The document outlines 10 unique characteristics of design for eLearning: 1) Learners online have shorter attention spans, slower reading speeds, and are more easily distracted. 2) Online learning allows for informal, fun, and exploratory learning that is available 24/7. 3) Online course design requires extra care and testing to get it right since there is no instructor present. 4) Online courses can incorporate additional teaching formats like simulations, treasure hunts, and interactive elements.

1. 10 Unique Characteristics of Design for eLearning Colonial Intermediate Unit 20 www.ciu20.org

2. Steve Spengler, Coordinator Educational Technology Services [email_address] 610-515-6533

3. How online are you? Take survey! (handout)

4. Your thoughts on an online course. (handout)

5. #1 Different Learning Patterns Online

6. Shorter attention spans Slower reading speeds Lower reading accuracy More susceptible to distraction

7. What is my Learning Style? http:// www.engr.ncsu.edu/learningstyles/ilsweb.html

8. What is my Learning Style? About Learning Styles (handout)

9. #2 New Learning Contexts

10. Informal [fun] learning Edutainment Students as explorers Teachers as guides Synchronous/Asynchronous 24/7 learning

11. Instructional Strategies? Instructional Strategies for Online (handout)

12. #3 Extra Need to Get it Right

13. Creative [and structured] design Pilot testing Commitment to maintenance

14. #4 Explore Additional Teaching Formats

15. Simulations Treasure Hunts Message Boards Guided Tours Webzines eNewsletters Interactive Puzzles Movies/Animations

17. #5 Interactive

19. #6 More Targeted Teaching

20. Shorter, better targeted lessons Personalization Multiple delivery methods Multiple opportunities

21. #7 More Intense Design Plans

22. Visual/Verbal ( Prefers to read information ) Visual/Nonverbal ( Uses graphics or diagrams to represent information ) Auditory/Verbal ( Prefers to listen to information ) Tactile/Kinesthetic ( Prefers physical hands-on experiences )

23. #8 Watch out for Design Gotchas

24. Production is more complex (no all nighters!) Logical Gotchas Technical Gotchas

25. #9 Technology to Support Evaluation

26. Survey collection tools Automatic scoring and reporting Performance tracking Interactive Graphics

27. #10 Good Support for your Students

28. Email Phone (yes!) Online chat Discussion boards

29. Colonial Intermediate Unit 20 www.ciu20.org 10 Unique Characteristics of Design for eLearning