One of the instructional 'tricks' that I have developed for myself over the years is to use visual aids in the classroom (virtual or brick and mortar) that provide the student with a 'story' or 'cartoon' of the material i am trying to present. Since the majority of my students over the years have been older teens and adults this is not as easy as it sounds. I use PowerPoint to convey informamtion - I mix it up with photos, clip art (both static and animated), video clips and of course some text. But the text is minimal - I do not want them to 'read' the slides - the slides are a guide and a visual trigger. I want them to 'listen' while they are looking at the slide. Even the tutorials that I create for students to review outslide of the class are filled with action. Non-traditional students are often fearful of being able to keep up with the 'lectures.' Unless every student is 'anal' and has already developed a work and study ethic, you have to bring the information to the class in a non-threatening medium - and without boring them to death! Since I teach online this is critical - I want my students to look forward to each lecture, not dread having to show up.