Systems Thinking & Change
Division Board Member (2 positions):
Max Anderson
University of Illinois College of Medicine
My name is Max Anderson and I am the Director of Instructional Design and Learning Innovation at the University of Illinois College of Medicine. I'm based at the Chicago campus, however, I support four campuses in the state (Urbana, Chicago, Rockford, and Peoria). I graduated from Northern Illinois University in May 2020 with a doctorate in instructional technology. My research topic for the dissertation concerned faculty member's behavioral intention to implement educational technology in inquiry-based learning activities in medical schools. This research stemmed out of my actual work day-to-day at the college of medicine and working with our faculty to determine if educational technology would help or hinder their delivery of curricular content as well as for student learning during team-based learning (TBL) and other case-based activities.
I have been a member of STC since I first started attending AECT conferences when I began my doctoral studies at Northern Illinois University in 2016. I was not very familiar with AECT up to that point and I am grateful that my instructors in that program suggested that we get involved. Due to the many years it took to complete my doctorate, I chose to not overwhelm myself with too many other responsibilities such as taking on any elected positions. While I have not had any official leadership positions in AECT yet, I have had many opportunities with other groups such as the Medical Library Association (MLA), so I feel prepared to take on the responsibilities that come with this position.
I am quite proud of what I consider a significant accomplishment: I worked with some members of AECT to form the first ever Education in the Health Professions Special Interest Group (EDHP). Up to now, this has been an under-represented group. As I come from the medical education world, I feel I can bring a different perspective to the larger organization. Coincidentally, I am teaching a course at Northeastern Illinois University in spring 2021 term and employing systems thinking and change to all aspects of the course.
I look forward to getting more involved with the Systems Thinking and Change division. I have learned so much from my peers and hope I can return the favor and give back to AECT and STC. Thank you for your support!
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