’ll assess student learning, and then plan instructional activities. The 5E model, with its phases of Engage, Explore, Expand, Evaluate, and Extend, provides a cohesive framework for implementing the instructional activities identified in the backward design process. Together, these models create a roadmap that ensures online modules are engaging, purposeful, cohesive, and focused on meaningful learning outcomes.
Engageli Active Learning Podcast:
Episode 5: Making Online Learning More Engaging with RSI
This episode directly addresses RSI in online learning. It explores how faculty can use tools and techniques to make their online courses more engaging, how regular, meaningful interaction benefits students, and provides examples of practice. Why it’s relevant: It gives insight into what counts as substantive interaction, ideas for instructor-to-student engagement, and structures that can help build engagement early—useful for designing the Engage phase thoughtfully.
Speaking of Higher Ed: Conversations on Teaching and Learning (Augusta University)
Episode 21: Student Engagement Strategies with Gary T. Green, EdD
Discusses unconventional strategies for student engagement, building rapport, integrating students’ interests, and providing feedback, etc. What happens when a professor throws paper balls and playlists into the mix to get students engaged? In this episode of Speaking of Higher Ed, Gary Green, EdD, from the University of Georgia, shares how he uses unconventional, yet effective, strategies to capture student attention and keep them involved. Dr. Green explains his approach to fostering a classroom environment that encourages active participation. He shares specific techniques such as using paper ball activities, personalized music playlists, and creative tools like “Learn-dle” to make learning more engaging.
Episode 1: Creating Engaging and Interactive Courses with Rhia Moreno, PhD
Talks about using multimodal pedagogy, creative reflection, etc., to encourage early and deep engagement in the course. Dr. Rhia Moreno from the College of Education and Human Development discusses how she uses multimodal pedagogy in her undergraduate and graduate courses. Her intentional approach to innovation includes incorporating AU-approved tech such as Flip, Padlet, and VoiceThread to encourage creative reflection across modalities. By combining technology, an interdisciplinary approach, and a focus on inclusivity, Dr. Moreno is championing a dynamic approach to learning. In this episode of Speaking of Higher Ed, Dr. Moreno shares practical strategies and tips on how to encourage creativity and engagement in your classroom.
ON: Cultivating Student Engagement in Higher Ed
Apple Podcast series by Lauren Kelley
While most episodes are broader in scope (student mental health, use of AI, etc.), the podcast is framed around enhancing engagement in higher ed, which suggests there may be episodes you can draw strategies from to support the Engage phase (hooks, beginning-of-course strategies, etc.).
Technology and Learning SIG
Australian Association for Research in Education (AARE)
Their podcasts explore innovations in online learning and assessment, which may include low‑stakes assessments and engagement strategies. Though perhaps more at the macro or research level, they can provide evidence and ideas to adapt.
Using low-stakes formative assessments and the Engage portion of the 5E instructional model together can be a powerful and strategic way to meet Regular and Substantive Interaction (RSI) standards in online learning.
Practical Examples:
| Practice | Why It Meets RSI |
|---|---|
| Kick off each module with a low-stakes reflection prompt: “What do you already know about X?” | Instructor replies with targeted feedback, tying into the week’s learning goals = Substantive + Instructor-initiated |
| Use a non-graded quiz with auto-feedback AND a follow-up message summarizing common misconceptions | Students interact with content and receive timely, meaningful responses = Substantive + Regular |
| Start with a poll or scenario and ask students to justify their thinking in a discussion | Promotes early cognitive engagement and opens the door to instructor-student dialogue = Substantive |
| Create an interactive “preview” video with embedded questions, and follow up with a comment in the forum or announcement | Embeds instructor presence and creates opportunities for meaningful feedback early in the module = Regular + Substantive |
The Engage phase + low-stakes assessment = a pedagogically sound, RSI-compliant strategy when:
- The instructor initiates the interaction.
- The interaction is about the content, not just logistics.
- There is meaningful feedback or guidance involved.
- It occurs consistently (not just once or twice).
When intentionally designed through backward design, these interactions serve both student learning and regulatory compliance, without adding significant grading burden.
- Start today! – Growing with Canvas faculty training!
- Start today! – Vendor-led Vault faculty resource of webinars!
- Mon, 9/17/25 at 12 pm – via Zoom, Unlocking Canvas: Speedgrader.
- Tue, 9/18/25 at 2 pm – via Zoom, Unlocking Canvas: Speedgrader.
- Fri, 9/26/25 at 12:00 pm – Zoom, YuJa Panorama for Accessibility.
- Wed, 10/1/25 at 12 pm – via Zoom, Unlocking Canvas: Assignments, Grading, Rubrics.
View a full list of Canvas and Instructional Technology workshops and self-paced offerings!
Instructional Development works with faculty to…
- Explore, design, and experiment with different teaching and learning modes.
- Research and integrate technologies that can enhance teaching and learning.
- Design and develop online courses and programs.
- Write learning outcomes, design assessments, craft activities, and develop content.
- Utilize best practices for using instructional technologies.
Feel free to contact us online to book an appointment!