Abstract

This paper presents an integrated, learning-centred course design for studying the complex, rapidly changing information infrastructures underpinning organisations and society. Students need to develop an agile, critical mindset in order to influence and be influenced by these socio-technical systems in ways which enhance information management, control and innovation. There are several challenges to developing this mindset. Students and technology vendors often expect technical training and current educational materials reinforce this approach. A silo-based structure to most degrees exacerbates the problem. The complexity of context and rapidity of change often get lost in the mix. This paper addresses these problems and makes two contributions. It models an information infrastructure as a complex adaptive system (CAS) with particular characteristics. It suggests design principles to support the learning of complex information infrastructures by extending the learning context in Whetten’s learning-centred course design. An educational ecosystem, supported by integrated case studies underpins this design.

Share

COinS