Systems Thinking & Change
AECT Board Representative

Christiane Reilly
University of Minnesota

I am a Ph.D. student of Learning Technologies (LT) in the Department of Curriculum and Instruction at the University of Minnesota and Director of Online and Educational Services (OES) at the College of Continuing and Professional Studies. My combined 17 years in education are an inseparable blend of research, design, teaching, and service with multiple leadership roles in online learning, technology implementation, open-space technology, and change management. Today I guide a (15 person) team in the design and development of a large portfolio of online programs. Our design approach translates learning sciences research into instructional design practices with the aim of creating authentic learning experiences. As a design collaborative we practice research-based design as well as design-based research. Our current research explores the relationship between authentic learning tasks and the development of 21st century skills in online courses. My personal research interests explore the design of transdisciplinary curriculum through authentic inquiry, systems thinking, and the integration of knowledge across multiple disciplines and lenses. I believe that a more transdisciplinary approach to knowledge and the integration of knowledge into an ecological, system’s view will advance the shift in perception so necessary for the evolution of consciousness and the future well-being of people and planet. On a practical level this leads me to consider how our current institutional practices can accommodate this natural evolution of a systems approach to research, knowledge creation, and management.


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