October 1, 2015

The organizers of this free event are primarily program evaluators, but the topic, systems thinking in evaluation, might be of interest to members, so I’m sharing this with the list:

The Systems in Evaluation Topical Interest Group of the American Evaluation Association will be hosting a Systems in Evaluation (Un)conference in October. This will be a virtual event held across 3 consecutive days, Oct. 13-15, from 3-4:30 pm Eastern time on each day.

What is an Unconference?

An unconference is a loosely structured meeting that emphasizes the informal, emergent exchange of ideas between participants rather than following a conventionally structured program of speakers and presenters. Join us online daily October 13-15, 2015 from 3-4:30 pm Eastern US time to learn and share with your colleagues in an informal virtual environment (MIT’s UnHangout). Build your knowledge and skills in systems evaluation without ever leaving the office!

How will the Unconference Work?

Participants will log on at the indicated time each day and, following a short welcome and orientation, either join a specific discussion topic in a virtual breakout room or create their own discussion topic and breakout group. Each breakout room is limited to 10 people total and include a facilitator to enhance discussion and engage learning.  If participants are not able to enter the breakout room of their choice they are encouraged to try another room or start a new breakout room topic.  Participants must have a Google account plus a reliable Internet connection and microphone; a webcam is also strongly suggested.   

What are the Discussion Topics? 

The current facilitated discussion topics include:
• Incorporating a Systems Approach into Evaluation: Challenges and Strategies
• Using a Soft Systems Approach in Systems Evaluation: Real-life Examples
• Using a Developmental Evaluation Approach in Systems Evaluation: Real-life Examples
• Using a Complex Adaptive Systems Approach in Systems Evaluation: Real-life Examples
• Support for a Systems Approach in Systems Evaluation: Strategies for Promoting Buy-in
• Defining and Distinguishing Systems Evaluation in Systems Evaluation: Where are the Boundaries?
• Visualizing Complex Systems: Tools and Strategies
• Approaches for Capturing High-level Systems Patterns and Outcomes
• Identifying System Leverage Points: Helpful Approaches
• Defining System Boundaries: Building Stakeholder Consensus
• Addressing Causation in Systems Evaluation
• The Role of Accountability in Systems Evaluation
• The Link between Culturally Responsive Evaluation (CRE) and Systems-Oriented Evaluation (SOE)
• PLUS emergent, participant-proposed sessions (participants will volunteer to facilitate these for themselves)

Not every topic will be offered every day; the final schedule will be determined by session popularity and facilitator availability.  If a particular breakout room is full participants are encouraged to try another room or start a new breakout room topic. Participants have the option of attending one, two, or all three days.

What if I’m Interested in a Topic Not on this List? 

The unconference format is unique in that it fosters the exchange of ideas between participants rather than following a conventionally structured program of speakers and presenters.  If you have a topic that you don’t see on the list above, we encourage you to form your own breakout group at the appropriate time.  All participants will receive instructions on how to do this during the Welcome and Orientation at the beginning of each day. 

How Do I Register? 

Registration is free but space will be limited. Go to http://www.systemsinevaluation.com/systems-unconference/systems-unconference-details/ for links and full details. To register, go to http://www.systemsinevaluation.com/systems-unconference-registration/ for a link to the registration site.

Jan Noga
Co-Chair
Systems Thinking in Education SIG