TOWARD SUSTAINABLE WATER GOVERNANCE THROUGH DIGITAL TECHNOLOGY: THE POTENTIAL OF VIRTUAL LEARNING PLATFORMS WIETSKE MEDEMA - MCGILL UNIVERSITY

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1 TOWARD SUSTAINABLE WATER GOVERNANCE THROUGH DIGITAL TECHNOLOGY: THE POTENTIAL OF VIRTUAL LEARNING PLATFORMS WIETSKE MEDEMA - MCGILL UNIVERSITY

2 Importance of Multi-Loop Social Learning for Sustainable Water Governance What is Multi-Loop Social Learning? A Process for Managing Social Change Drivers for multi-loop social learning The Potential of Virtual Learning Platforms

3 I M P O R TA N C E O F M U LT I - L O O P S O C I A L L E A R N I N G

4 Addressing Increasing Complexity and Uncertainty Understanding Change in Multi-Level Governance Regimes Ongoing Reflection on Objectives, Actions, Outcomes and the Collaborative Process Collective Knowledge Creation and Distribution Transformative Planning and Management Ensuring Impact from Collaborative Efforts

5 W H AT I S M U LT I - L O O P S O C I A L L E A R N I N G?

6 Reflexive and Iterative process that including a series of learning cycles Single Loop - Following the Rules Double Loop - Breaking the Rules Triple Loop - Reflect and Reconsider In context of Sustainable Governance, Multi- Loop SL may include Changes to Practices, Behaviors, Institutions Transition of Actor and Social networks - changing boundaries and power structures Mostly Single Loop Learning in context of Sustainable Water Governance

7 A PROCESS FOR MANAGING SOCIAL CHANGE

8 Sustainable Water Governance requires a transformational change in current regimes Effective change processes build shared understanding and collective learning Four Change Factors: Content Factors External and Internal Context factors Process Factors Individual Attributes

9 D R I V E R S F O R M U LT I - L O O P S O C I A L L E A R N I N G

10 In-Depth literature review of recent empirical research Drivers Identified through a review of recent empirical studies on Sustainable Water Governance through Multi- Loop Social Learning Processes Framework for Effective facilitation of Double and Triple- Loop Social Learning

11 Content Factors - What is Being Changed? Transition to sustainable governance requires transformational change Involves a Shift in beliefs and assumptions In reality this shift has been more incremental - Step by Step movement More attention to policy development than implementation - Evidence points to Top-Down approach

12 Context Factors - Why is Change Successful or Not? External Context Factors: Crisis Events or Periods of Abrupt change Political Support and Buy-In Supportive Legislative Changes Internal Context Factors Horizontal (scales) and vertical (levels) integrated cooperation structures Innovative learning partnerships Commitment to ongoing learning

13 Process Factors - How is Change Implemented? Intentional Approach to Learning Actively Promote Learning and Reflection Collaboration and Negotiation Must embrace possible conflicts Open and Innovative Discourse Important to Provide a democratic space to avoid entrenchment and bargaining rather than collaboration and learning

14 Individual Attributes - Who is Involved and Effects the Change Process? Individuals and their attributes form the basis through which change processes are manifested. Important Drivers to Social Learning regarding individual attributes are related to building: Capability for Critical Self-Reflection Shared ecological understanding and awareness Positive relationships and trust Repeated interactions and open dialogue

15 T H E P O T E N T I A L O F V I R T U A L L E A R N I N G P L AT F O R M S

16 Potential of Virtual Learning Platforms in Facilitating Multi-Loop Social Learning In addition to and in support of more common/ traditional in-person interactions Use of such Digital Technology and online and interactive learning platforms (e.g. social media, serious games, sophisticated computerized simulations, 3D engines and virtual worlds) Virtual learning platforms provide a space conducive to social learning a forum to learn how to innovate and adapt to social-environmental conditions Can provide a compelling, virtual environment conducive to social learning Areas of potential of virtual learning platforms to support multi-loop social learning What areas virtual learning platforms have the potential to help learning and interaction Findings based on thorough Literature Review

17 Research and Analysis Design Innovative and Alternative Solutions to Sustainability Issues Provide Strategic Directions Foster Conflict Mediation and Build Consensus Facilitate Virtual Consultation Forums Clarify Values and Arguments Enable Development and Sharing of New Knowledge Build New Skills and Capacities

18 Many Examples in Non-Water Sectors of of the Adoption of Advanced Technology to Foster Interactive Learning Education, Military, Health Sectors with Examples such as Bohemia Interactive s VBS2 platform, Triage Trainer, Pulse!, 3DiTeams Few Examples in Water Sector Focusing Mostly on Building Awareness and Developing Shared Understanding Aqua Republica, CauxOperation and the UVA Bay Game Most in Water Sector adapt a multi-player role-playgame (RPG) format Vary in terms of their adoption of digital technologies, immersiveness and realism Some efforts have involved stakeholders directly in the design of the tool, others have only involved users in the end-stage game play Potential of virtual learning platforms to design and construct unique immersive and risk-free environments in which learners actively create and interact!