Teaching in the Age of Fragmented Attention

Teaching and Learning Transformation Center workshop for instructors:

Today’s students learn in a mobile-first world where attention is constantly divided. This workshop translates cognitive science and digital engagement research into practical course design strategies. Participants will learn how to structure lectures, readings, and online modules to build “attention momentum,” deepen processing, and improve retention—without lowering rigor. Ideal for instructors teaching online, hybrid, or with any digital component.

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Ronald A. Yaros is Associate Professor at the Philip Merrill College of Journalism and Director of the Digital Engagement Lab. His research integrates cognitive psychology, attention theory, and digital media design to examine how structure influences retention and information processing in mobile environments. His new book, The Digital Engagement Model, is part of the Palgrave Practical Guides in Communication, published by Springer Nature. It presents a research-based framework for designing digital content that aligns with user needs and behaviors. He has conducted empirical testing of structured digital content and interface models (including AI) and works across disciplines to apply cognitive architecture principles to teaching, journalism, and digital communication. He is an Apple Distinguished Educator and recipient of one of Maryland’s first Donna B. Hamilton awards for Excellence in Undergraduate Teaching.

For more information about the TLTC, visit tltc.umd.edu.

To see other upcoming TLTC workshops, visit tltc.umd.edu/instructors/workshops.