Designing Web-Based Training: How to Teach Anyone Anything Anywhere Anytime

10.5. MAKE WBT FUN AND INTERESTING

There are no boring courses, only boring designers. And even the best designers sometimes forget that learning can be a pleasure.

10.5.1. Begin by provoking interest

Begin each segment-especially ones that require extensive reading or are long and difficult—with something to capture the learner's interest and provoke curiosity.

• Tell a story. Create a scene with people the learner can identify with and care about.

• State a problem that the material will solve. Make it a problem the learner recognizes.

• Ask a question. If learners get the answer right, they feel good. If they do not, their curiosity is aroused.

• Show a picture. Include an intriguing image that draws the learner in. "What is this?"

• Show results that the learner will be able to accomplish after completing the unit.

10.5.2. Use motivating words

In your description of the course, use words and phrases that make learners want to take the course: quick, fast, step-by-step, fun, opportunity to ..., leads you through ..., examples, instant feedback, easy, concise, up to date, and accurate. If such words do not apply to your course, do not lie. Just redesign your course.

On the other hand, avoid negative terms. What negative terms? A lot of the terms that are positive and meaningful to instructional designers have a different effect on prospective learners. Take care with educational jargon. Do you really think your learners will take your course because it "eschews prescriptive behaviorism ...