Regular and substantive interaction is generally characterized by students and instructors interacting in a recurrent fashion—either synchronously or asynchronously—through the use of instructional technologies. There are four key elements: 1) interaction initiated by the instructor, 2) regular and frequent interaction, with weekly interaction being the baseline, 3) meaningful interaction of an academic nature, and 4) interaction initiated by academic personnel who meet accrediting body standards.
The Department of Education defines substantive interaction as "interaction [that] is engaging students in teaching, learning, and assessment" and can include but is not limited to direct instruction, grading and feedback, facilitation of class discourse, and responsiveness to student questions and concerns.