Next, this workshop will describe how standard and customized Web course development tools might embed activities for critical and creative thinking as well as cooperative learning or teamwork. A few exemplar Web courses and tools will be presented along with several types of computer conferencing tools. At the end, we will outline key pedagogical implications and recommendations for the near future. Some research on the effectiveness of interactivity will be presented. B. Linking online course activities to motivational principles C. Retention tips, guidelines, and issues Abstract Student motivation and retention are major online learning issues.
Complaints abound about the higher attrition rate and lack of interaction in online environments.
However, few designers of e-learning tools have considered the motivational principles behind learning. This session links 10 key motivational principles to actual online techniques and tool development efforts. Motivational principles related to tone or climate, feedback, engagement, meaningfulness, choice, variety, curiosity, tension, interactivity, and goals will each be highlighted with at least two instructional activities suitable for online learning. Many of these examples will address and accommodate learning style preferences. After documenting these motivational examples, guidelines and advice will be provided for motivating adult learners, including lessons learned from various research and instructional design efforts.