Just because you put learning material online doesn't mean that students will engage with it (or even view it). This presentation looks at some tips for grabbing and holding attention in online courses.

1. Dr Graeme Salter
Attention
in online courses
Tips for grabbing and holding …

2. The Problem

3. Face to Face Lectures
The dream …
the reality?

4. Online Lectures
The dream …
the reality?

5. Unique combination of skills
What does a
computing
academic
know about
marketing?

6. Toni Salter
The Veggie Lady
Case Study
Workshops on
• How to grow your own
organic vegetables
• Gardening therapy for the
aged and disabled

7. Toni Salter – The Veggie Lady

8. Toni Salter – The Veggie Lady

9. Toni Salter – The Veggie Lady

10. Toni Salter – The Veggie Lady

11. Industry Recognition
Exemplary Mobile & Digital Marketing Leadership Award
World Brand Congress 2013 Mumbai
Director of Entrepreneurship, International
and Engagement (SCEM)

12. Focus on

13. Our experience
Selling online workshops to a global audience
We found that marketing concepts can be used
not only for promotion, but also delivery of education

14. The AIDA Model
sales letters, video promotions, classified ads etc …
http://www.thecroguy.com/learning/what-is-cro/

15. Getting Attention
A headline, picture or video that might …
• highlight a problem
• paint a picture
• set a challenge
• ask a question
• create a cliffhanger

16. In higher education
There are many ways to introduce a topic
but the ability to capture attention can vary …

17. Let’s look at
three alternatives

18. 1. Explanation
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uvcVkgFQMB0

19. 2. Provide solution
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tIxqRSUDG6s

20. 3. Set a challenge
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wGIZKETKKdw

21. Your choice …
1. Bottom falls first
2. Top falls first
3. Both ends fall together
4. Ends approach each other
Let’s see a show of hands

22. Housekeeping
Did I remind you to turn off your phones?

23. Forget that …
Get out your phones and tablets
(but keep them on silent)

24. Let’s do a poll

25. Challenge solution
Would you like to know the answer?
I’ll tell you at the next forum
Example of a cliffhanger

26. Slinky Drop Answer
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eCMmmEEyOO0

27. Moodleposium Results

28. Level of attention

29. Level of attention

30. Level of attention

31. Want to know a secret?
One secret for getting attention
Have you heard WiiFM?
What’s In It For Me
Highlight benefits
rather than features

32. Some Examples

33. Benefits not features
http://demos.articulate.com/showcase/dc_fundamentals/story.html

34. Benefits not features
Benefits highlighted …
Help you to become an electrician and
be able to troubleshoot electrical problems
out in the field

35. Benefits not features
http://demos.articulate.com/elearning/Diabesity/player.html

36. Benefits not features
Benefits highlighted …
Learn how to avoid type 2 diabetes so that
you can live a longer and healthier life

37. How do I hold
attention?

38. Holding Attention

39. An example
Rather than say
• Watch this video
• watch this video and then … (some action)
• or even embed the action into the video!

40. Interactive Video

41. I know what you’re thinking …
When am I going to get
time to do all this?

42. Time Saving Tips

43. Time Saving Tip 1
Record, Repurpose and Recycle
Build once – use many times!

44. Time Saving Tip 1
Focus on evergreen content (to start)

45. Time Saving Tip 1
Online tutorials for Intro to IT developed in 2009
http://graemesalter.com/portfolio/player.html

46. Time Saving Tip 2
Use the right tools

47. Readily available tools
Tools required –
• PowerPoint
• Microphone
• Captivate
• Optional – Creative commons sound effects or music

48. Readily available tools
Free from http://educanon.com

49. Final Time Saving Tip
Get help from an expert

50. An example
To make a mobile app you need two of the
most sophisticated tools ever made
Any suggestions?

51. Use a storyboard

52. Use a storyboard

53. Final Time Saving Tip
Get help from an expert

54. What should I
do next?

55. Talk to your friendly Blended Learning Advisor

56. Final Question
What model did my presentation follow?

57. Final Question
What model did my presentation follow?

58. Final Question
What model did my presentation follow?

59. 2 key points to remember
AIDA
Attention
Interest
Desire
Action
WiiFM
What’s in it for me?
+

60. Bonus Tip
How can movies engage an audience
for hours?
The use of stories