Do you want to think about the future with more creativity and optimism? Do you want to see what’s coming faster, so you can be better prepared for disruptions and more in control of your future? Do you want to get better at changing what’s possible today – in your company, your industry, your community, and in your own life?
Ready, Set, Future! Introduction to Futures Thinking
Ready, Set, Future! Introduction to Futures Thinking
This course is part of Futures Thinking Specialization
Instructor: Jane McGonigal
49,605 already enrolled
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Gain insight into a topic and learn the fundamentals.
4.8
(1,249 reviews)
Beginner level
Recommended experience
Flexible schedule
Approx. 11 hours
Learn at your own pace
97%
Most learners liked this course
What you'll learn
Define futures thinking and give examples of futures projects
Collect and analyze signals of change
Identify historical change in the past to predict new changes in the future
Learn how to avoid future shock - and help others avoid it, too!
Skills you'll gain
Details to know
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Assessments
8 assignments
Taught in English
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This course is part of the Futures Thinking Specialization
When you enroll in this course, you'll also be enrolled in this Specialization.
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- Gain a foundational understanding of a subject or tool
- Develop job-relevant skills with hands-on projects
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There are 4 modules in this course
The adventure begins! This week, you'll meet some professional futurists and learn: What is futures thinking? What are the benefits of futures thinking? Who hires futurists, and where can you put your new skills to use? By the end of this week, you'll be ready to choose your own future topics to explore throughout the rest of this course.
What's included
9 videos7 readings3 assignments1 peer review2 discussion prompts
This week, you'll learn how to collect and work with signals of change. Signals are the most important "raw material" of futures thinking. First, we'll show you some of our favorite signals and how we found them. Then, it's your turn: Collect and analyze signals related to your own future topic.
What's included
7 videos2 readings2 assignments1 peer review1 discussion prompt
It's time to strengthen your futures thinking skills by thinking about the past. It sounds strange, but to be a good futurist, you have to be a good historian as well! This week, you'll learn how to use our most powerful tool for "looking back to look forward."
What's included
3 videos4 readings1 assignment1 peer review1 discussion prompt
This week, you'll learn: What are the four different types of futures thinking, and when should you use each type? You'll also try out a fun futures thinking tool: the "Future Four-Square" game. This tool will help you dig deeper on your own future topic.... whatever you're interested in exploring the future of! Finally, get ready to help a friend or colleague think about the future. After all, the best way to learn something new is to teach someone else!
What's included
7 videos4 readings2 assignments1 peer review2 discussion prompts
Instructor
Instructor ratings
4.9 (481 ratings)Offered by
Recommended if you're interested in Business Essentials
University of Michigan
University of Virginia
Starweaver
Fundação Instituto de Administração
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Frequently asked questions
Access to lectures and assignments depends on your type of enrollment. If you take a course in audit mode, you will be able to see most course materials for free. To access graded assignments and to earn a Certificate, you will need to purchase the Certificate experience, during or after your audit. If you don't see the audit option:
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