Virtual Tools for Systems Thinking - Presentation

Summary

Kate Dori, a science teacher at UNIS Hanoi, shares insights from a virtual session of the Vietnam Tech Conference, where systems thinking and virtual tools were discussed. She introduces tools like Jamboard for systems mapping, discusses concepts such as causal relationships, interconnectedness, and various systems mapping techniques, including cluster maps, circle maps, and causal loop diagrams. Kate emphasizes the importance of understanding systems and encourages educators to integrate systems thinking into their practice, offering resources like the Water Center and Kumu for deeper learning. The talk is filled with practical strategies, games, and challenges to inspire systems thinking.

Takeaways

• 🌐 Kate Dori introduced herself as a science teacher at UNIS Hanoi and mentioned hosting the Vietnam Tech Conference, which focused on distance learning and virtual tools.
• 🔗 She shared virtual tools for systems thinking and encouraged the audience to explore and apply them in their practices.
• 📊 Kate demonstrated using 'Map the Coffee' as an introductory exercise to systems mapping, highlighting the use of Jamboard for this purpose.
• 🌱 She emphasized the importance of perspective in systems thinking, drawing from Tom Wujek's TED talk on the subject.
• 💡 Kate discussed the concept of systems and systems thinking, referencing Donella Meadows for a definition and highlighting the interconnectedness of systems.
• 🔗 She introduced resources from the Water Center (formerly the Waters Foundation) for training and tools to develop habits of a systems thinker.
• 🔄 Kate explained the intuitive understanding of interconnectedness in systems thinking and the suspension of blame, leading to a focus on analyzing connections.
• 📈 She explored different types of systems maps, including cluster maps, spaghetti diagrams, and causal loop diagrams, each serving different analytical purposes.
• 🎮 Kate introduced systems games that can be played virtually, like the Triangles Game and Living Loops, to understand systems dynamics and feedback loops.
• 🌟 She concluded with a call to action for the audience to practice systems mapping at any level and provided resources for further learning and exploration.

Q & A

What was the primary focus of the Vietnam Tech Conference hosted by UNIS Hanoi?

The Vietnam Tech Conference was a virtual event that focused on sharing practices related to distance learning, virtual tools, and technology. It had around 1,000 participants and featured 40 workshop leaders.

What tool did Kate Dori recommend for systems mapping, and why?

Kate recommended using Jamboard for systems mapping. It's a simple yet effective virtual tool that allows users to create interconnected nodes with post-it notes, images, and drawings. It helps in visualizing relationships and making adjustments as thinking evolves.

What is the significance of mapping a process like 'mapping coffee' in systems thinking?

Mapping a process like 'mapping coffee' helps participants break down a familiar process into interconnected nodes, making it easier to understand causal relationships and loops within a system. It’s an accessible introduction to systems thinking, allowing participants to visualize the complex nature of systems.

What key insight does the exercise of mapping coffee or drawing toast provide in systems thinking?

The exercise provides insight into participants' perspectives, highlighting technical, human, societal, or supply chain-related focuses. It showcases the diversity in thinking and how different individuals approach system mapping.

Who is Donella Meadows, and why was she mentioned in the presentation?

Donella Meadows was a renowned environmental scientist and systems thinker. She was mentioned because of her influential work in defining systems and emphasizing that systems are an inherent part of the natural world, from the tiniest to the most complex structures.

What is the difference between tools and habits in systems thinking, according to Kate Dori?

Kate Dori emphasized that systems thinking involves 'habits of mind,' rather than just tools. These habits include shifting from disconnection to interconnection, recognizing relationships and circularity, and synthesizing different perspectives, which are essential for effective systems thinking.

What role does the Water Center's 'habits of the systems thinker' cards play in systems education?

The 'habits of the systems thinker' cards from the Water Center (formerly Waters Foundation) are useful for educators and students to identify and practice different systems thinking habits. They provide a structured way to approach and reflect on systems thinking skills.

Why is understanding unintended consequences important in systems thinking?

Understanding unintended consequences is important because systems often push back against external forces. Easy solutions can lead to negative impacts that manifest elsewhere in the system or over time. Systems thinkers need to anticipate these consequences to avoid exacerbating problems.

What is a cluster map, and when should it be used?

A cluster map is a visual tool used to map out nodes and connections around a broad or complex topic. It is especially useful for exploring big questions when the starting point is unclear. The map grows large and messy before insights and relationships become clear.

How do causal loop diagrams help in understanding system behavior?

Causal loop diagrams help visualize the cause-and-effect relationships within a system. They reveal how behaviors loop back on themselves, either reinforcing or balancing the system. This helps systems thinkers identify dynamic equilibria, limits to growth, and areas of intervention.

What are the key differences between cluster maps, circle maps, and causal loop diagrams in systems mapping?

Cluster maps are broad and messy tools for mapping complex topics; circle maps (or webs) focus on identifying relationships between defined elements, such as the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs); causal loop diagrams specifically show feedback loops, whether reinforcing or balancing, between system components.

How does the 'triangles game' demonstrate systems thinking concepts?

The 'triangles game' demonstrates interconnectedness within a system by having participants form triangles by selecting two others in a group. As they try to maintain their triangle, the system self-organizes and shows how individual actions affect the system as a whole. It illustrates feedback loops and dynamic complexity.

What is the challenge that Kate Dori sets for the audience at the end of the presentation?

Kate challenges the audience to practice systems mapping regularly, whether using simple tools like Jamboard or more advanced platforms like Kumu. She encourages participants to map everything, embrace complexity, and develop a systems mindset through continuous practice.