“Sludge”-free: Consistent Design for Frictionless Courses
Concurrent Session 7
Brief Abstract
In this session, we will discuss and share ideas for how to design online courses that are intentional, clear, intuitive, and sludge-free – making them more accessible, engaging and welcoming.
Extended Abstract
Sludge is the friction that separates people from what they need or want – administrative, technical, or bureaucratic extra steps that require extra time and often extra stress. Sludge makes otherwise straightforward tasks complex. Based on the research of Harvard Law school professor and author, Cass R. Sunstein, this session will focus on understanding, identifying, and eliminating the sludge that may be present in our online courses, programs, and even in the trainings we offer our faculty. In online classes, design that doesn’t thoughtfully eliminate sludge can negatively affect students’ cognitive load and confidence, and give them less time to dedicate to the meaningful work for the course. In this session, we (presenter and attendees) will discuss and share ideas for how to design online courses that are intentional, clear, intuitive, and sludge-free – making them more accessible, engaging and welcoming.