Complexity

Characteristics of a complex system

A complex system is emergent. In an emergent system, smaller parts comprise a larger system. This larger system has properties the smaller units lack. For example, the brain is made up of individual neurons that, when functioning together, are capable of tasks no single neuron can perform alone. The new properties only emerge when the neurons work together.

A complex system is unpredictable.

A complex system contains many iterations and feedback/feedforward loops.

In a complex system, decision-making is decentralized.

Learning is a typically a "complex" activity. Most learning systems contain a number of separate parts that must work together for learning to occur. For example, a typical learning system consists of students, a teacher, a content focus, and resources. This system operates according to a fixed plan--the students follow the teacher's "rules."

Learning environments

A learning environment can be emergent. Working together, a group of learners can collectively build their knowledge of a topic, for instance, the phases of the moon. To do so, each learner might research a particular lunar phase, then share what he or she has learned with the rest of the group. This way, the group amasses a body of knowledge that no one person could have acquired alone.

A learning environment can be unpredictable. An exploration of the phases of the moon could result in the group considering whether planets also have phases.

A learning environment can contain many iterations and feedback/feedforward loops. People learn by trial and error--in other words, they learn from their mistakes.

Decision-making in a learning environment can be decentralized. Groups can really thrive when students control the learning process, rather than the instructor.

It's quite possible that learning occurs best on the "edge of chaos," where order and chaos meet. To see for yourself, check out these two resources:

Kevin Kelley's outstanding book, Out of Control, examines how we can use biological theories to help us construct complex systems.

If you want to experience complexity in action, try "building" your own system with SimCity. This software offers a fantastic way to learn about urban planning, while viewing many of the principles of complexity in action. Plus, it's a blast!