Short Attention Spans

May 10, 2017

Attention And Learning. Not. So. Easy.

Why maintaining attention is so hard and what gets in the way of attending? Let us have a look.

by Patti Shank, PhD

April 4, 2017

Attention And The 8-Second Attention Span

There is a popular belief that the human attention span has shrunk because of the expanding uses of technology. Some Learning and Development professionals are saying instruction must adapt to this much-lowered attention span. Here’s the problem: The evidence for a lowered attention span is fiction. In this article, I’ll discuss the fictional “research”. Then we’ll discuss what attention is and how it relates to organizational learning.

by Patti Shank, PhD

January 8, 2017

Attention Span: Technology – Friend Or Foe?

Educators should look at technology as a student's friend, not a foe. By taking away a student's cell phone, you lose a teachable moment. A mobile device is a powerful educational tool. Not all students know how much of its value extends beyond social media. Let us talk about attention span and how technology can help rather than harm it.

by Elizabeth Goodhue

May 23, 2015

7 Tips To Beat Short Attention Spans In eLearning

Even if learners are excited about their eLearning experience and can see the true potential in learning the subject matter, they may not be able to concentrate on one thing for too long. There are, however, certain ways that eLearning professionals can beat short attention spans when designing eLearning courses in order to increase knowledge retention and steer clear of cognitive overload.

by Christopher Pappas

September 25, 2014

Key Tips for Working with Short Attention Spans

YouTube videos are usually about 3-4 minutes. An average phone call is less than 2 minutes, according to Statista . It makes sense—people have short attention spans. Research firm Basex says that unnecessary workplace interruptions take 28% of US workers’ days and $650 billion a year in productivity. So, how do you design effective e-Learning courses when your learners are easily distracted?

by Christie Wroten