On Friday I will participate in a "mini-summit" to craft UAA's response to the Legislative Audit on Distance Education at University of Alaska. I reviewed the Audit and a draft response today. I also read an article on Using Emergence by Meg Wheatley and Deborah Frieze of the Berkana Institute.
I wonder how to apply their observations and practices to encourage emergence of new behaviors to the system of distance education at UA. I do think that there change in the air with the one UA-wide login that is starting to rollout.
According to Wheatley, a way to encourage emergence is through connections. The Berkana Institute has a four stage model to encourage connections: name them, connect them, nourish and illuminate them.
Emergence has a lifecycle that starts with networks, then matures to communities of practice. At some point after this, new systems of influence arise and new practices become the norm. This is not predictable.
As I write these words, I realize I need to go back for one more read of the article. I've had an interest in systems theory and a fascination with the concept of emergence. To see that Wheatley and others are intentionally creating environments for emergence to happen is fascinating.
Creating the conditions for emergence of new practices is a fascinating idea. I'll hold on to it as I contemplate the meeting tomorrow.
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