Envisioning Scenarios. A Simulator to Develop Systemic Thinking in Higher Education Students

Abstract

Systemic Thinking is a core competence for higher education students, as it enables them to address present and future development challenges. It involves cognitive abilities related to integrative thinking and the recognition of interconnections among elements of reality. This competence also influences the capacity to envision alternative scenarios and to anticipate the consequences of prioritizing certain actions over others in specific contexts. The Systemic Thinking Simulator was designed and developed to support undergraduate students in decision-making processes, helping them understand the impact of their choices within a fictional scenario. The design process was initially supported by ChatGPT (Open AI) and was subsequently developed as an open educational resource. The Systemic Thinking Simulator was tested with a group of undergraduate students to gather their perceptions regarding its suitability as a learning tool. The findings of this study highlight the benefits of using GenAI tools in the design of educational resources, particularly in terms of reduced development time and cost, as well as their potential to expand the diversity of learning media for fostering relevant competencies in higher education.