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Creativity, Innovation and Transformation

Dr. Kathryn W. Jablokow, Dr. Armend Tahirsylaj, Dr. Darrell Velegol, and Dr. Jack V. Matson

Our lives are being disrupted by pandemics, global warming, wars, political chaos, and technological innovations.

We must prepare for an unpredictable and unknown future - and this is the goal of the course on Creativity, Innovation, and Transformation (CIT)! CIT is an upgrade of the former Creativity, Innovation and Change (CIC) course, which was last streamlined and updated in 2024.

The course consists of four main Modules/Lessons:

Innovation Toolbox

Creative Diversity

CENTER

Transformation

The course offers unique ways to:

Our lives are being disrupted by pandemics, global warming, wars, political chaos, and technological innovations.

The course consists of four main Modules/Lessons:

Innovation Toolbox

Creative Diversity

CENTER

Transformation

The course offers unique ways to:

Discover our unique creative and innovative nature

Grow our sense of responsibility to ourselves and our community

Transform our inner world into higher moral and ethical states

Appreciate unexpected beauty and deeper meaning in our lives.

Through a blend of rich and fresh perspectives on topics of creativity, innovation, and transformation, the course contributes to making us aware of our unique creative selves and how we can unfold our individuality in a world of disruptions and differences in great need of everyone’s creative, innovative and transformative potential!

Welcome to CIT MOOC!

What's inside

Syllabus

Innovation Toolbox

Welcome to Creativity, Innovation, and Transformation (CIT). CIT requires a unique mindset. In this module, we will introduce you to the CIT mindset and to Intelligent Fast Failure (IFF) as a powerful tool for innovating. First, you will learn how to alter the way your brain works to produce ideas in the process called Mind Warping. Next, you will act to change your life and the world around you by fully using your own uniqueness. Finally, you will do what is considered impossible starting with little or no knowledge and few resources. Easy, right? Try it and see!

Understanding Creative Diversity

Welcome to the world of creative diversity! In this module, you will discover that creativity comes in many different shapes and sizes, each of which is equally important in solving the world’s problems. Specifically, you will learn about four key variables that define and describe creative diversity, including your creative style and your creative level. You will also learn how creative diversity impacts the ideas you generate and how you make use of them, as well as how to recognize and appreciate the creative diversity of others around you.

CENTER Model

In this module, you will learn about the 6 practices of the CENTER model, which stands for Character, Excellence, owNership, Tenacity, Entrepreneurship, and Relationship. Each practice will move you closer to realizing the ideas you are generating and developing using the tools you’ve learned so far! To top things off, you will design your Life Ring with a partner and take your first action steps toward projects and ideas you are passionate about.

Transformation

How do you get from routine living to a transformation path? In this module, you will be introduced to Transformation through a set of concepts such as the importance of play, dynamic tricky mix, dark nights, VUCA, innovation as a moral imperative, and happy accidents. These playful and applicable concepts offer practical ideas in dealing with present and future personal, local, and global challenges.

Good to know

Know what's good

, what to watch for

, and possible dealbreakers

Develops critical thinking as a core skill for navigating the VUCA world and personal growth

Takes a holistic approach that combines innovation, creativity, and transformation to address the needs of the 21st century

Focuses on building practical skills through hands-on exercises and projects, promoting active learning

Leverages a blend of perspectives from experienced instructors with diverse backgrounds in innovation, creativity, and transformation

Provides opportunities for students to connect with a global community of learners and professionals in the field

Emphasizes the importance of ethical decision-making and responsible innovation in a rapidly changing world

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Reviews summary

Engagingly creative and transformative

Learners say this is an engaging, insightful course that transforms the way learners think and create. The course is well received with 90% of reviews rating it as 5 stars. Learners appreciate the practical lessons and assignments that guide them through the learning process. Reviewers remark that the course challenges them to think differently and embrace creativity. The course is praised for its expert instructors and the thought-provoking content. It is highly recommended for those looking to develop their creativity and transform their lives.

Knowledgeable and engaging instructors guide learners through the course.

"Very usefull course, practical, suggestive, transformer and applicable since the first day. Totally recommendable.Thanks to Coursera & Pennsylvania State University."

"I am grateful to the faculty for explaining the concepts in a simple yet effective manner."

"The instructors provide practical lessons and assignments to help improve learners' creativity. All the assignments are interesting."

Course pushes learners to think critically and creatively.

"It actually provides more insight on planning and organisation of ideas based on different working styles, and embracing your own style, yet being open to others."

"I am grateful to the faculty for explaining the concepts in a simple yet effective manner."

"I thoroughly enjoyed this course. The exercises and assignments were thought provoking and also helped me focus on exactly how to take something from the problem to solution stage ."

Course helps learners change their thinking and approach to creativity.

"That's wonderful!! I can learn whatever I need from the best professors. I appreciate you!!Best wishes"

"Good learning. I got opportunity to transform myself in some of my lagging aspects of life."

"This course shows you life under another perspective. Recommended both for a new approach in the workplace and in everyday life!"

Engaging assignments help learners apply creativity principles.

"The exercises and assignments were thought provoking and also helped me focus on exactly how to take something from the problem to solution stage ."

"It's a great course. The instructors provide practical lessons and assignments to help improve learners' creativity. All the assignments are interesting. Highly recommend joining this course."

"I enjoyed the course and the projects given. They are different from the courses that I have taken so far."

Course could benefit from more visuals and variety in content delivery.

"It is more internal and introspective transformation that it is addressed in this course. What can be improved is to provide more techniques (some are mentioned but the is no material to use it) and how to apply them to the work. The supportive documentation could also be improved and be more innovative."

"It actually provides more insight on planning and organisation of ideas based on different working styles, and embracing your own style, yet being open to others. To also learn to observe more and delve deeper into our thoughts. However, I do feel that the lessons could have been made more interesting, e.g. with illustrations/visuals/graphics of examples, or cite stories that are more light-hearted, rather than being voice-heavy and slightly monotonous at times, since this is a course on creativity."

Activities

Be better prepared before your course. Deepen your understanding during and after it. Supplement your coursework and achieve mastery of the topics covered in Creativity, Innovation and Transformation with these activities:

Review specific course topics before class sessions

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Enhance comprehension and retention by reviewing key concepts prior to class, ensuring a solid foundation for active participation and engagement.

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Identify upcoming course topics
Review relevant lecture notes, readings, or other course materials
Summarize key points and concepts
Consider any questions or areas requiring clarification

Organize and review course notes and materials

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Consolidate and reinforce your understanding of course content by organizing and reviewing your notes and materials systematically.

Browse courses on Transformation

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Gather all notes, handouts, and other course materials
Organize materials into logical categories or sections
Review the materials regularly to reinforce your understanding
Identify any gaps in knowledge or areas that require further clarification

Explore online tutorials on creative techniques

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Gain practical knowledge of specific creative techniques through hands-on tutorials, enhancing your understanding and application of course concepts.

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Identify specific creative techniques covered in the course, such as brainstorming or mind mapping
Search for online tutorials that provide step-by-step guidance on these techniques
Follow the tutorials and practice applying the techniques to personal projects or ideas

Four other activities

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Join a study group or discussion forum

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Engage with peers to exchange ideas, challenge perspectives, and deepen your understanding of course concepts through collaborative learning.

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Identify online study groups or discussion forums related to creativity, innovation, or transformation
Join the group and actively participate in discussions
Share your own insights and perspectives, ask questions, and provide feedback to others

Offer mentorship to fellow students

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Enhance your understanding of course concepts by explaining them to others, while also fostering a supportive learning community.

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Identify opportunities to support fellow students who may be struggling with specific concepts
Offer your assistance and provide explanations or guidance
Regularly engage with students to provide ongoing support and encouragement

Develop a personal creativity portfolio

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Showcase your creativity and progress by creating a portfolio that demonstrates your application of course concepts, promoting self-reflection and fostering a sense of accomplishment.

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Gather examples of creative work completed during the course, including sketches, designs, or written pieces
Create a digital or physical portfolio that showcases these works
Reflect on the creative process and document your growth and insights

Participate in open-source projects related to creativity or innovation

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Apply course concepts and contribute to the broader community by participating in open-source projects that foster creativity, innovation, or problem-solving.

Browse courses on Transformation

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Identify open-source projects that align with your interests and course topics
Contribute to the project by suggesting ideas, writing code, or providing feedback
Engage with the project community and learn from others
Document your contributions and reflect on your experiences

Career center

Learners who complete Creativity, Innovation and Transformation will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:

Architect

As an Architect, you are responsible for developing the designs for various buildings and other structures, taking into account both the building's functionality and its aesthetic appeal. The Creativity, Innovation and Transformation course can help you develop the creative and innovative thinking skills needed to design unique and functional structures. The course also covers topics such as project management, which can be helpful for architects who are responsible for overseeing the construction of their designs.

See salaries and explore the career path for Architect

Innovation Consultant

As an Innovation Consultant, you will be responsible for helping organizations develop and implement new ideas and products. The Creativity, Innovation and Transformation course can help you develop the creativity and innovative thinking skills needed to be an effective innovation consultant. The course also covers topics such as idea generation and product development, which are essential for innovation consultants.

See salaries and explore the career path for Innovation Consultant

Design Thinking Facilitator

As a Design Thinking Facilitator, you will be responsible for leading teams through the design thinking process, which is a human-centered approach to problem solving that emphasizes creativity and innovation. The Creativity, Innovation and Transformation course can help you develop the creativity and innovative thinking skills needed to be an effective design thinking facilitator. The course also covers topics such as user research and prototyping, which are essential for design thinking facilitators.

See salaries and explore the career path for Design Thinking Facilitator

Graphic designer

As a Graphic Designer, you will be responsible for creating visual concepts, using computer software or by hand, to communicate ideas that inspire, inform, and captivate consumers. The Creativity, Innovation and Transformation course can help you develop the creativity and innovative thinking skills needed to develop effective visual concepts. The course also covers topics such as color theory and typography, which are essential for graphic designers.

See salaries and explore the career path for Graphic designer

Industrial Designer

As an Industrial Designer, you will be responsible for developing the concepts for manufactured products, taking into account the product's functionality, aesthetics, and usability. The Creativity, Innovation and Transformation course can help you develop the creativity and innovative thinking skills needed to design unique and functional products. The course also covers topics such as ergonomics and materials science, which are essential for industrial designers.

See salaries and explore the career path for Industrial Designer

Creative Director

As a Creative Director, you will be responsible for overseeing the creative direction of a project or campaign, which may involve developing concepts, directing creative teams, and managing budgets. The Creativity, Innovation and Transformation course can help you develop the creativity and innovative thinking skills needed to be an effective creative director. The course also covers topics such as project management and marketing, which are essential for creative directors.

See salaries and explore the career path for Creative Director

Art Director

As an Art Director, you will be responsible for overseeing the visual aspects of a project or campaign, which may involve developing concepts, directing creative teams, and managing budgets. The Creativity, Innovation and Transformation course can help you develop the creativity and innovative thinking skills needed to be an effective art director. The course also covers topics such as graphic design and photography, which are essential for art directors.

See salaries and explore the career path for Art Director

Interior designer

As an Interior Designer, you will be responsible for developing the design concepts for interior spaces, taking into account the space's functionality, aesthetics, and usability. The Creativity, Innovation and Transformation course can help you develop the creativity and innovative thinking skills needed to design unique and functional interior spaces. The course also covers topics such as space planning and lighting design, which are essential for interior designers.

See salaries and explore the career path for Interior designer

UX Designer

As a UX Designer, you will be responsible for designing the user experience for a variety of digital products, which may include websites, mobile apps, and software. The Creativity, Innovation and Transformation course can help you develop the creativity and innovative thinking skills needed to be an effective UX designer. The course also covers topics such as user research and prototyping, which are essential for UX designers.

See salaries and explore the career path for UX Designer

Product Designer

As a Product Designer, you will be responsible for developing the design concepts for physical products, taking into account the product's functionality, aesthetics, and usability. The Creativity, Innovation and Transformation course can help you develop the creativity and innovative thinking skills needed to develop unique and functional products. The course also covers topics such as ergonomics and materials science, which are essential for product designers.

See salaries and explore the career path for Product Designer

Landscape Architect

As a Landscape Architect, you will be responsible for developing the design concepts for outdoor spaces, taking into account the space's functionality, aesthetics, and usability. The Creativity, Innovation and Transformation course can help you develop the creativity and innovative thinking skills needed to design unique and functional outdoor spaces.

See salaries and explore the career path for Landscape Architect

Copywriter

As a Copywriter, you will be responsible for writing persuasive and engaging copy for a variety of media, which may include advertising, marketing, and public relations. The Creativity, Innovation and Transformation course can help you develop the creativity and innovative thinking skills needed to be an effective copywriter. The course also covers topics such as storytelling and persuasive writing, which are essential for copywriters.

See salaries and explore the career path for Copywriter

Set Designer

As a Set Designer, you will be responsible for developing the design concepts for stage sets, taking into account the set's functionality, aesthetics, and usability. The Creativity, Innovation and Transformation course can help you develop the creativity and innovative thinking skills needed to design unique and functional stage sets. The course also covers topics such as space planning and lighting design, which are essential for set designers.

See salaries and explore the career path for Set Designer

Systems Analyst

As a Systems Analyst, you will be responsible for analyzing and designing computer systems, taking into account the system's functionality, efficiency, and usability. The Creativity, Innovation and Transformation course can help you develop the creativity and innovative thinking skills needed to design unique and efficient computer systems. The course also covers topics such as systems analysis and design, which are essential for systems analysts.

See salaries and explore the career path for Systems Analyst

Urban Planner

As an Urban Planner, you will be responsible for developing the plans for the development and use of land in urban areas, taking into account the area's functionality, aesthetics, and sustainability. The Creativity, Innovation and Transformation course can help you develop the creativity and innovative thinking skills needed to design unique and sustainable urban plans. The course also covers topics such as land use planning and transportation planning, which are essential for urban planners.

See salaries and explore the career path for Urban Planner

Reading list

We've selected 13 books that we think will supplement your learning. Use these to develop background knowledge, enrich your coursework, and gain a deeper understanding of the topics covered in Creativity, Innovation and Transformation.

The Disruptive Innovation Set (2 Books)

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Explores the reasons why successful companies can fail when they are confronted with disruptive new technologies. It provides a framework for understanding the challenges of innovation and offers strategies for overcoming them.

Creativity, Innovation and Transformation

What's inside

Syllabus

Good to know

Save this course

Reviews summary

Engagingly creative and transformative

Activities

Career center

Reading list

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