Transdisciplinary environments of learning: an initial proposal

Over the past decade, we have developed and implemented a simpler Design Science Research (DSR) approach for undergraduate and graduate courses in Administration, Information Science, and Architecture, exploring the potential of transdisciplinary learning environments in both the academic and professional spheres. We have named this approach Transdisciplinary Environments of Learning (TEL) and it is based upon the concept of a complex, presented by Bogdanov – a Russian philosopher highly concerned with the “language of science”. This paper presents the foundational concepts of TEL, a proposed methodology composed of two artifacts: TELsteps and TELdict. The first one, adapted from DSR, provides a structured approach to the design and implementation of TEL, and has four steps: (1) defining the goal, (2) developing the artifact, (3) validating its efficacy, and (4) disseminating the knowledge created. TELdict offers an initial lexicon of relevant terms, concepts, and definitions: abstraction, analogy, artifact, diagram, generalization, informational complex, inner environment, methodological procedure, outer environment, and research methodology. Together, these two artifacts offer an integrated and comprehensive approach to address two major issues faced when establishing a transdisciplinary environment: methodology and language. For TEL, it is not required for the domains to change their methodology, but rather to analyze their results using a common methodology and language. This paper explores the initial concepts of TEL and provides basic steps for facilitating the creation of knowledge among diverse areas. Future research will further investigate and discuss these concepts in greater detail. Ongoing research at LATACI® Research Institute is developing the Relational Model of Informational Complexes (RMIC), exploring rules for diagram design.