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Wrapping Up the Wicked Problem Project

Several weeks ago I introduced you to my Wicked Problem Project (WPP) via a few blog posts:

I understand that you may not have time to catch up, so I will simply say that my WPP attempts to answer this question:

“Will an online format for our program’s documents, forms, and evaluations, benefit the program, and how will it be implemented?”

(I recommend reading this short blog post to quickly explain what type of educational environment this project is dealing with, before reading on.)

Now, there are plenty of academic programs around as well as lots of academic researchers, so, considering this, I spent some time searching for peer-reviewed articles to help provide some background information. Here is what I found (and, in case you wonder, the highlight colors on the articles were simply me separating items that were in close proximity):


My research proved very useful. It validated my “why” question about why I assume using more online technologies will actually benefit the program. It also showed me some trouble areas to avoid moving forward.

Next, I sent out a 10-question survey to gather feedback from colleagues involved in the administration of the program. It consisted of nine multiple-choice questions pertaining to various aspects of moving paperwork online and one optional text-entry question that asked, “Do you have any comments in general, or comments on any items in the program you think could be improved upon with the use of online technologies in the medical dosimetry educational program?” Rather than showing you all ten questions, here is one of the multiple-choice questions to give you an idea of the survey:

All respondents had similar answers!

I was able to look at the survey results and see quickly that everyone chose similar ratings for eight of the nine multiple-choice questions. Additionally, I looked at how many data points were related to moving things online and whether it showed an overall agreement among respondents to move paperwork online. (For example, if Question 1 asked, “Should we move evaluations to an online format?” and four of the respondents chose “agree” or “strongly agree,” that counts as four responses in favor of moving online. Lastly, any text-entry response that had to do with moving things online also counted.) In total, there were 43 unique responses and below is a summary of how many of those data points were in favor, neutral, or against moving our program’s paperwork online. The question topics are summarized as well.

The one question that had differing responses seemed to clearly reflect each respondent’s personal experiences with program paperwork, which is different for each person and likely based on their role within the program:

Respondents differed quite drastically on this question!

Aside from the above results, there was one key observation I noted from the text-entry responses; one which I was not expecting at all. That observation was simply that this problem truly is, wicked.

One respondent commented on the desire to “revamp” the way the ENTIRE program is delivered. Oy. (Although I may not agree 100% with that opinion, it will nonetheless have to be discussed at our next program officials meeting.) The reasons the person gave had to do with increasing students’ proficiency in planning. I have also desired to improve the program in this regard. From my perspective, it seems the program has a need for expanded curriculum because new technologies have emerged while old technologies still remain in use, which has led to the students’ need for more time learning and not necessarily a change in how the program is delivered. Clearly, there is still room for improvement that goes beyond the program’s paperwork, emphasizing the wicked nature of this ever-changing beast. And funny thing, about a year ago, before I ever learned about the term “wicked problem,” I had come to the realization that as long as an educational program exists, there will always be a need for changes, updates, and ongoing effort. After all, anything worthwhile does not come easy, right?

So what next? Solutions!


In conclusion, I have learned a lot in the last six weeks and am excited to see the benefits to moving our program’s documents online as we take one more step toward solving this Wicked Problem.

References

Gill, S. L. (2020, April 19). [Digital image, screen capture]. Retrieved from https://www.surveymonkey.com/analyze/RWnbEIlc4Qe0z7_2BrLSqBB621rEne6PGOKehOMJ5m8nHTn8KpWwn93TaRJl5E7RfT
Gill, S. L. (2020, April 19). [Digital image]. Retrieved from https://create.piktochart.com/infographic/editor/1659
Gill, S. L. (2020, April 19). Research summary video. [Motion picture]. Retrieved from https://youtu.be/H48CkQtHWss
Gill, S. L. (2020, May 2). WPP solutions. [Powerpoint Presentation]. Retrieved from https://youtu.be/YKtF8hPDOhM

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