LS910 The Science of Attention, Willpower, and Decision-making
8:30 AM - 9:30 AM Friday, March 18
Instructional Design
International North
A number of myths persist about the alleged, ever-shortening attention spans of people, but what does the science say? Neuroscience, behavioral economics, and consumer psychology all offer insights into how attention is managed and allocated. Additionally, the ability to manage attention and focus seems to be related to the abilities that allocate willpower and influence how decisions are made.
In this session, you will learn what current science reveals about the interaction of attention, willpower, and decision-making, and how those interactions influence the design of eLearning environments. You will explore how to engage learners’ attention and manage distraction. You will leave with a deeper understanding that will help you create more engaging and effective learning solutions.
In this session, you will learn:
- How cognitive load and glucose usage influence willpower
- How attention is allocated and managed
- How to engage learners’ attention and manage distraction
- How to use the principles of willpower, attention, and decision-making to create better eLearning
Audience:
Intermediate and advanced designers and managers.
Technology
discussed in this session:
N/A
Julie Dirksen
Learning Strategist
Usable Learning
Julie Dirksen, a learning strategist with Usable Learning, is a consultant and instructional designer with more than 15 years' experience creating highly interactive eLearning experiences for clients ranging from Fortune 500 companies to technology startups to grant-funded research initiatives. She's interested in using neuroscience, change management, and persuasive technology to promote sustainable long-term learning and behavior change. Her MS degree in instructional systems technology is from Indiana University, and she's been an adjunct faculty member at the Minneapolis College of Art and Design. She is the author of Design For How People Learn.
