Systemic Change.pdf

Educators have been trying to implement innovations and policies for 30 years, but have never fully recovered from the disappointment of unmet expectations. AECT members can provide leadership in systemic educational change by applying an ISD systems approach and systems thinking to understand the interlocking systems and dynamics that impact education. Instructional technologists can have an impact by working collaboratively and taking a wider systems view. The goal is to produce quality ideas and practices, and inspire collective effort to achieve breakthroughs. Systems thinking can help designers understand external and internal relationships, causal dynamics, and the importance of engaging stakeholders. It can also help distance learning administrators identify standards and needs, and develop programs that meet learners' needs. The International Division seeks to facilitate communication and promote interactions among educational technology professionals worldwide, and can benefit from systemic thinking to enhance educational endeavors.