Activity theory (AT) is a powerful tool for investigating "artefacts in use", ie, the ways technologies interrelate with their local context. AT reveals the interfaces between e-learning at the macro- (strategy, policy, "campus-wide" solutions) and the micro-organisational levels (everyday working practice, iterative change, individual…

A theory of solution synthesis is developed within the context of social behavior. (LR)

Processes of systems analysis and design as they might apply to curriculum problems are explicated, and the possible difficulties to be experienced are interpreted in the light of a typology of systems ranging from the deterministic to the indeterminate. (Author/JEG)

This bibliography lists 69 books published since 1960, and 182 journal articles published since 1965, on the subject of applications of systems technology in education. (JS)

System Dynamics is a well formulated methodology for analyzing the components of a system including cause-effect relationships and their underlying mathematics and logic, time delays, and feedback loops. It began in the business and manufacturing world, but is now affecting education and many other disciplines. Having inspired by successful policy…

Describes the components of computer systems and library systems, and discusses several topics related to computer systems in the library environment: the systems approach and libraries; systems engineering and systems environment; natural and artificial systems; the importance of the systems approach; and the understanding of computer systems and…

The purpose of this study was to investigate four attractor states in schools through the perceptions of formal leaders that engaged in and reflected upon school reform regarding the Millennial generation. The term attractor was used as a metaphor for a habitual pattern, gleaned from complexity science which informs of new ways in which to…

System Dynamics is a well formulated methodology for analyzing the components of a system including causeeffect relationships and their underlying mathematics and logic, time delays, and feedback loops. It began in the business and manufacturing world, but is now affecting education and many other disciplines. Having inspired by successful policy…

The paper mainly introduces the development of the educational administration agency in China, including the evolution of the educational administration agency, the Course of instituting legal system of education in China, the missions of the now Minister of Education, questions emerged in the development of the educational administration system,…

A change in focus of much of the work of the Society for General Systems Research for greater impact, relevance, and productivity is suggested. Tentative unit concepts for 23 areas of study or disciplines are explored. A unit concept is defined as the central, pivotal concept around which virtually all other basic concepts in a field revolve. The…

Discusses varieties of feedback as a first step in understanding the dynamics of successful feedback practices and identifies common elements in the concepts of feedback and reinforcement for use in making management of the instructional encounter more effective. Instrumental feedback is discussed as a model for feedback among human beings. (MBR)