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Jane McGonigal
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?
Read more
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?
Read more
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?
This course will introduce you to the practice of futures thinking, as developed and applied for the past 50 years by the Institute for the Future, a Silicon-Valley-based research and learning group founded in 1968. In this course, you’ll build your understanding of what futures thinking is and what you can do with it. You’ll master essential foresight techniques. You’ll meet some professional futurists. And you’ll choose one or more future topics you want to investigate with your new foresight skills.
This course is for anyone who wants to spot opportunities for innovation and invention faster. You can gain the skills and confidence to help YOU become someone who makes the future, instead of letting the future happen to you.
Many thanks to the Enlight Foundation and the Enlight Collaborative, which provided a grant to support the creation of this course.
Register for this course and see more details by visiting:
OpenCourser.com/course/amkuk2/ready
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What's inside
Syllabus
Welcome to the Future
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.
Read more
Syllabus
Welcome to the Future
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.
Read more
Traffic lights
Traffic lights
Read about what's good
what should give you pause and
possible dealbreakers
Provides foundational skills in futures thinking that are useful in various industries and personal contexts
Suitable for beginners seeking to develop their understanding of futures thinking
Features a practical approach with hands-on exercises to enhance learning
Taught by an instructor recognized for their expertise in futures thinking, Jane McGonigal
May require additional background knowledge or experience to fully grasp concepts
Emphasizes self-directed learning and requires students to choose and investigate their own future topics
Save this course
Create your own learning path.
Save this course to your list so you can find it easily later.
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Reviews summary
Introduction to futures thinking
According to learners, this course offers a highly engaging and transformative introduction to the practice of futures thinking. Students found the concepts fresh and stimulating, providing practical tools and methodologies to think more creatively about the future. Many highlighted the instructor's expertise and engaging delivery as a major positive. The assignments and weekly structure were generally well-received, described as insightful and helpful for applying learned skills. While some noted the course serves as a solid foundation and might require further study for deep expertise, students overwhelmingly reported feeling better equipped to anticipate change and shape their own futures after completing it. Overall, it is seen as a valuable and accessible entry point to a powerful new way of thinking.
An intro course, not an in-depth deep dive.
"While excellent, this is definitely an introductory course and not a deep dive."
"Don't expect to become an expert futurist just from this course alone; it's a starting point."
"You will likely need to explore more advanced resources after this for deeper understanding."
"It provides a good overview but could benefit from more complex examples or case studies."
Excellent starting point for futures thinking.
"It serves as a very good introduction and foundation for understanding futures thinking."
"A solid starting point for anyone curious about this field."
"Provides a clear overview of the basics before diving deeper elsewhere."
"Perfect for beginners looking to grasp the fundamentals."
Instructor is knowledgeable and engaging.
"The instructor is clearly knowledgeable and passionate about the subject."
"Enjoyed the instructor's delivery and insights throughout the modules."
"The teaching style made complex ideas easy to grasp and apply."
"The expert perspective shared by the lecturer was invaluable."
Provides useful methods for thinking about the future.
"It gives you practical tools and methodologies to start thinking about the future more actively."
"I appreciated the specific techniques provided for collecting signals and analyzing trends."
"The tools taught are immediately applicable for personal and professional use."
"Gave me concrete frameworks I can use to approach uncertainty."
Course shifts thinking towards future readiness.
"This course changed the way I think about the future and my role in shaping it."
"I feel more prepared to anticipate potential changes and opportunities."
"It truly helps you become a more active participant in creating your future."
"Opened my eyes to new possibilities and ways of seeing the world."
Students found the material stimulating and fresh.
"This course was fresh and stimulating - something truly different than other courses I have taken."
"The content was unique and highly engaging, providing a new perspective on approaching the future."
"I found the ideas presented here to be truly insightful and sparked a lot of new thoughts for me."
"The course materials and concepts are stimulating and presented in an accessible way."
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 Ready, Set, Future! Introduction to Futures Thinking with these
activities:
Organize and review course materials
Show steps
Deepen your understanding of the course material by organizing and reviewing it regularly.
Browse courses on
Note-Taking
Show steps
-
Gather and compile course notes, assignments, and resources
-
Review the materials regularly and identify areas for further study
Read "Superforecasting"
Show steps
Enhance your understanding of futures thinking, biases, and probabilistic thinking.
View
Superforecasting: The Art and Science of...
on Amazon
Show steps
-
Read the book and take notes on key concepts
-
Summarize the main ideas and implications for futures thinking
Identify a mentor in futures thinking
Show steps
Connect with experienced professionals who can provide guidance and support in your futures thinking journey.
Browse courses on
Mentorship
Show steps
-
Identify potential mentors through your network or online platforms
-
Reach out to mentors and express your interest in learning from them
Five other activities
Expand to see all activities and additional details
Show all eight activities
Contribute to the Futures Thinking Collective
Show steps
Engage with a community of futures thinkers and contribute to the advancement of the field.
Browse courses on
Open Source
Show steps
-
Join the Futures Thinking Collective online community
-
Participate in discussions, share resources, and collaborate on projects
Conduct daily signal scanning
Show steps
Sharpen your ability to identify and analyze signals of change.
Show steps
-
Identify a specific topic or industry to focus on
-
Use online tools and resources to search for relevant signals
-
Analyze the signals and identify patterns
Join a futures thinking discussion group
Show steps
Connect with others who are interested in futures thinking and exchange ideas.
Show steps
-
Join online forums, meetups, or discussion groups
-
Participate in discussions, share insights, and ask questions
Attend a futures thinking workshop
Show steps
Gain practical experience in futures thinking techniques from experts.
Browse courses on
Futures Thinking
Show steps
-
Research and identify relevant futures thinking workshops
-
Attend the workshop and actively participate in exercises and discussions
-
Reflect on the workshop experience and apply the techniques learned
Develop a future scenario
Show steps
Develop your ability to develop and evaluate potential future scenarios.
Browse courses on
Scenario Planning
Show steps
-
Identify a specific future topic or area to focus on
-
Research and gather data on potential trends and drivers of change
-
Develop multiple future scenarios
-
Analyze and evaluate the scenarios to identify potential opportunities and risks
Organize and review course materials
Show steps
Deepen your understanding of the course material by organizing and reviewing it regularly.
Browse courses on
Note-Taking
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Gather and compile course notes, assignments, and resources
- Review the materials regularly and identify areas for further study
Read "Superforecasting"
Show steps
Enhance your understanding of futures thinking, biases, and probabilistic thinking.
View
Superforecasting: The Art and Science of...
on Amazon
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Read the book and take notes on key concepts
- Summarize the main ideas and implications for futures thinking
Identify a mentor in futures thinking
Show steps
Connect with experienced professionals who can provide guidance and support in your futures thinking journey.
Browse courses on
Mentorship
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Identify potential mentors through your network or online platforms
- Reach out to mentors and express your interest in learning from them
Five other activities
Expand to see all activities and additional details
Show all eight activities
Contribute to the Futures Thinking Collective
Show steps
Engage with a community of futures thinkers and contribute to the advancement of the field.
Browse courses on
Open Source
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Join the Futures Thinking Collective online community
- Participate in discussions, share resources, and collaborate on projects
Conduct daily signal scanning
Show steps
Sharpen your ability to identify and analyze signals of change.
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Identify a specific topic or industry to focus on
- Use online tools and resources to search for relevant signals
- Analyze the signals and identify patterns
Join a futures thinking discussion group
Show steps
Connect with others who are interested in futures thinking and exchange ideas.
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Join online forums, meetups, or discussion groups
- Participate in discussions, share insights, and ask questions
Attend a futures thinking workshop
Show steps
Gain practical experience in futures thinking techniques from experts.
Browse courses on
Futures Thinking
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Research and identify relevant futures thinking workshops
- Attend the workshop and actively participate in exercises and discussions
- Reflect on the workshop experience and apply the techniques learned
Develop a future scenario
Show steps
Develop your ability to develop and evaluate potential future scenarios.
Browse courses on
Scenario Planning
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Identify a specific future topic or area to focus on
- Research and gather data on potential trends and drivers of change
- Develop multiple future scenarios
- Analyze and evaluate the scenarios to identify potential opportunities and risks
Career center
Learners who complete Ready, Set, Future! Introduction to Futures Thinking will develop knowledge and skills
that may be useful to these careers:
Futurist
Futurist
Futurists are professionals who specialize in studying and forecasting future trends and developments. The course "Ready, Set, Future! Introduction to Futures Thinking" provides an excellent foundation for aspiring futurists, equipping them with essential foresight techniques and a comprehensive understanding of the futures thinking process. By learning how to gather and analyze data, identify patterns, and develop plausible future scenarios, course takers can develop the skills needed to make informed predictions and help organizations prepare for the challenges and opportunities of the future.
Trend Forecaster
Trend Forecaster
Trend forecasters identify and analyze emerging trends to help businesses and organizations anticipate future changes and make informed decisions. The course "Ready, Set, Future! Introduction to Futures Thinking" provides trend forecasters with a comprehensive overview of the futures thinking process and essential techniques for identifying and evaluating trends. By learning how to gather and analyze data, develop plausible future scenarios, and communicate their findings effectively, course takers can enhance their ability to provide valuable insights and support decision-making.
Innovation Manager
Innovation Manager
Innovation managers are responsible for driving innovation within organizations by identifying and developing new products, services, and processes. The course "Ready, Set, Future! Introduction to Futures Thinking" provides innovation managers with valuable tools and techniques for understanding emerging trends, anticipating future needs, and generating creative ideas. By learning how to think strategically about the future, innovation managers can stay ahead of the competition and develop groundbreaking solutions that meet the evolving demands of the market.
Market Research Analyst
Market Research Analyst
Market research analysts study consumer behavior, market trends, and industry dynamics to provide insights for businesses. The course "Ready, Set, Future! Introduction to Futures Thinking" can enhance the skills of market research analysts by helping them develop a deeper understanding of emerging trends, future challenges, and consumer needs. By learning how to think creatively and strategically about the future, market research analysts can develop more effective research strategies and provide valuable insights that support business growth.
Strategy Consultant
Strategy Consultant
Strategy consultants help organizations develop and implement strategies to achieve their goals and objectives. The course "Ready, Set, Future! Introduction to Futures Thinking" can enhance the skills of strategy consultants by providing them with a deeper understanding of emerging trends, future challenges, and alternative strategic options. By learning how to think creatively and strategically about the future, strategy consultants can develop more effective strategies that help organizations stay ahead of the competition and achieve their long-term goals.
Business Analyst
Business Analyst
Business analysts identify and analyze business needs and develop solutions to improve organizational performance. The course "Ready, Set, Future! Introduction to Futures Thinking" can enhance the skills of business analysts by providing them with a deeper understanding of emerging trends, future challenges, and potential business opportunities. By learning how to think creatively and strategically about the future, business analysts can develop more effective solutions that help organizations adapt to change and achieve their goals.
Management Consultant
Management Consultant
Management consultants help organizations improve their performance by identifying and solving problems, developing strategies, and implementing solutions. The course "Ready, Set, Future! Introduction to Futures Thinking" can enhance the skills of management consultants by providing them with a deeper understanding of emerging trends, future challenges, and alternative management approaches. By learning how to think creatively and strategically about the future, management consultants can develop more effective solutions that help organizations stay ahead of the competition and achieve their goals.
Product Manager
Product Manager
Product managers are responsible for the development and lifecycle management of products and services. The course "Ready, Set, Future! Introduction to Futures Thinking" can enhance the skills of product managers by providing them with a deeper understanding of emerging trends, future consumer needs, and potential product opportunities. By learning how to think creatively and strategically about the future, product managers can develop more successful products that meet the evolving demands of the market.
Corporate Planner
Corporate Planner
Corporate planners develop and implement strategic plans to help organizations achieve their long-term goals. The course "Ready, Set, Future! Introduction to Futures Thinking" can enhance the skills of corporate planners by providing them with a deeper understanding of emerging trends, future challenges, and alternative planning scenarios. By learning how to think creatively and strategically about the future, corporate planners can develop more effective plans that help organizations anticipate change and achieve their objectives.
Policy Analyst
Policy Analyst
Policy analysts develop and evaluate public policies to address social, economic, and environmental issues. The course "Ready, Set, Future! Introduction to Futures Thinking" can enhance the skills of policy analysts by providing them with a deeper understanding of emerging trends, future challenges, and alternative policy options. By learning how to think creatively and strategically about the future, policy analysts can develop more effective and forward-looking policies that address the needs of society.
Research Analyst
Research Analyst
Research analysts gather, analyze, and interpret data to provide insights into market trends, consumer behavior, and industry dynamics. The course "Ready, Set, Future! Introduction to Futures Thinking" can be valuable for research analysts by helping them develop a forward-looking perspective and identify emerging opportunities. By learning how to identify signals of change, explore different future scenarios, and develop research strategies, course takers can enhance their ability to provide valuable insights and support decision-making.
Consultant
Consultant
Consultants use their expertise and analytical skills to help businesses address challenges, make informed decisions, and improve their performance. The course "Ready, Set, Future! Introduction to Futures Thinking" provides a valuable introduction to futures thinking, a methodology that can help consultants develop a deeper understanding of emerging trends, anticipate future challenges, and create innovative solutions. By learning how to identify and analyze signals of change, explore different future scenarios, and develop strategies for shaping the future, course takers can enhance their ability to provide valuable insights and guidance to clients.
Economist
Economist
Economists study the production, distribution, and consumption of goods and services. The course "Ready, Set, Future! Introduction to Futures Thinking" may be useful for economists by providing them with a deeper understanding of emerging trends, future economic challenges, and alternative economic policies. By learning how to think creatively and strategically about the future, economists can develop more effective economic models and provide valuable insights to policymakers and businesses.
Journalist
Journalist
Journalists research, write, and report on current events and issues. The course "Ready, Set, Future! Introduction to Futures Thinking" may be useful for journalists by providing them with a deeper understanding of emerging trends, future challenges, and potential news stories. By learning how to think creatively and strategically about the future, journalists can develop more insightful and forward-looking articles that inform and engage readers.
Teacher
Teacher
Teachers educate students at all levels, from preschool to university. The course "Ready, Set, Future! Introduction to Futures Thinking" may be useful for teachers by providing them with a deeper understanding of emerging trends, future educational challenges, and innovative teaching methods. By learning how to think creatively and strategically about the future, teachers can develop more effective lesson plans and learning experiences that prepare students for the challenges and opportunities of the 21st century.
For more career information including salaries, visit:
OpenCourser.com/course/amkuk2/ready
Reading list
We've selected six 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
Ready, Set, Future! Introduction to Futures Thinking.
Discusses the 12 technological forces that Kelly believes will shape our future, such as artificial intelligence, robotics, and biotechnology.
Explores the accelerating pace of technological change and its implications for various aspects of society. It provides insights into emerging technologies, which aligns well with the course's focus on futures thinking and understanding potential disruptions.
Save
Explores the potential future of humanity, covering topics such as artificial intelligence, genetic engineering, and space exploration.
This classic work provides valuable insights into the challenges faced by established organizations in adapting to disruptive technologies. Its concepts can help learners understand how to navigate uncertain futures and make informed decisions.
Save
Explores the potential risks and benefits of artificial intelligence, and discusses the need for us to develop strategies to ensure that AI is used for good.
Argues that we are on the cusp of a technological singularity, where AI will surpass human intelligence and lead to a new era of human evolution.
For more information about how these books relate to this course, visit:
OpenCourser.com/course/amkuk2/ready
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Rating
4.8
Effort
Approx. 11 hours
Level
Introductory
Via
Coursera
Institution
Institute for the Future
Instructor
Jane McGonigal
Language
English
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This course belongs to a
collection
called
Futures Thinking. It's comprised of five courses:
- Ready, Set, Future! Introduction to Futures Thinking (viewing)
- Simulation Skills: This is Your Brain on the Future
- Forecasting Skills: See the Future Before it Happens
- Collaborative Foresight: How to Game the Future
- Urgent Optimism: How to Turn Foresight into Action
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