February 1998
Date: Sun, 01 Feb 1998
From: chuck estin <cestin@cks.ssd.k12.wa.us>
To: k12 Systems Dynamics List <k-12sd@sysdyn.mit.edu>
Subject: Teaching position openings
Long established, academically focused small Seattle Public High
School
that values shared decision-making and personalized education
seeks
passionate teachers certified in math, LA, science, or social
studies.
Minorities encouraged to apply.
Contact: chuck@novaproj.org
http://www.novaproj.org
Date: Wed, 4 Feb 1998
To: k-12sd-@sysdyn.mit.edu
From: k-12sd@sysdyn.mit.edu (k-12sd)
Subject: Announcement
Dear K-12sd Email List,
In order to provide a better flow of messages to the List, we
have decided
to try monitoring the list correspondence here in Cambridge and
re-sending
each message to the List. The main advantages are that there will
be no
"subscribe/unsubscribe" email coming to you, nor will
there be any error
messages back to you when you send a general email to the list.
The main
difference you will notice is in the headings of each message.
I will continue to be the Administrator of the "K-12sd"
list and would like
to hear from you if you have any suggestions on how to improve
our sharing
of ideas. And as you can see below, you need only one
address now. It's the same as the past....<k-12sd@sysdyn.mit.edu>.
Best regards,
Nan Lux, K-12sd Email List Administrator (nlux@mit.edu)
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
This is a monitored list for discussion of system dynamics in
K-12 education.
For past discussions see:
http://sysdyn.mit.edu/k-12sd-email-list/archive/home.html
Send contributions and all request to subscribe and unsubscribe
to:
k-12sd@sysdyn.mit.edu
Date: Thu, 5 Feb 1998 10:36:20 -0500
To: k-12sd-@sysdyn.mit.edu
From: Lees Stuntz <stuntzln@tiac.net> (by way of k-12sd)
Subject: CLExchange available
The latest CLExchange is now available in Adobe Acrobat format
at
the System Dynamics in Education Web site. The URL for that is
http://sysdyn.mit.edu/cle/ .
Please tell me if there are any problems downloading or reading
the
newsletter.
Lees N. Stuntz
Creative Learning Exchange Phone- 978-287-0070
1 Keefe Road Fax- 978-287-0080
Acton, MA 01720 e-mail- stuntzln@tiac.net
Please note change of area code.
Date: Tue, 10 Feb 1998
From: Mary Ellen Verona <mverona@mvhs1.mbhs.edu>
To: center directors <ctrout@isaac.williamsport.wa.k12.md.us>,
Don Shaffer <dshaffer@indian.nehs.ce.k12.md.us>, sragan@mvhs1.mbhs.edu
cc: k-12sd@sysdyn.mit.edu
Subject: Re: stella models
I found an interesting discussion archive about the use of modeling
tools
such as STELLA and Model-It in the classroom
http://typhoon.covis.nwu.edu/HyperNews/get/rbl/testing/4.html
Mary Ellen Verona mverona@mvhs1.mbhs.edu 301-650-6520 FAX: 650-6692
/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\
||<< Maryland Virtual High School of Science and Mathematics
>>||
||<< Blair Magnet Program, 313 Wayne Avenue, Silver Spring,
20910 >>||
||<< http://mvhs1.mbhs.edu/mvhs.html >>||
\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/
Date: Mon, 09 Feb 1998
From: llanes@panam.edu (J. R. Llanes)
Subject: New susbcriber
To: k-12sd@sysdyn.mit.edu
Thank you for your invitation to introduce myself. I am a professor
in
Texas who is very interested in building dynamic systems models
with
students working on dissertations. I have a web page you might
want to look
at for further information. http://llanes.panam.edu
Look for ward to the mail.
JR
000000000000000000
Date: Tue, 17 Feb 1998
To: k-12sd@sysdyn.mit.edu
From: sds@cnsvax.albany.edu (by way of Nan Lux)
Subject: Conference Registration Brochure
From Mrs. Roberta Spencer, Executive Director, System Dynamics
Society
--------------------------------------------------------------------
THE SIXTEENTH INTERNATIONAL CONFERENCE OF THE SYSTEM DYNAMICS
SOCIETY
Quebec '98
Celebrating over forty years of advancing policy simulation
July 20 - 23, 1998
Quebec Hilton
Quebec CityCanada
System Dynamics Quebec '98
The sixteenth international conference of the System Dynamics
Society will be
held July 20-23, 1998, in Quebec City, Canada. The conference
will attract
more than two hundred practitioners interested in policy studies
based on
systems thinking and computer simulation informed by a feedback
perspective.
PROGRAM
The conference will consist of plenary and parallel sessions as
well as ample
opportunities for relaxed social and professional interaction.
Plenary sessions will feature refereed presentations of current
developments in
system dynamics and exemplary applications of system dynamics
and systems
thinking.
Parallel sessions will cover the range of work being done by system
dynamics
practitioners worldwide, including
- applications of system dynamics and systems thinking in corporate
and public policy
- policy studies emphasizing the role of feedback
- developments in simulation tools and techniques
- advances in the modeling process and group model building
- system dynamics contributions to theory building in the social
and
natural sciences
- complex nonlinear dynamic systems
- contributions to system dynamics teaching materials and methods
TENTATIVE SCHEDULE
Sunday, July 19
Evening - 6:00 to 9:00 pm Registration
Monday, July 20
All day - Registration
Morning - 8:30 am to 11:30 am
Plenary and/or parallel sessions
Afternoon - 1:30 pm to 5:00 pm
Parallel and tutorial sessions
Evening - 6:00 to 8:00 pm
Welcome cocktail reception
Tuesday, July 21
Morning - 8:30 am to 11:30 am
Plenary and/or parallel sessions
Afternoon - 1:30 pm to 5:00 pm
Parallel and tutorial sessions
Evening - 6:30 pm
Conference Banquet (availability of banquet tickets during
conference may be limited)
Wednesday, July 22
Morning - 8:30 am to 11:30 am
Plenary and/or parallel sessions
Afternoon - 1:30 pm to 5:00 pm
Parallel and tutorial sessions
Thursday, July 23
Morning - 8:30 am to 11:30 am
Plenary session and business meeting
Over 150 papers will be presented. The complete list of papers
can be found on
the Internet at: http://www.albany.edu/cpr/sds/
Click on "International Conferences"
LOCATION
The conference will be held at the Quebec Hilton, just outside
the walls of Old
Quebec, the location of the first permanent European settlement
in North
America and an area rich in history and francophone culture.
Quebec City and its surroundings offer a wide variety of tourist
and cultural
activities, excellent restaurants and great shopping opportunities.
Quebec City is accessible by air through the Lesage International
Airport in
the suburb of Ste-Foy, just 20 minutes from the conference hotel.
It is two and
a half hours by car, bus or train from Montreal.
The registration fee includes attendance for one person at all
regular
conference functions including coffee breaks and the conference
banquet. A copy
of the proceedings is included. You may invite a guest to the
welcome cocktail
reception. The only meal included is the banquet as you may want
to experience
some of the many wonderful and nearby restaurants in Quebec.
The registration form is printed below. Requests for refunds will
be
accommodated less $25 before July 10.
HOTEL
Accommodations are arranged at the Hilton International Hotel.
For reservations
please call:
1 800 HILTONS in North America
1 418 647 2411 for the rest of the world OR contact the nearest
Hilton International Hotel.
FAX: 1 418 647 6488
To receive the special conference rate (139$CDN for single or
double occupancy)
mention that you are registering for the System Dynamics Conference
(ISDC98).
Rooms at the conference rate are guaranteed for reservations received
before
June 15.
For pre- and post-conference personal tourism arrangements, contact:
Luc Moffett
Voyages Claire Champoux
telephone: 1 418 522 5234
FAX: 1 418 522 8106
CONFERENCE REGISTRATION
Please type or print clearly.
Name:
_______________________________________
Name to appear on your badge:
_______________________________________
Organization:
_______________________________________
Address:
_______________________________________
Phone:_________________________________
Fax:___________________________________
E-mail:________________________________
Registration Fees:
to July 17 on-site
member(1) US$300 $325 _________
non-member 350 375 _________
student 200 250 _________
extra banquet ticket(2) 50 60 _________
TOTAL: _________
(1) Member discounts are for members of the System Dynamics Society.
For
membership information please contact the Society office.
(2) For anyone attending the banquet but not registered for the
conference.
Payment method:
___Check (in US dollars drawn on a US bank payable to: '98 System
Dynamics
Conference)
___Credit card
__Master Card __Visa __American Express
number:
___________________________________
expiration date:
___________________________________
card billing address: (if different from address listed above)
____________________________________
____________________________________
____________________________________
signature:
____________________________________
Or contact the Society office for information regarding bank transfer
as a
method of payment.
Send completed conference registration form and payment to Conference
manager,
Roberta Spencer
System Dynamics Society
Milne 300 - Rockefeller College
Univ. at Albany, State University of NY
Albany, NY 12222 USA
CONTACTS
Conference chair: R. Joel Rahn
3460 De Nevers
Ste-Foy, Quebec, Canada G1X 2E1
E-mail: rjrahn@microtec.net or
joel.rahn@osd.ulaval.ca
Program chair: Alexander Pugh
49 Bedford Road
Lincoln, MA 01773, USA
E-mail: JandJpugh@aol.com
Conference manager: Roberta Spencer
System Dynamics Society
Milne 300 - Rockefeller College
Univ. at Albany, State University of NY
Albany, NY 12222 USA
phone: (518) 442-3865 fax:(518) 442-3398
E-mail: system.dynamics@albany.edu
CONFERENCE SPONSORS
Amber Blocks, New York City, New York
Arthur Andersen, Global Locations
LeapTech, Providence, Rhode Island
Paradigm Business Simulators AS, Bergen, Norway
Pegasus Communications, Inc., Waltham, Massachusetts
Pugh-Roberts Associates. A Division of PA Consulting Group, Inc.,
Cambridge, Massachusetts
The Magellan Group, Inc., Cambridge, Massachusetts
The Society for Organizational Learning, Cambridge, Massachusetts
Ventana Systems, Inc., Harvard, Massachusetts
EXHIBITORS
High Performance Systems Inc., Hanover, New Hampshire
John Wiley & Sons, Ltd., West Sussex, England
Productivity Press, Portland, Oregon
Roberta L. Spencer System.Dynamics@albany.edu
Executive Director, System Dynamics Society Phone: 518-442-3865
Milne 300, Rockefeller College Fax: 518-442-3398
State University of New York at Albany
Albany, NY, 12222, U.S.A. http://www.albany.edu/cpr/sds/
From: curtm@dgii.com
Subject: Introduction
To: k-12sd@sysdyn.mit.edu
Date: Thu, 19 Feb 1998
Hello, K-12 list members! My name is Curt McNamara, a hardware
design engineer in Minnesota. I am active in the IEEE and do some
modeling as part of my job. However, my interest in systems is
wider
than hardware engineering. For several years I have written bits
and
pieces of a paper on an introduction to systems thinking. At the
moment
I seem to be concentrating on the aspect of capturing the system
representation and what transformations are commonly used on it.
This work is not mathematical, rather it is inspired by books
such as
Waddington's _Tools for Thought_. In a few months it will be
ready for critique, and I hope to get some comments on it. The
level
is intended for an interested high school student.
The main reason I am here, however, is to learn what materials
are already out there and available. I am aware of this list and
web site (but not all of it's contents), and I have seen the summary
of the Billibonk titles at www.pegasus.com. In addition I have
a reasonable
collection of sytems books including the _Fifth Discipline_ What
other
places should I be looking? Thanks in advance for your help. I
will be
traversing the archives of this list over the next few weeks.
Curt
Date: Sat, 21 Feb
From: Lynne <lynne@byramhills.csnet.net>
Organization: Compaq
To: k-12sd <k-12sd@sysdyn.mit.edu>
Subject: Re: Introduction
Reply to Curt McNamara (see his email below):
> Hello, K-12 list members! My name is Curt McNamara, a hardware
> design engineer in Minnesota. I am active in the IEEE and
do some
> modeling as part of my job. However, my interest in systems
is wider
> than hardware engineering. For several years I have written
bits and
> pieces of a paper on an introduction to systems thinking.
At the moment
> I seem to be concentrating on the aspect of capturing the
system
> representation and what transformations are commonly used
on it.
> This work is not mathematical, rather it is inspired by books
such as
> Waddington's _Tools for Thought_. In a few months it will
be
> ready for critique, and I hope to get some comments on it.
The level
> is intended for an interested high school student.
> The main reason I am here, however, is to learn what materials
> are already out there and available. I am aware of this list
and
> web site (but not all of it's contents), and I have seen
the summary
> of the Billibonk titles at www.pegasus.com. In addition I
have a reasonable
> collection of sytems books including the _Fifth Discipline_
What other
> places should I be looking? Thanks in advance for your help.
I will be
> traversing the archives of this list over the next few weeks.
>
> Curt
> ------------------------------------------------------------
Dear Curt,
I received your e-mail to K-12 members and am very interested
in your
work. I am a software engineer, having come to it with a linguistics
and systems thinking background. Until I turned my attention
full-time to the education of my own children, and then, after
being
elected to our school district's board of education, I, too, was
active
in the IEEE as well as the ACM. Much of my research was done at
AT&T
Bell Laboratories, before it transformed itself, and then practiced
around the world at a variety of government organizations and
corporations. I am a true believer in a systems and modeling approach
and am excited about seeing it taught to children and young adults.
I am also interested in exploring issues surrounding the application
of
systems thinking to a public school district's management of itself.
Specifically the application of Senge's (et alia) theories to
the
decision-making of a school district. Have you come across anything
dealing with these issues?
I hope I get to read your book soon. The infusion of engineering
thinking in K-12 education can only lead to great things!
Lynne Bernstein
From: <prabhu.r.p.g.q.p.guptara@ubs.com>
X-Openmail-Hops: 3
Date: Sat, 21 Feb 1998
Subject: Re: Introduction
To: k-12sd@sysdyn.mit.edu
Dear Curt
I don't know of any books/material aimed at the high school market,
though I
have a fairly full list of the main books on the field, which
you probably
know.
However, whenever you are looking for comments on your material,
I will be
pleased to help.
It is probably best to mail or fax it to me, as it comes through
so much
"cleaner" than by Internet, but that is ok too.
Best wishes
Professor Prabhu Guptara
Group Director, Organisational Learning & Transformation
Union Bank of Switzerland
Wolfsberg
CH-8272 ERMATINGEN
Switzerland
tel: +41-71-6635.605
fax: +41-71-6635.590
e-mail: prabhu.guptara@ubs.ch
Date: Sat, 21 Feb 1998
From: Richard Turnock <Richard_Turnock@pgn.com>
To: k-12sd@sysdyn.mit.edu
Subject: version 3.0 models
I've got a few models that were developed by
teacher using verion 3.0 on the MAC. The
problem is that they are locked at the authoring
layer. As a result, I can't open them in version
4.0 or 5.0.
I don't have access to a copy of version 3.0.
I've asked the teacher but they have upgraded
to version 5.0 and also upgraded their
hardware. Today, we couldn't find an old MAC
with version 3.0 that would work.
How do I get MAC version 3.0 models
unlocked?
Thanks
Richard
Date: Sat, 21 Feb 1998
From: Richard Turnock <Richard_Turnock@pgn.com>
To: k-12sd@sysdyn.mit.edu
Subject: Upgrading models
When HPS upgrades Stella, is there a system
(not by HPS) to upgrade models and
documentation, from prior verions to current
versions, for teachers to use with new version
of Stella? If not, what needs to be done to put a
system in place to do this?
Thanks
Richard Turnock
Portland OR
Date: Mon, 23 Feb 1998
To: k-12sd@sysdyn.mit.edu (k-12sd)
From: jheinbokel@UCSD.Edu (John Heinbokel)
Subject: Re: Upgrading models
Hello everyone,
I quickly and privately replied to Richard's first inquiry RE
getting
specific models unlocked. This seems to be a question of more
general
releveance, however, hence a more public exposure of my biases.
1. The question of upward mobility (moving a STELLA 3 or 4 model
to a
STELLA 5 platform) should be pretty straightforward (I KNOW --
there are
still elements that don't tranaslate smoothly to STELLA 5, but
most will).
I would advocate that models being submitted for archiving, such
as with
CLE, simply not be locked. Not only would that have solved Richard's
initial problem, but it would allow teachers to modify existing
models to
meet their specific needs. This still leaves potential problems
with
proper crediting of intellectual ownership/creativity, opens the
door for
"finished" models to be garbled in the process of transfer,
and leaves
unanswered the problem of those model elements that DON'T translate
to 5.0
-- but I would guess that 90-95+% of the problems would be solved.
Would
that remove the need for a "system" for translation,
or am I missing
something (or underestimating the significance of something) that
I need to
be educated about?
2. Questions of downward mobility (a teacher, still using STELLA
3 or 4,
trying to make use of model newly constructed in STELLA 5) are
still
problematic. How big a problem is that likely to be over the next
couple
years?
john
-------------------------------------
>When HPS upgrades Stella, is there a system
>(not by HPS) to upgrade models and
>documentation, from prior verions to current
>versions, for teachers to use with new version
>of Stella? If not, what needs to be done to put a
>system in place to do this?
>
>Thanks
>Richard Turnock
>Portland OR
-----------------------------------
john heinbokel
visiting scholar
mail code 0227
scripps institution of oceanography
la jolla, ca 92093-0227
619/822-2512(W); 619/350-7496(H)
619/534-6500 (fax)
jheinbokel@ucsd.edu
Date: Mon, 23 Feb 1998
To: k-12sd@sysdyn.mit.edu (k-12sd)
From: Lees Stuntz <stuntzln@tiac.net>
Subject: Re: Upgrading models
Richard,
As of this moment the updating is being done on an ad hoc basis.
I do know
that many of the projects who have sent materials to the CLE are
in the
process of updating the models for their own purposes and will
at that
point give the updates to put on the CLE Web site. I don't know
of anyone
who is using Ver. 4 of STELLA because of what it does to Ver.
3 models.
Ver. 5 is much better.
I will keep putting all the updated models I have received on
the Web site
as soon as I get them. If you update any- send them along!
Take care,
Lees
>Date: Sat, 21 Feb 1998 18:13:13 -0800
>From: Richard Turnock <Richard_Turnock@pgn.com>
>To: k-12sd@sysdyn.mit.edu
>Subject: Upgrading models
>Mime-Version: 1.0
>
>
>When HPS upgrades Stella, is there a system
>(not by HPS) to upgrade models and
>documentation, from prior verions to current
>versions, for teachers to use with new version
>of Stella? If not, what needs to be done to put a
>system in place to do this?
>
>Thanks
>Richard Turnock
>Portland OR
Lees N. Stuntz
Creative Learning Exchange Phone- 978-287-0070
1 Keefe Road Fax- 978-287-0080
Acton, MA 01720 e-mail- stuntzln@tiac.net
Please note change of area code.
From: Nordholm@aol.com
Date: Mon, 23 Feb 1998
To: k-12sd@sysdyn.mit.edu
Subject: Re: Introduction
I have been eaves droppping on this group for a couple of weeks
since I am
somewhat intimidated by the engineering focus of these conversations.
My name
is Anne Nordholm. I have a PhD in Education with an empahsis on
philosophy.
I work for a WI school district in a quasi-staff development position.
I
discovered you all by finding Peter Senge's e-mail address at
MIT and sending
a rather curt note expressing my hopes for bringing systems thinking
to the
decision-making process of education, in general, and our district,
in
particular. I was forwarded to you.
I have never used artificial intelligence to analyze decision-making
processes, but I am encouraged by your somewhat foreign conversation
about
modeling processes. I am, as mentioned earlier, a philosopher
at heart, and
believe that a systems approach is very consistent with how human
beings
operate most effectively. I consider education to be in the human-shaping
business, and, therefore, the more we understand about being human,
the better
we will do our business.
Can Stella be used to design/investigate critical thinking? institutional
governance analysis? Where should one begin to integrate philosophy
with
artifical intelligence? My first inclination would be to explore
epistempology: the difference between a linear definition of Knowledge
and a
systems approach to Knowledge. Any suggestions?
Anne
From: "Rossomando Philip" <rossomandop@acm.org>
To: <k-12sd@sysdyn.mit.edu>
Subject: Introduction
Date: Tue, 17 Feb 1998
Hi; Let me introduce myself, I am a Ph.D. candidate in education
at
Walden University and am working towards my Ph.D. on the Internet.
I am
very interested in systems dynamics and have read several of the
papers by
Dr. Forester, I would like to eventually apply some of the concepts
in the
realm of distance learning on the Internet. I am currently gaining
background in GST and am very excited about what I might be able
to do with
its principles. I am now in industry but eventually would like
to get
involved with education and help expand the use of GST in the
area of adult
distance learning.
Sincerely,
Phil
Philip J. Rossomando, <prossoma@waldenu.edu>Education Ph.D.
Candidate at
Walden University3 Buck Drive, Glenmoore Pa 19343; 610-458-1007"Quaerendo
invenietis but remember""The Taller The Bamboo Grows,
the lower it bends"
Date: Tue, 24 Feb 1998
From: Ian Yorston <network.radley@rmplc.co.uk>
Organization: Radley College, OX14 2HR, UK
To: k-12sd <k-12sd@sysdyn.mit.edu>
Subject: Re: Upgrading models
1. I don't think I have a problem upgrading v3.0 to v5.0 - STELLA
simply
warns me and then produces a new copy called 'untitled'
2. But I do have a problem with quite a lot of Internet resources
which
seem to be at v2.0 and which apparently can't be opened by v5.0.
Any
suggestions ?
3. As a further problem. How do I put STELLA models into a read-only
folder (school network) but still allow students to use the files.
As
far as I can makeout STELLA won't let you create 'stationery'
versions
of models which then open for the student to edit. But if the
folder is
read-only it won't let you open the file. And if the folder isn't
locked, I run the risk of having working models rendered useless
when
saved following editing !
--
Regards
Ian Yorston
Physics Department
------------------------------------------
> And then the whining schoolboy, with his satchel,
> And shining morning face, creeping like snail
> Unwillingly to school.
> As You Like It - William Shakespeare 1564-1616
------------------------------------------
e-Mail Replies:
I generally look at e-mail daily. Apologies if you don't hear
back from me straight away. Any real problems - try Snail mail.
Ian and Caroline Yorston
2 Church Walk
Radley College
Oxon, OX14 2HW.
[United Kingdom]
Fax/Tel UK (+44) - (0)1235 520081
Date: Tue, 24 Feb 1998
From: DessaDancy@aol.com
To: k-12sd@sysdyn.mit.edu
Subject: Re: Introduction (Anne - suggestions)
Hi Anne,
Several school systems are incorporating systems thinking tools
into the K-12
curriculum. Educators are also using this in organizational decision-making
and learning. For more information about this, visit the system
dynamics in
education website: http://sysdyn.mit.edu/
The best place to meet teachers and learn more is at the Systems
Thinking and
Dynamic Modeling Conference for K-12 Educators in Durham NH July
29-30. Peter
Senge is one of the keynote speakers. Contact Andi Miller at the
Creative
Learning Exchange for more information: milleras@cle.tiac.net
Systems thinking as described in the Fifth Discipline can be useful
at all
levels. However, the really profound changes in how we think come
from
building and working with system dynamics models. We use STELLA
software for
this and are introducing middle school students to this methodology.
If you're simply interested in an overview of the difference between
a linear
definition of knowledge and a systems approach to knowledge -
some of the
chapters in The Web of Life, by Fritjof Capra (1996) summarize
this nicely.
Dessa
From: Dakar@aol.com
Date: Tue, 24 Feb 1998
To: k-12sd@sysdyn.mit.edu
Subject: Read Only Files
On the mac, you can lock a file, making it read only. ( A fresh
copy can be
saved under a new name.)
Looking at the icon of the file in the finder, select it and then
choose "Get
Info..." from the File Menu. There will be check box for
"locked" on the
resulting dialog box. This is very mild protection, as students
can reverse
your process, but it will get you through the period. (In the
past, I have
kept a "master copy" in a hidden folder so that I could
refresh the locked
file between periods. :)
Jay Fogleman
Howard County Technology Magnet Program
Energy Power Transportation Cluster
Long Reach High School
Columbia, MD
Fax: 410-313-7422
Date: Tue, 24 Feb 1998
To: k-12sd@sysdyn.mit.edu
From: Ed Gallaher <gallaher@teleport.com>
Subject: Updating models
Re Richard, John, Lees, etc.
This is not the perfect answer, but the vast majority of the models
that
are in use, especially for K-12, are quite simple models. The
basic models
are quite simple, although the file may be made more complex as
a result of
buttons, slidebars, etc.
If each model includes a document with a diagram, an equation
set
(including -correct units- and -documentation- for each equation),
and a
sample output graph and/or table, then anyone should be able to
reproduce
the model in 5-15 minutes. I'm talking about the simple mechanical
process
of creating the model, not conceptualization, testing, etc.
This of course means that the document itself must be compatible
across
platforms, but pdf files pretty much accomplish this.
I recommend this because not only are we witnessing STELLA version
problems, but the MIT SDEP group is moving largely toward Vensim,
including
in the Guided Study Program. Furthermore, Powersim is also available,
including some very nice online web capabilities. The user may
want to
pick one or the other of these platforms, maybe even for different
reasons
at different times. We certainly can't expect the developer to
create and
test each model for us with multiple software packages.
Richard does raise a critical question, however. If a model is
either
locked, or in a different language, and -one can't open the model
to see
it-, and one does not have written documentation, then the user
is totally
out of luck. Ideally both the model and the documentation will
be
available, but in the long run, the documentation is much more
important.
Ed Gallaher, Ph.D.
Assoc Prof Physiol/Pharmacol. and Behav. Neuroscience
Oregon Health Sciences University
Date: Wed, 25 Feb 1998
To: k-12sd@sysdyn.mit.edu (k-12sd)
From: "Jay W. Forrester" <jforestr@MIT.EDU>
Subject: Re: Introduction
Perhaps the following will be useful to you:
--------------------------------
Information on System Dynamics
Jay W. Forrester
November 15, 1997
To order the system dynamics bibliography of over 4100 entries,
specify IBM type PC, or Macintosh
Send $35 in US$ drawn on a US bank to:
System Dynamics Society
Roberta Spencer, Executive Director
Milne 300--Rockefeller College
State University at Albany
Albany, NY 12222 USA
tel: 1-518-442-3865†
fax: 518-442-3398
email: System.Dynamics@albany.edu
Three formats are available:
1. For Endnote, a very effective bibliography software available
for either
Macintosh or PC from:
Niles & Associates, Inc
800 Jones St.
Berkeley, CA 94710 USA
Tel: 510-559-8592
Fax: 510-559-8683
Internet: nilesinc@well.sf.ca.us
I use Endnote and recommend it and use it to search for the references.
2. An exported version with field delimiters that presumably can
be loaded
into some other kind of database.
3. A listing that one can look at in a word processor and do some
simple
finding operations.
The bibliography can also be downloaded from:
http://www.std.com/vensim/SDBIB.HTM
-----------------------------------------------
The publications list of the System Dynamics Group at MIT is available
on
the web as an Adobe Acrobat document from:
FTP://Sysdyn.MIT.edu/Ftp/sdep/papers/D-3059-43.pdf
>>
---------------------------------------
Membership in the System Dynamics Society and subscription to
the System
Dynamics Review
are US$80 per year for regular members
and US$40 for students.
Send application to:
John Wiley & Sons
Periodicals Division, System Dynamics Review
P.O. Box 7247 8491
Philadelphia, PA 19170
or to
John Wiley & Sons
Journals Administration, System Dynamics Review
1 Oldlands Way
Bognor Regis
West Sussex PO22 9SA
To contact the office of the System Dynamics Society and to order
copies of
the "Beer Game" group simulation exercise:
tel: 1-518-442-3865
fax: 518-442-3398
email: System.Dynamics@albany.edu
email: rspencer@cnsvax.albany.edu
-------------------------------------
There is a system dynamics discussion group on the Internet.
To join, send email to: majordomo@world.std.com
In the body of the message, enter the following two lines:
Subscribe system-dynamics
End
More system dynamics information is available at:
http://www.std.com/vensim/sdmailing.html
------------------------------------
The next annual international conference of the System Dynamics
Society
will be in Quebec, July 20-23, 1998. Write to the System Dyanmics
Society,
System Dynamics Society
Roberta Spencer, Executive Director
Milne 300--Rockefeller College
State University at Albany
Albany, NY 12222 USA
tel: 1-518-442-3865†
fax: 518-442-3398
email: System.Dynamics@albany.edu
----------------------------------------
Many of the major system dynamics books are available from:
PRODUCTIVITY PRESS
541 N.E. 20th Avenue
Portland, OR 97232, USA
tel: 503-235-0600
fax: 503-235-0909
Web page: http://www.ppress.com/
email: staff@ppress.com
Alfeld, Louis Edward, and Alan K. Graham. 1976. Introduction to
Urban
Dynamics. Portland, OR: Productivity Press. 333 pp.
Forrester, Jay W. 1961. Industrial Dynamics. Portland, OR: Productivity
Press. 464 pp.
Forrester, Jay W. 1968. Principles of Systems. (2nd ed.). Portland,
OR:
Productivity Press. 391 pp.
Forrester, Jay W. 1969. Urban Dynamics. Portland, OR: Productivity
Press.
285 pp.
Forrester, Jay W. 1971. World Dynamics. (1973 second ed.). Portland,
OR:
Productivity Press. 144 pp. Second edition has an added chapter
on
physical vs. social limits.
Forrester, Jay W. 1975. Collected Papers of Jay W. Forrester.
Portland, OR:
Productivity Press. 284 pp
.
Forrester, Nathan B. 1973. The Life Cycle of Economic Development.
Portland, OR: Productivity Press. 194 pp.
Goodman, Michael R. 1974. Study Notes in System Dynamics. Portland,
OR:
Productivity Press. 388 pp.
Lyneis, James M. 1980. Corporate Planning and Policy Design: A
System
Dynamics Approach. Portland, OR: Productivity Press. 520 pp.
Mass, Nathaniel J., ed., 1974. Readings in Urban Dynamics: Volume
I,
Portland, OR: Productivity Press, 303 pp.
Mass, Nathaniel J. 1975. Economic Cycles: An Analysis of Underlying
Causes. Portland, OR: Productivity Press. 185 pp.
Meadows, Dennis L. 1970. Dynamics of Commodity Production Cycles.
Portland,
OR: Productivity Press. 104 pp.
Meadows, Dennis L., et al. 1974. Dynamics of Growth in a Finite
World.
Portland, OR: Productivity Press. 637 pp.
Meadows, Dennis L., and Donella H. Meadows, ed., 1973. Toward
Global
Equilibrium: Collected Papers, Portland, OR: Productivity Press,
358 pp.
Morecroft, John D. W., and John D. Sterman, ed., (1994). Modeling
for
Learning Organizationa, Portland, OR: Productivity Press, 400
pp.
Randers, Jorgen, ed., 1980. Elements of the System Dynamics Method,
Portland, OR: Productivity Press, 488 pp.
Richardson, George P., and Alexander L. Pugh III. 1981. Introduction
to
System Dynamics Modeling with DYNAMO. Portland, OR: Productivity
Press. 413
pp.
Roberts, Edward B. 1978. Managerial Applications of System Dynamics.
Portland, OR: Productivity Press. 562 pp.
Roberts, Nancy, David Andersen, Ralph Deal, Michael Garet, William
Shaffer.
1983. Introduction to Computer Simulation: A System Dynamics Modeling
Approach. Portland OR: Productivity Press, 562 pages
.
Schroeder, Walter W., III, Robert E. Sweeney, and Louis Edward
Alfeld, ed.,
1975. Readings in Urban Dynamics: Volume 2, Portland, OR: Productivity
Press, 305 pp.
----------------------------------
A self-study guide to system dynamics, called "Road Maps,"
is available for
downloading from:
http://sysdyn.mit.edu
or in paper copy from:
Creative Learning Exchange
Ms. Lees Stuntz, Director
1 Keefe Road
Acton, MA 01720, USA
tel: 1-508-287-0070
fax: 1-508-287-0080
email: stuntzln@tiac.net
---------------------------
For those wanting information on introducing system dynamics in
kindergarten through 12th grade education:
1. The Creative Learning Exchange is a nonprofit foundation that
acts as a
clearinghouse to provide information on system dynamics in precollege
education and to help teachers share their experiences. They can
be
reached at:
Creative Learning Exchange
Ms. Lees Stuntz, Director
1 Keefe Road
Acton, MA 01720, USA
tel: 1-978-287-0070
fax: 1-978-287-0080
email: stuntzln@tiac.net
2. The System Dynamics in Education Project at MIT has a web page
with
links to pages at other K-12 activities:
http://sysdyn.mit.edu/
3. The FTP site for many of the papers on curriculum is
sysdyn.mit.edu
4. An internet discussion group on K-12 issues related to system
dynamics is:
k-12sd@sysdyn.mit.edu
To subscribe, send a note to:
mailmasters@sysdyn.mit.edu.
Please provide the following information:
First Name:
Last Name:
E-mail:
Title:
Organization:
Address:
City:
State or Province:
ZIP or Postal Code:
Country:
Day Phone Number:
Evening Phone Number:
Fax Number:
5. The summer 93 issue of the System Dynamics Review, vol 9 no.
2, was a
special issue on "Systems thinking in education" It
contains many
interesting pieces including reports from the field by teachers.
----------------------------------------------
There are now three good software packages for system dynamics.
You can
request information:
--------------------------------------------
STELLA for Macintosh or PC:
High Performance Systems
45 Lyme Road, Suite #300
Hanover, NH 03755, USA
Phone: 1-603-643-9636 customer support
tel: 1-800-332-1202 product inquiries
fax: 1-603-643-9502
email: support@hps-inc.com
http://www.hps-inc.com/
--------------------------------------
Powersim for PC:
Powersim Corporation
1175 Herndon Parkway Suite 600
Herndon, VA 20170
Phone: (703) 481-1270
Fax: (703) 481-1271
Email: powersim@powersim.com
http://www.powersim.com
Norway Address:
Powersim AS
PO Box 206
N-5100 Isdalstø
Phone: +47 56 34 24 00
Fax: +47 56 34 24 01
Email: powersim@powersim.no
http://www.powersim.no
-------------------------------------------
Vensim for PC or Macintosh:
Ventana Systems, Inc.
149 Waverley Street
Belmont, MA 02178, USA
tel: 1-617-489-5249
fax: 1-617-489-53316
email: vensim@world.std.com
http://news.std.com/vensim/
A "Personal Learning Edition" of Vensim can be downloaded
free from:
http://news.std.com/vensim/
the manual is at:
FTP://www.std.com/Newbury/vensim/download/venple.pdf
---------------------------------------------------------
Jay W. Forrester
Professor of Management, Emeritus
and Senior Lecturer, Sloan School
Massachusetts Institute of Technology
Room E60-389
Cambridge, MA 02139
tel: 617-253-1571
fax: 617-258-9405
Home office:
tel: 978-369-9372
fax: 978-369-9077
Date: Wed, 25 Feb 1998
To: k-12sd@sysdyn.mit.edu (k-12sd)
From: Jane Soderquist <jsoderquist@hps-inc.com>
Subject: Re: Upgrading models
Dear Ian & other fellow K-12 list-serve subscribers:
Thanks for your recent emails regarding your use of the STELLA
software and
issues relating to updating and unlocking models. This is the
first of at
least two replies I'll be sending out to the list-serve from High
Performance Systems, Inc, the developers of the STELLA modeling
&
simulation software. I hope I can answer some of your questions
and
concerns!
Responses to the two questions raised by Ian Yorston follow:
>"2. But I do have a problem with quite a lot of Internet
resources which
>seem to be at v2.0 and which apparently can't be opened by
v5.0. Any
>suggestions ?"
A Windows and a Macintosh translator is available from HPS that
will
convert models created with STELLA II & ithink 2.2, 1.02,
& 1.0 into the
STELLA/ithink 3.0 format. The models can then be opened using
version 4.0
or 5.0 of the software. For older models (pre-1990), an additional
translation step is required. This software is available only
for the
Macintosh. Both translators are available free-of-charge to customers
who
have purchased a later version of the software.
>
>"3. As a further problem. How do I put STELLA models
into a read-only
>folder (school network) but still allow students to use the
files. As
>far as I can makeout STELLA won't let you create 'stationery'
versions
>of models which then open for the student to edit. But if
the folder is
>read-only it won't let you open the file. And if the folder
isn't
>locked, I run the risk of having working models rendered useless
when
>saved following editing !"
After publishing a model on a read-only device such as a network
drive,
students should be encouraged to make a copy of the file on their
own
machine, or in their own private area of the network drive where
they have
full read/write access. This will maintain the read-only device
as a
resource--ensuring the integrity of the original file, and avoiding
situations where one student might save their work over that of
another
student. If using the Macintosh or Windows 95 OS, one simple method
for
doing this is simply dragging the file onto the desktop to make
a local
copy.
I hope this answers your questions! Please don't hesitate to contact
me if
you have any further questions or need additional information.
Best regards,
Jane Soderquist
----------------Jane Soderquist-----------------
High Performance Systems, Inc.
45 Lyme Road, Suite, 200
Hanover, NH 03755-1221
http://www.hps-inc.com * support@hps-inc.com
-----------jsoderquist@hps-inc.com--------------
From: "Rossomando Philip" <rossomandop@acm.org>
To: <k-12sd-@sysdyn.mit.edu>
Subject: Re: Updating models
Date: Wed, 25 Feb 1998
Hi All:
I have read about STELLA but haven't used it myself. What I would
like to
know is how it really used in an educational environment. How
do students like
it? Can they really make discoveries? For example? What subjects
are being
taught this way? Is anything on the Internet that I can try out
for myself?
Sincerely,
Phil
Philip J. Rossomando, <prossoma@waldenu.edu>
Education Ph.D. Candidate at Walden University
3 Buck Drive, Glenmoore Pa 19343; 610-458-1007
"Quaerendo invenietis but remember"
"The Taller The Bamboo Grows, the lower it bends"
Date: Thu, 26 Feb 1998
To: k-12sd@sysdyn.mit.edu (k-12sd)
From: Jane Soderquist <jsoderquist@hps-inc.com>
Subject: Re: version 3.0 models
Dear Richard & other fellow k-12 listserv subscribers:
Thanks, once again, for your continued dialogue! As issues and
questions
are raised concerning STELLA and other HPS products, I'll try
to put in
prompt replies. I was snowed in Tuesday, so fell a bit behind
on my email!
Ah-to live in New England in February!
The issue of locked models raised by Richard is one we at HPS
address
fairly often. I assume some people on the listserv probably aren't
familiar with STELLA's locking feature (and to others, it's likely
still a
puzzlement), so thought I'd begin by clarifying how it works.
HOW LOCKED STELLA MODELS WORK:
An author can lock a model to protect the work they've put into
it. This
functionality is becoming increasingly important as more people
(especially
in business) distribute proprietary models. In version 3.0, authors
lock
their models by selecting "Restricted User Access" or
"Full User Access" in
the Author Preferences dialogue box ("Full Authoring Access"
is the
default). The locking feature uses a combination of the registration
number of the author's software, and the password designated by
the author.
Version 3.0 models translate fully to version 5.0, EXCEPT when
the model is
"locked down." Locked 3.0 models will open and run in
other copies of
version 3.0, but the tool bars to modify the model are not available
to
users other than the author. The locked 3.0 models cannot be directly
translated to version 5.0 (without first being unlocked).
WHAT TO DO ABOUT IT:
* If you built the model and have version 3.0, open your model
with
version 3.0 and "unlock" it. Then translate to version
5.0.
* If you built the model and don't still have version 3.0, call
or email
HPS's Customer Service Group at (603) 643-9636 or support@hps-inc.com.
We
will work through a solution.
* If you didn't build the model, ask the author to contact us
at the
information above. We'll help work through a solution agreeable
to all.
* If you have the locked model and don't know who the author is,
contact
us. Again, we will see if there's some way we can help. Please
be aware
that while we are, as always, happy to help with the distribution
of models
and the support of systems thinking, locked models were originally
locked
by authors who wished to retain control over their model's dissemination.
Therefore, what we are able to do without an author's permission
is limited.
As has already been suggested by John Heinbokel, authors still
using
version 3.0 who plan on distributing their materials through the
Creative
Learning Exchange or other sources can help their fellow model-users
by
unlocking their models prior to sharing them. I share John's concern
that
authors who share their models receive the proper credit for their
effort
and intellectual capital. One solution is for authors to incorporate
a
text box into their model relaying any information they feel is
appropriate, including credits.
I hope this information is helpful. As with my earlier email,
please don't
hesitate to contact me if you have any questions or need additional
information.
Best regards,
Jane Soderquist
----------------Jane Soderquist-----------------
High Performance Systems, Inc.
45 Lyme Road, Suite, 200
Hanover, NH 03755-1221
http://www.hps-inc.com * support@hps-inc.com
-----------jsoderquist@hps-inc.com--------------
Date: Fri, 27 Feb 1998
To: k-12sd@sysdyn.mit.edu (k-12sd)
From: Lees Stuntz <stuntzln@tiac.net>
Subject: Re: Using STELLA
Dear Phil,
I would suggest you go to the Creative Learning Exchange web site
(
http://sysdyn.mit.edu/cle/). There you will find more than 6 years
of
newsletters which describe the use of system dynamics in K-12
education,
papers which describe the use of system dynamics in K-12 as well
as over
150 curriculum units and lesson plans. Happy hunting!
Lees N. Stuntz
Creative Learning Exchange Phone- 978-287-0070
1 Keefe Road Fax- 978-287-0080
Acton, MA 01720 e-mail- stuntzln@tiac.net
Please note change of area code.
Date: Fri, 27 Feb 1998
From: "William J. Costello" <costello@panther.middlebury.edu>
To: k-12 sysdyn <k-12sd@sysdyn.mit.edu>
Subject: Summer Institutes for Educators
THREE SUMMER INSTITUTES IN SYSTEMS THINKING AND DYNAMIC MODELING:
Middle
School, High School, and Organizational Innovation
As educators we are all keenly aware of the need to train our
students to think critically and systematically. Faced with a
world of
accelerating complexities which defy simplistic linear cause-effect
analysis, students require new tools with which to organize their
understanding of that world. "System Dynamics," comprised
of Systems
Thinking and Dynamic Modeling, provides thinking skills and tools
that
permit students to conceptualize, construct, simulate, and alter
the
behavior of complex systems. These Institutes provide educators
with the
opportunity to explore these skills and tools. Accommodations
and graduate
credit are available for participants.
THE WATERS CENTER MIDDLE SCHOOL INSTITUTE: Using Systems Thinking
and
Systems Tools in the Middle School (July 6-10, 1998)
-------------------
A 5-day Institute for middle-school teachers/teams designed to
address the
use of System Dynamics in meeting the needs of teaching in an
interdisciplinary format. The focus will be on utilizing System
Dynamics
to enhance students' critical thinking, problem solving, and communication
skills, with a specific focus on addressing the needs of the middle
school. Topics include: An Introduction to Systems Thinking, The
Demo
Dozen, and Generic Systems. Participants will download and evaluate
ST/DM
material available on the Internet, and develop systems-based
materials
for use in schools. Participants will complete projects to bring
back to
their programs.
THE WATERS CENTER HIGH-SCHOOL INSTITUTE: Using Systems Thinking
and
Systems Tools for Addressing Curriculum and Standards (July 27-31,
1998.)
---------------
A 5-day Institute for secondary school teachers/teams focusing
on the use
of systems thinking and modeling tools in addressing curricular
needs and
education standards. The focus will be on demonstrating student
thinking
using the "systems approach." Sessions will include:
An Introduction to
Systems Thinking and Dynamic Modeling, Standards and Modeling,
Generic
Systems, ST/DM curricula available on the Internet, and the building
of
one or more System Dynamics applications. Attention will be given
to
building basic models, troubleshooting problems in teacher and
student-generated models, evaluating pre-existing materials, and
developing powerful experiences for your students.
THE WATERS CENTER INSTITUTE FOR ORGANIZATIONAL INNOVATION: Using
Systems
Thinking and Dynamic Modeling To Address Organizational Issues
(August 3-7, 1998)
-----------------
A 5-day Institute for educational administrators and teachers
to explore
the potential of using System Dynamics in addressing a variety
of
organizational issues surrounding the educational process. This
Institute provides an initial exploration of a variety of educational
sub-"systems," focusing on those that most directly
affect student
learning, their interconnections, and the often inadvertent or
unforeseen
"feedbacks" which inhibit or undermine the achievement
of desired goals.
This Institute provides participants with a set of tools to assist
in the
task of developing and sustaining an effective "learning
institution."
For Further Information: See the Waters Center web-site
<www.trinityvt.edu/waters> or write us at: The Waters Center
for System
Dynamics, 208 Colchester Avenue, Burlington, VT 05401 (Phone:
802-658-0337
ext. 353/Fax:802-656-5446/e-mail: wat-cent@charity.trinityvt.edu)
The End