One of the challenges for an evaluator can be decision fatigue. A large number of options in the evaluation process can contribute to decision fatigue, and, accordingly, the evaluator may not consider all of the options that are available. This could negatively impact the review. The research explores the effect of external factors such as decision fatigue and Quality Matters™ recognition of course design on instructor evaluations and addresses possible solutions.

The presenters include two online instructor evaluators for a private, nonprofit university and have extensive experience in faculty evaluation. The third presenter is a faculty member at a state university and has extensive experience in faculty and clinical evaluations.

Instructional design theories admonish us to first know your audience before designing instruction. Who are today’s digital learners? To aid the audience in better understanding the brain of today’s learner, the presenter will provide overviews of research from the neurosciences that show both promising and troubling findings. What is evident from these findings is that technology has indeed altered how young minds develop and function. From the impact of digital bombardment on the visual cortex, to changes in multi-tasking abilities, to the effect on attention span, to physical and chemical alterations of the brain, and more, the brains of today’s learners are different from previous generations. In addition to these research findings from the neurosciences, the presenter will review theories of cultural adaptation and how they relate to the current context.

The presenter will engage the audience in considering education might need to be changed based on what is now known about the digital learner. What new structures are possible? How do we teach the iBrain Generation.