2008 Program - DRAFT (PDF)

The Systems Thinking and Dynamic Modeling Conference will provide resources and opportunity for educators and interested citizens to explore what is current and possible in K-12 systems education.

This year’s conference has been designed to maximize your learning, provide take-away practical knowledge, and bolster opportunities to meet and network with others. It will center around:

• Workshops with hands-on learning
• Informative plenary presentations
• Discussion roundtables
• Ample opportunities for less formal networking

Presenters include:

• Teachers and administrators actively involved in systems education across the country and internationally
• Internationally known speakers and professors in the field of systems thinking and system dynamics

Our presenters and attendees will address multiple interests:

• Use of systems tools to facilitate communication in both classrooms and organizations
• Use of systems tools to facilitate critical thinking
• Learner-centered learning and dynamic modeling as part of the curriculum
• Current action research initiatives
• Improving the quality of education within local schools
• Lifelong learning and creativity in students and teachers

Our goal is to help students/future employees be self-motivated and have the critical thinking skills necessary to look at dynamic systems in an increasingly complex technological society.

• Tools for understanding and communicating in the classroom and in school administration
• Training, both how to do it and training sessions for all levels from neophyte to experienced
• Successive improvement—how have we done it? What are the markers of our failures and triumphs?
• Case studies approach–where has SD made a difference both in education and in the world?
• Many people enter systems education through various doors. How do we create paths from those doors? What paths have worked or have not worked?
• System Dynamics as a vehicle for collaboration and questioning.
• The future of SD/learner-centered learning in K-12. How can we contribute toward it?

Babson Executive Conference Center
Wellesley, MA

The Conference Center is located on Babson College's campus in Wellesley, Massachusetts, 20 minutes from Boston and Logan International Airport.

Rolling hills. Landscaped grounds. The seclusion and serenity of our setting ensures the focus of your meeting is on learning, engaging, and sharing.

The Center features state-of-the-art facilities and services, including:
• Well-designed conference rooms and a complete media center
• Break out rooms fully equipped with computers, printer, and plasma screens for team activities
• Complimentary, wireless Internet access
• On-site technical support
• Public computer & printer stations
• Executive business center
• Outdoor function space
• 2 living rooms with fireplaces
• Fitness center, billiards, ping pong, tennis, campus walking trails
• Internationally recognized cuisine

Go to http://www3.babson.edu/bee/becc/ for photos and more about the Conference Center.

• Feb. 25, 2008–Submit an abstract to Lees Stuntz via e-mail (stuntzln@clexchange.org) that includes the context and history of the session topic and the experience level of expected participants.
• Mar. 15, 2008–All authors will be notified of the status of their submission via e-mail.
• June 1, 2008 –A final outline/presentation or paper due via e-mail for incorporation into the conference CD.

The registration fee includes the conference, 6 meals—lunch and dinner on Saturday; breakfast, lunch and dinner on Sunday; breakfast on Monday—and a continuous break buffet. It does not include lodging. Please read below for more information about lodging arrangements.

There are three ways to register for the conference:

1. Register on-line and pay by credit card on-line.
2. Download the registration form and fax completed form, along with a purchase order, to the Creative Learning Exchange at 978-635-3737
3. Download the registration form and mail the completed form, with payment, to the Creative Learning Exchange.

Mail all correspondence to:
The Creative Learning Exchange
27 Central St.
Acton, MA 01720
Fax: (978) 635-3737

You will receive written confirmation by mail. Full refund is available through May 15. Cancellation Fee: $50.00 cancellation fee May 16 to June 1. No Refund after June 1. Late Registration Fee: $50.00 late registration fee after May 15.

The conference will be held at Babson Executive Conference Center in Wellesley, Massachusetts, located on Babson College's campus, 20 minutes from Boston and Logan International Airport. The conference center and hotel provide flexible meeting space, comfortable guestrooms with extra amenities.

Please book your Babson Executive Conference Center hotel reservations separately with Babson at this time by downloading [.doc form or .pdf form ] and returning a registration form, by calling +1-781-239-5816, or by emailing rachael.cavanagh@babson.edu.

Rooms at the Babson Conference Center cost $105.00/single or $115.00/double per night during the conference dates of June 28 and 29. Rooms at the Conference Center before or after those dates cost $155/single or $170/double per night. All room rates are subject to 9.7% Massachusetts room tax. Reserve early to be assured of room availability.

If not reserving a room at the Conference Center, registrants must make their own lodging arrangements.

Other lodging options:
• Sheraton Needham Hotel. For the special conference rate ($149.00 + tax, single, double/twins) phone 781-444-1110 and mention the Creative Learning Exchange conference. Rate good until June 13.

Babson Conference Center uses Wellesley Carriage for limousines from Logan Airport in Boston. The cost is $95.00 for 3 people, which includes gratuities. A van, accommodating 1-9 people, costs $175.00 all inclusive. It is suggested to make transportation arrangements in advance of arrival.

Wellesley Carriage: +1-800-836-0006

The approximate cost of a taxi from Logan International Airport to Wellesley is $44.20.

Andi Miller, Creative Learning Exchange
978-635-9797
milleras@clexchange.org