Subject: System Dynamics for Educators

Posted by Richard Turnock on 3/1/2009

Message:

My introduction to system dynamics began in 1997 when I attended a summer workshop at Wilson HS in Portland Oregon. Working in Educational Services for the local electric utility, I was able to get approval to use what I had learned to teach teachers. Of course the first class I taught was when I really started learning system dynamics.

Jumping ahead to 2004, I retired. In 2005, Wayne Wakeland gave me the opportunity to assist during spring term, and then teach during summer term, his graduate level online class in System Dynamics. I had taken the class as a student a few years earlier.

Now, I’m interested in beginning again to promote in middle and high schools the use of system thinking and dynamic modeling. My goals here are to solicit feedback, get people in the Portland area lurking on this listserv to contact me and align what I’m doing with the mission and goals of The Creative Learning Exchange. So, here is a brief outline of my plan.

I’m preparing to submit a request to the Continuing Education department (CEED) at Portland State University to offer one or more Systems classes online in Blackboard. There is a long lead time to get the PSU Graduate Education Department approval and get the course listed in the catalog. First class would be Fall 2009. The course cost will be only the per credit cost required by the CEED to cover their overhead. I’m planning to volunteer my time.

So, here’s a shout-out to Portland and the world of systems geeks, if you would like to help guide me on my quixotic quest to teach teachers.
My email is richardturnock@comcast.net
Home: 503-644-1554
Cell: 503-319-4686

Thanks
Richard

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System Dynamics for Educators - Richard Turnock 3/1/2009