Week 4: Weaving patterns
Welcome to Week 4 of Future(s) of Education. This week, we'll start weaving together various elements that have been addressed in the first three weeks.
Events occur that simply cannot be anticipated. In spite of excellent analysis of trends, quality data collection, and utilization of futures methods, things can happen that have the potential to set an entirely new course for education (and society as a whole). An elastic system is one that can absorb unanticipated events and continue to function. Systems that are too rigid and structured are often incapable of absorbing unanticipated events. As stated numerous times in the course, future(s) exercises are most helpful in increasing the adaptive capacity of individuals and organizations.
Readings:
My talking head video intro to week 4
Creating a futures pattern/map
Review this list of Futuring Methods
Uncertainty and black swans:
Methods for anticipating unexpected events
Black swans - a good introduction to unexpected events. Instead of trying to minimize these events from occurring (a nearly impossible prospect) we need to build tolerance for these events into our planning by building flexibility into our systems.
Activities this week:
1. Download CMAP (free, but registration is required)
2. Visit Week 1 forums on trends and extract key topics for inclusion in your futures pattern map - FPM - (see second link under readings above for directions on this) in CMAP or similar tool
3. Share your FPM in this discussion forum (as a link or an attachment)
4. Contribute suggestions of uncertain or unanticipated events (black swans) in this discussion forum.
