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Call for Proposals: Systems Thinking and Change in Education: (A Springer Major Reference Work)

Call for Proposals

Systems Thinking and Change in Education: (A Springer Major Reference Work)

Do you work on changing education? Do you employ a perspective where systems thinking (linear or non-linear) describes causes and effects impacting education contexts? A new online Major Reference Work (MRW) co-sponsored by AECT and Springer entitled Learning, Design, and Technology: An International Compendium of Theory, Research, Practice and Policy has been launched covering topics concerning research and practice related to the design, development, implementation, and evaluation of learning environments, instructional systems, and performance technologies. This is an ongoing effort with an evolving collection of contributions that are peer reviewed. Because the MRW is online, substantive contributions longer than a typical journal article are encouraged (e.g., 7,000 to 17,000 words), and contributions can include interactive elements and can be modified by authors as new findings become available.

The Systems Thinking and Change Volume is one of 16 Volumes. We specifically seek to update and explore Systems Thinking and Change Thinking for scholars and practitioners in education contexts with a desire to have more in-depth studies and reports that can include interactive multimedia. This MRW Volume will feature theory, focused studies and reports with rich descriptions and illustrations of one or more cases and studies, as well as meta-analyses and conceptual frameworks and analytic treatment of persistent issues. Expanded works previously published that incorporate additional findings, works that synthesize findings across several studies, and in-depth reports of evaluations and policy analyses are especially sought. All contributions will be peer-reviewed and will receive much wider dissemination than is possible in a typical journal publication.

We are seeking proposals by May 15, 2016 in (or beyond) the following 4 content categories:

A. Systems Thinking in General

a. Thinking about Systems – an update

i. Philosophical, epistemological approaches

b. Systems Theories in General – an update

B. Systems Approaches/Frameworks in Education

a. Critical Systems Theory

b. Educology

c. Complexity or Chaos Theory

d. Cultural Perspectives on Systems Thinking

C. Systems Thinking Applications in Education

a. Design Thinking

b. The Learner-Centered Paradigm

c. Cases and Examples in Education Contexts (K-12, Higher Education, Industry, Government)

i. Product or Program designs, applications, practices

D. Change Thinking and Change Leadership in Education Systems

a. Change or innovation theory in educational systems (K-12, HE, Industry, Government).

b. Systemic change: Processes, principles and practices

c. Change Issues or Imperatives: (educational technology, leadership, policy, economics, culture, philosophy or other perspectives)

d. System Design Thinking (i.e.: course, program, team, project, institutional change)

e. Applications and Interventions for Change

i. Integrated Education

ii. Systems Change Protocols

f. Cases and Examples of systemic change in education (K-12, Higher Education, Industry, Government)

We solicit your (300 word maximum) proposals for substantial works up to 17000 words. Please identify the content category (above) and organize your proposal using the following headings in outline format: (1) Objectives of the piece (2) Key Literature or theoretical frames involved; (3) Methods or Methodology; (4) Results, Outcomes or Impacts (frameworks, theory, practices, approaches, guidelines).

Please submit your proposals in Word format to Dr. Eugene G. Kowch, Section Editor: ekowch@ucalgary.ca by May 15, 2017.

Key Dates:

§ April 15, 2016: Call for Proposals

§ May 15, 2016: Deadline for Proposal Submission (300 words max)

§ May 30, 2016: Notification of invitation to submit an elaborated/revised proposal (outline)

§ June 20, 2016: Deadline for Elaborated/Revised Proposal Submission

§ June 30, 2016: Notification of Accepted Proposal (outline)

§ October 30, 2016: Deadline for Chapter Submission

§ December 15, 2016: Request for revisions based on peer review

§ January 30, 2017: Deadline for Revised Manuscript

§ July, 2017: Publication

Call for Proposals: Technology, Instruction, Cognition, and Learning Special Issue

Call for Proposals: Technology, Instruction, Cognition, and Learning Special Issue:

Meaningful transformation of instruction with rapidly changing learning technologies: Practice, theory, research, and ethical considerations and opportunities

Technology, Instruction, Cognition and Learning (TICL) is an international, interdisciplinary journal of structural learning – promoting and disseminating interdisciplinary advances in theory and research at the intersection of four focus disciplines: Technology, Instruction, Cognition and Learning. Important developments in both theory and software technologies open a plethora of new opportunities for scientific and technological advance barely foreseen even a few years ago. These opportunities will be realized to the extent that advances can be synthesized to provide more inclusive solutions. To assure that articles build on the state of the art, each will be peer-reviewed by experts in at least two areas. More information about the journal and submission guidelines may be found at: http://www.oldcitypublishing.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/09/TICL-call-for-papers-2014.pdf

Special issue information:

As technology continues to grow in complexity, it can be challenging to determine how to best employ it in classrooms. There are many considerations for instructors and designers regarding the theoretical and ethical soundness of different approaches to implementation. There are many factors involved in making good choices about the design and use of modern hardware. These include tools ranging from tablets to learning games, content management systems, transmedia experiences, social media, and on to modern computer-based instruction tools.

However, the technology on offer often moves more quickly than we can validly study it and some studies only touch the surface of what we need to know in order to meaningfully transform face-to-face and/or online instruction. Related to this, many of the research methods and theories we use tend to be taken from historical periods when the number of confounding factors were far less. In the past, we could draw conclusions about the efficacy of a learning technology such as a short film included as a supplement to lecture run simple statistical comparisons of a treatment and control class, without worrying about the complexity of social, cognitive, and political contexts of the medium itself.

The purpose of this special issue edited by Scott J. Warren is to solicit articles that examine innovative attempts to address the opportunities and challenges that come with trying to significantly transform today’s classroom practices with learning technologies. These articles may take different world views, be grounded in current theory, research, or attempt to improve pedagogy or research methods. Of special interest are pieces that address ethical, design, theory, practice, or research opportunities and challenges that come from using the newest technology tools or innovative learning and teaching approaches. Possible topics include but are not limited to:

Research methods that capture the complex contexts and experiences of instructors and learners using today’s learning technologies
Studies examining the use of learning technologies in an attempt to transform learning both in the short and long term
Design and development approaches to create innovative learning technologies such as course delivery systems, learning games, simulations, transmedia, and social media
Theoretical and ethical frameworks for choosing or developing appropriate modern learning technologies
Typologies and conceptual frameworks for practical consideration of the appropriate classroom use of learning technologies

Expected schedule:

June 1, 2016: 3-page proposal due

June 10, 2016: Invitation will be sent to selected authors to submit full manuscript

July 15, 2016: Full manuscript submission due to editor

August 12, 2016: Reviewers’ feedback sent to authors

September 9, 2016: Revised manuscripts due from authors

September 30, 2016: Editor’s feedback will be sent to selected authors as needed

October 31, 2016: Final revised manuscripts due from authors

TICL strongly encourages the electronic submission of manuscripts, with copies to each of the editors. Each manuscript should be sent as a single complete attachment with a cover email indicating that the article is being submitted for publication in TICL. The attachment should be in current Microsoft Word format and sent to scott.warren@unt.edu with the heading TICL: Special Issue Proposal on Transformation.

April 25th Deadline — NWeLearn 2016 Call for Proposals

There’s just under a week left to submit! If you know of others who may have interesting topics to present on, please encourage them to submit.

2016 marks the eleventh annual Northwest eLearning Conference, which will be held in Eugene, OR, on Thursday and Friday, October 20 and 21, 2016. We have two excellent keynotes this year: Shannon Riggs of Oregon State University and Patrick Lowenthal of Boise State University. Mark your calendars now and be on the lookout for an invite to register and attend. This will be the second time we’ve been in Eugene. Ten years ago, our second conference was on campus!

The call for proposals is now open. Submit a proposal
Deadline to submit is Monday, April 25.
Possible topics for presentation include:
Collaboration of faculty, staff, and administrators
Best practices in eLearning
Student engagement and retention
Emerging trends in eLearning
Presenters will be notified by email of acceptance and session details. A presentation schedule will be available closer to the conference.

NWeLearn is a unique conference that provides an opportunity for higher-ed and K-12 faculty, administrators and instructional designers to come together to discuss best practices, collaborations and ideas in integrating technology in learning. Whether you are new to the field or an experienced veteran, we invite you to share at this year’s conference!

AERA is live-streaming select sessions at its 2016 Annual Meeting

AERA is pleased to announce that it is live-streaming select sessions at its 2016 Annual Meeting in Washington, D.C., April 8 to 12. Among the live-streamed sessions is a special address by U.S. Second Lady Jill Biden, on Monday, April 11, 1:30 to 2:30 p.m. Her session will include a question and answer portion with researchers.

Thirteen other sessions featuring prominent scholars and national figures speaking on key issues will also be livestreamed. Livestream registration is open. Follow the live conversation on Twitter using the session hashtags.


AERA Distinguished Lecture: Linda Darling-Hammond, Charles E. Ducommun Professor of Education Emerita, Stanford University
Designing the “New Accountability”: How Public Scholars Can Contribute to a Productive Policy Framework for Education

Friday, April 8, 4:05 to 5:35 p.m.
Convention Center, Level Two, Room 202 A
Session Hashtag: #AERAHammond

Chair: Jeannie Oakes, University of California – Los Angeles

Link to Session
Register for Live-Stream


Opening Plenary Session and Gala to Celebrate Centennial Year
Discovering Our Past, Creating Our Future

Friday, April 8, 6:30 to 8:40 p.m.
Convention Center, Level Three, Ballroom C
Session Hashtag: #AERA100th

Chair: Jeannie Oakes, University of California – Los Angeles, Donna E. Shalala, Clinton Foundation
Participants: Patricia A. Alexander, University of Maryland – College Park, Patricia Albjerg Graham, Harvard University, Gloria J. Ladson-Billings, University of Wisconsin – Madison, Ken Prewitt, Columbia University, Joseph P. Robinson-Cimpian, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Joy Ann Williamson-Lott, University of Washington
Discussant: Felice J. Levine, AERA

Link to Session
Register for Live-Stream


AERA Presidential Address: Jeannie Oakes, AERA President; University of California – Los Angeles
Public Scholarship to Educate Diverse Democracies

Sunday, April 10, 4:35 to 5:50 p.m.
Convention Center, Level Three, Ballroom C
Session Hashtag: #AERAPres

Chairs: Kevin G. Welner, University of Colorado Boulder, Michelle Renee Valladares, University of Colorado Boulder

Link to Session
Register for Live-Stream


Wallace Foundation Distinguished Lecture: Warren Simmons, Fellow and Former Executive Director, Annenberg Institute for School Reform at Brown University
Increasing the Relevance of Education Research: Building a Place-Based Agenda for Obtaining Equity and Excellence

Monday, April 11, 11:45 a.m. to 1:15 p.m.
Convention Center, Level Three, Ballroom C
Session Hashtag: #AERAWallace

Chair: Jeannie Oakes, University of California – Los Angeles

Link to Session
Register for Live-Stream


Special Event: Dr. Jill Biden
Operation Educate the Educators: Recognizing and Supporting Military-Connected Students Through University-Based Research, Community Partnerships, and Teacher Education Programs

Monday, April 11, 1:30 to 2:30 p.m.
Convention Center, Level Three, Ballroom C
Session Hashtag: #AERAJillBiden

Chair: Jeannie Oakes, University of California – Los Angeles
Discussants: Ron Avi Astor, University of Southern California, Catherine Bradshaw, Curry School of Education, University of Virginia, Mary Keller, Military Child Education Coalition

Link to Session
Register for Live-Stream


Awards Luncheon

Sunday, April 10, 12:25 to 2:25 p.m.
Convention Center, Level Three, Ballroom ABC
Session Hashtag: #AERAAwards

Chair: Jeannie Oakes, University of California – Los Angeles

Link to Session
Register for Live-Stream


Writing Our Way Into the Public Sphere

Saturday, April 9, 10:35 a.m. to 12:05 p.m.
Convention Center, Level Two, Room 202 A

No field is more central to the social good than education, yet typically educational researchers have limited influence on policy and public deliberations about education. How can we write our way more effectively into the public sphere? In this presentation, Public Scholar Mike Rose will provide insights on writing the opinion or commentary piece, as well as long form writing and select new media forms. He will discuss the meaning and urgent need of writing for diverse audiences, and the personal and professional benefits of doing such writing. He will then describe courses he has developed to teach public writing, and conclude with thoughts about public writing, our faculty reward system, and the ways our profession defines itself. University of Colorado School of Education Dean Lorrie Shepard will reflect on the implications of the presentation for universities and public scholarship overall.

Chair: Anthony A. Berryman
Confirmed participants include: Mike Rose, Lorrie A. Shepard

Link to Session
Register for Live-Stream


Public Scholars on the Social Impact of School-Related Inequalities: Perspectives from Multiple Disciplines

Sunday, April 10, 8:15 to 9:45 a.m.
Convention Center, Level Two, Room 202 A

Recent research provides strong evidence that unequal educational outcomes between richer and poorer students are due in part to curricular inequalities occurring within schools and between schools. Accordingly, rather than ameliorating background inequalities, the U.S. educational system may be exacerbating them. This session premiers a new short video—an artifact of public scholarship that communicates these research findings. Scholars from multiple disciplinary perspectives (sociology, economics, political science, and educational theory) will discuss implications of this research. They also consider how public scholarship focused on schooling inequality; its relationship to larger social, political and economic inequalities; and the public’s understanding of what a commitment to equality requires can inform and be informed by insights from different intellectual perspectives.

Chair: William H. Schmidt
Confirmed participants include: Greg Duncan, Jennifer Jennings, Debra Satz, Bob Wise, Michael Cohen

Link to Session
Register for Live-Stream


Can Public Scholarship Help School Finance Policy Meet the Challenge of Increasing Diversity?

Sunday, April 10, 2:45 to 4:15 p.m.
Convention Center, Level Two, Room 202 A

Public school funding is central to providing a high quality compulsory K-12 education in a democratic society yet it is one of the most entrenched and antiquated systems resistant to change. This challenge exists alongside the reality that our K-12 student population has seen dramatic demographic shifts in the past 100 years making our country more culturally and linguistically diverse. This “Town Hall” Session will demystify public school finance policy and practice by engaging researchers and stakeholders in a moderated discussion. AERA members, education and political leaders, and the general public will participate both in person and through social media.

Chair: Sophie Anne Fanelli
Confirmed participants include: Bruce D. Baker, David G. Hinojosa, Michael Rebell, Anthony Rolle, Gloria M. Rodriguez, Oscar Jimenez-Castellanos

Session Hashtag: #AERASchoolFinance
Link to Session
Register for Live-Stream


#BlackGirlsMatter: Public Scholarship Engaging with the Race/Gender Interaction in Schools

Monday, April 11, 10:00 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.
Convention Center, Level Three, Ballroom C

In 2014, the White House’s Council on Women and Girls issued a report highlighting the progress of women and girls of color, most notably in education. Along with an increase in high school and college graduation rates it was reported, “Since 2009, both fourth and eighth grade math scores on the National Assessment of Educational Progress, the largest nationwide assessment, have improved for all girls of color” (p. 2). Absent from this conversation, however, were the distinct challenges based on the intersection of race and gender that left Black girls with the least growth across all categories and contexts. This session seeks to open up new avenues of scholarship focused on the promises and perils Black girls and women encounter in PK – 20 systems. The session will also explore how such scholarship could inform policy-based solutions to improve the academic success and life chances of Black girls and women.

Chairs: April L. Peters, Terri Nicol Watson
Confirmed participants include: Bettina L. Love, Lori Patton Davis, Adrienne Dixson, and Melissa Harris Perry 

Session Hashtag: #AERABlackGirlsMatter
Link to Session
Register for Live-Stream


Public Scholarship and #BlackLivesMatter: New Directions for Research and Policy, K Through College

Monday, April 11, 11:45 a.m. to 1:15 p.m.
Convention Center, Level Two, Room 202 A

If we believe that Black lives matter; education research must engage the entire spectrum of factors that marginalize and limit Black students’ educational opportunities and outcomes. This interactive dialogue moderated by the Executive Director of the White House Initiative on Educational Excellence for African Americans, examines topics like the school to prison pipeline, post-traditional student experiences and nontraditional college pathways, Black student protest in the K-College Pipeline, and the educational opportunities Black students do and do not have. Accordingly, this session aims to change the narrative by focusing on the “unheard” and “overlooked” in the Black student research agenda, towards new scholarly and policy approaches for k-12 and higher education.

Chairs: Michael Harris, Terri Nicol Watson
Confirmed participants include: David Johns, Constance Iloh, David O. Stovall, Prudence L. Carter, Walter R. Allen

Session Hashtag: #AERABLM
Link to Session
Register for Live-Stream


Career Threats and Opportunities: What Is the Role of Social Media in Public Scholarship?

Monday, April 11, 2:45 to 4:15 p.m.
Convention Center, Level Three, Ballroom C

Researchers will discuss social media approaches to public scholarship that can democratize education knowledge. Panelists will focus on how social media can advance academic scholarship discussions but also may pose threats to academic careers, particularly for junior scholars. Questions from audience-generated social media will be discussed by the panelists, as both conference participants and streaming viewers from across the nation and world contribute comments and questions in advance and in real-time via Twitter, Facebook and YouTube, using the hashtag #AERAPubScholar.

Chair: Julian Vasquez Heilig
Confirmed participants include: Diane Ravitch, Sara Goldrick-Rab, Frederick M. Hess, Nolan L. Cabrera

Session Hashtag: #AERAPubScholar
Link to Session
Register for Live-Stream


How Public Scholarship Helped Put School Integration Back on the Public Agenda

Monday, April 11, 4:30 to 6:00 p.m.
Convention Center, Level Three, Ballroom C

This conversation-style session brings together journalists, scholars and advocates to offer perspectives on public scholarship about one of the nation’s most intractable and complex challenges. After decades of near silence, high-impact media reports have shone new light on racial segregation in schools and neighborhoods as a driver of inequality and social division. They also point to racially equitable integrated schools as an alternative for engendering opportunity, cohesion and fairness. What role have researchers played in putting segregation and integration back onto the cultural and policy agendas? To what extent did collaborative relationships between scholars and advocates help “move” the research into the public sphere via media? What’s next for engaged scholars?

Chair: Susan Eaton and Derek Black
Confirmed participants include: John Brittain, Nikole Hannah Jones, Sara Carr, Jennifer Holme

Link to Session
Register for Live-Stream


How Much Testing and for What Purpose? Public Scholarship in the Debate about Educational Assessment and Accountability

Tuesday, April 12, 10:35 a.m. to 12:05 p.m.
Convention Center, Level Three, Ballroom C

An unprecedented number of tests, often with high stakes for students, teachers and schools, have been driven by decades of policy. American students spend considerable school time taking and preparing for standardized tests. The U.S. is not alone, as international educators, scholars, and policymakers wrestle with similar questions. Session participants will respond to the questions and concerns that students, parents, teachers, and other diverse stakeholders have raised in the public debate on testing. How much testing is appropriate? Who should be tested, how frequently, and on what content? How should the results of these tests be used? Crowdsourced questions will inform this session, with discussion starting months prior to the Annual Meeting, tagged with#AERAHowMuchTesting. Participants will also consider the role and impact of research in a policy arena so infused with politics and ideology.

Chair: Matthew R. Lavery
Confirmed participants include: Linda Darling-Hammond, Eric A. Hanushek, Lorrie A. Shepard, David C. Berliner
Discussant: Wayne J. Camara

Session Hashtag: #AERAHowMuchTesting
Link to Session
Register for Live-Stream