Prompt: Write a reflection about your experience in the class discussion during the synchronous meeting.
What did you learn?
During our group discussion, we shared thoughts about systems within education. We shared our impressions and takeaways from the readings and videos. Each individual within the small group commented on something different and picked up on things that I did not.
What do you want to learn more about?
In the sense of systems, I’d like to learn more about how it relates to me and my career. I understand that there are complex systems out there, but I am still struggling with understanding how that factors into my career.
During our group discussion we each shared how the topic of systems relates to our individual fields as an IT professional, a faculty member, and in the teaching & learning center. I think there was an A-ha moment here in that these are some of the silos that are often referred to within higher education. These topics mean something different to each group member because only a small piece of it relates to their individual career. Yet, for a large system to work effectively, we must break down those silos and understand the larger goal. However, that brings me to another quandary; who’s job is it to create the system? One would assume that it would be the administration.
Did you do anything about it and start to investigate on your own?
I did not do any further investigation on this topic. I did, however, notice that I was more cognizant of the various systems already in place at my job. I began to take on some additional responsibilities at work, and much of it is project management. The process I inherited was a mess, and as I am recreating the process I am thinking of systems and flowcharts to identify all the ways these projects are influenced throughout the new process I am creating.
If so, what resources did you locate?
If you didn’t, what does it say about your way of learning and motivation?
These new responsibilities have me working in my current job, as well as a former colleague’s job. So, this particular week I have not had additional time to explore and my motivation is very reactive instead of proactive. This will be something I need to work on in the future.
What might you do differently in the future to make your learning and understanding more effective and efficient?
I really like how these topics are applying to my current job. I feel that the application of these topics is helping me to identify and connect the dots of my learning process.
