Alison A. Carr

User-design in the creation of human learning systems

Systems theory and thinking are fundamental for the effective application of human performance technologies and instructional design to organizational and educational change efforts. One of the cornerstones of systemic change is the involvement of all stakeholders in what is termed participatory- or user-design. While the value of including the users in the creation of large systems of education and human performance (such as training, computer systems, and curriculum) is apparent, the reality of such inclusive efforts has a history of failure. Meeting the challenge of shifting power dynamics, empowering stakeholders and educating for design must, at some level, fall to the leaders of any dynamic organization. This paper describes systemic change as a context for user-design and defines user-design in that context. Approaches to user-design are explored, including ethnographic field methods, cooperative design, and action research-based user-design as applied to the creation and implementation of new technologies. A proposed research plan for the advancement of user-design practice concludes the work.

GUIDELINES FOR FACILITATING SYSTEMIC CHANGE IN SCHOOL DISTRICTS

This paper opens by addressing the emerging need for systemic change in K-12 school systems, with consideration given to requirements for new mindsets on educational change. Given the history of less than successful attempts at educational change, the need exists for a guidance system which helps change facilitators to guide school districts and communities through a systemic change process. The paper describes the characteristics and elements of a systemic change guidance system which builds on the principles of process facilitation and systems design. It examines in detail the integral values or beliefs related to facilitation and systemic change, the types of events (sets of activities) typically needed, and the processes which form the guidance system. Also discussed is the process used to create the guidance system.

Providing Systemic Change for Schools: Towards Professional Development Through Moral Conversation

This paper briefly reviews the criticisms of current reform efforts; definitions of educational culture, moral purpose, and change processes; and forms of conversation. Such a discourse naturally concludes by developing the premise that disciplined conversation, especially of a moral nature, is the critical variable in successful change. Recommendations are given for professional development within a systemic context that will provide organizational and procedural continuity, and facilitate stakeholder development. Copyright