Preparation of a Tutoring Option for System Dynamics

1) I have sent email message proposals about a tutorial option for the Guided
Study Program in System Dynamics that was once offered by MIT.
2) I have also written a short email message to Jay W. Forrester, with a much
reduced version of that option.
3) I have written email messages to ask about permission to use published
materials for the Guided Study Program. This has been in the form of
queries, not direct requests (until I get responses), so I’ve been careful about
wording, not to create an impression that this is a large scale endeavor. The
initial queries are to be followed by more detailed requests.
4) As the idea progresses into action, I will create a web site. The title for this
web site may be The Dynamicist, a short but attractive name that’s easy to
remember. Initial searches indicate that name and domain availability is
open and hasn’t yet been taken. Development of the web site will focus on
short, concise presentations for different information areas that would be of
interest for people who are first becoming exposed to system dynamics and
systems thinking.
5) Content development areas are:A- background history, B-an introduction to
system dynamics, C-computer simulation modeling tutorials,
D-documents and readings, E-guided study program in system dynamics,
F-important links, G-open Internet education, and H-systems thinking.
6) I have collected documentation for the content areas I want to develop for
my web site. This is arranged in folders I can easily move documents to,
which are available for later use and sharing.
7) Once I establish a web presence, I will create links to the most important
sites (and publishers) people might be interested in, and I will also ask to be
included in some of those sites as a tutoring option.
8) Although acceptance, permissions, and web site development are previous
conditions for developing the tutoring option, I am creating an electronic
resource system by gradually collecting digital documents and scanning
some materials, so I will not be caught by a sudden backlog in my workload
if my initial endeavors are successful. I am also writing new materials.
9) I am investigating ecommerce merchant account options that are available
through Banco Nacional de Costa Rica and determining how this relates to
developing an Internet web site in this country (where I live). This includes
conditions that will allow electronic transactions and transfers of money.
My previous business contacts with the bank make this the best option.
10) Before and after all, I recognize that my exploration of the feasibility for a
personal virtual business venture involves the risk it won’t work. It may fail
because it doesn’t generate enough interest, or because there’s something
wrong with my strategy if I don’t receive support or permission to use
materials, or if the mechanics involved won’t work.
11) To be successful, I would at least need moral support, permission to use
materials that are critical to completion of assignments, and I would have to
develop the successful mechanics involved that would facilitate the success
 of the guided study program through an online web presence and an active
enrollment of candidates for a tutoring option.
12) To do all of this, I would need to show that I am capable of delivering what
I offer. That would include establishing an attractive online presence, being
capable of providing adequate materials and feedback for Guided Study
Program assignments, and managing whatever student load I might have in
an effective and efficient manner as a tutor.
13) Part of what I would have to do could only be demonstrated by actually
carrying out the experiment of a tutored guided study option. There might
be certain risks or inefficiencies involved, but these appear to be minimal
compared to offering no option at all.
14) The first step in this experiment is to proceed as though I am actually going
to do it, and then to continue taking steps until it succeeds or there is an
overwhelming reason to stop.
15) The argument I am putting forward is that a guided study program option
works better if there is personal feedback contact, even if it is not perfect. I
would not be as qualified as an expert teacher or engineer, but that person’s
time would be much more limited and valuable—and therefore unavailable.
16) Someone who has had experience with the program and who has gone
through the entire process of completing the assignments could be a useful
resource in this case, especially if it were affordable. Unfortuantely, many
study options for system dynamics—even though the Internet—are still
quite expensive, and therefore limit its propagation. Open education as it is
presently being offered can be useful, especially if it is directly facilitated
by a teacher or trainer who already has some expertise and uses open
educational resources to enhance his or her teaching.
17) Although I’ve promoted system dynamics within educational environments
where I worked as a high school teacher or principal, I came to realize I
might establish a much larger presence virtually through the Internet that
could reach more people and accomplish many of my personal objectives
to promote system dynamics that previously had limited success.
18) What I offer is the personal contact many people want during the learning
process. My purpose is to increase people’s exposure to system dynamics
and get them interested in studying through open education for this field. I
would like to see system dynamics move into the mainstream, especially
since today’s personal computers make modeling processes so much easier
than before. More people from the next generation in this field would
provide us with creative innovations that would allow system dynamics to
become more a part of popular culture, and pass on certain lessons we have
learned through the years to those who need to know them most.
19) There’s a great future for open educational initiatives to help people who
want to learn for themselves. System dynamics has been essential for this
from the start. It’s important we continue to develop this for the future.
Michael McCurley is an alumnus of MIT’s Guided Study Program in System Dynamics who lives in Costa Rica.