We may earn an affiliate commission when you visit our partners.
Course image
Jane McGonigal

For many people, the future comes as a surprise – or even a shock. But with strong forecasting skills, YOU can avoid future shock. You can adapt faster, and become better prepared to benefit from change.

In this course, you’ll build your future forecasting skills. You'll learn how to turn groups of "signals" (clues about the future) and "drivers" (global forces that influence the direction of change) into compelling future forecasts. Forecasts help you discover new possibilities and opportunities for yourself, your company, or any community you want to inspire to make a better future.

Read more

For many people, the future comes as a surprise – or even a shock. But with strong forecasting skills, YOU can avoid future shock. You can adapt faster, and become better prepared to benefit from change.

In this course, you’ll build your future forecasting skills. You'll learn how to turn groups of "signals" (clues about the future) and "drivers" (global forces that influence the direction of change) into compelling future forecasts. Forecasts help you discover new possibilities and opportunities for yourself, your company, or any community you want to inspire to make a better future.

You'll also learn how to write future scenarios. Scenarios take forecasts one step further. They spark imagination and tell a story about what might happen if a forecast comes true. Scenarios help you evaluate: Is this a future I'm ready for? Is this a future I want?

Leading futurists from the Institute for the Future will show you exactly how it's done. They'll share with you the forecasts and scenarios they’re most excited about right now, and walk you through the key steps they took to create them. Then, it's your turn! You'll create a forecast and a scenario on any future topic you choose.

How will you benefit from taking this course? With strong forecasting skills, you'll get better at seeing the future before it happens. You'll be ready to consider possibilities that others never see coming or refuse to accept. You'll be able to help others prepare for and adapt to the future. You can decide which futures you want to make more likely, and which futures you want to prevent.

Many thanks to the Enlight Foundation and the Enlight Collaborative, which provided a grant to support the creation of this course.

Enroll now

What's inside

Syllabus

Introduction to Future Forecasting
Welcome to our journey to the future! This week, you'll learn the basics: What's a future forecast? What makes a forecast good? What kind of data should I use to make my forecasts? By the end of the week, you'll be ready to analyze "drivers of change", and make your own first, tiny future forecast.
Read more
How to Create a Future Forecast
You've got the forecasting basics down. Now it's time to play and experiment with bigger ideas! This week, you'll take a look at some of the Institute for the Future's most interesting recent forecasts. Then, you'll practice combining signals and drivers of change to reveal your own surprising possibilities.
How to Write a Future Scenario
You've forecast the future! Now what? This week, you'll learn how to write scenarios. A scenario takes your forecast one step further. It tells a story about what might happen IF your forecast comes true. A scenario will help YOU evaluate: Am I ready for this future? Is this a future I want? Scenarios are fun. Let's go explore some!
How to Update Your Forecasts
What happens if your forecast is wrong? What happens when a scenario you wrote actually comes true? This week, you'll learn how to update your forecasts and rethink your scenarios. With these techniques, you can make sure you're never "stuck" with old ways of thinking about possible futures.

Good to know

Know what's good
, what to watch for
, and possible dealbreakers
Develops forecasting and scenario-writing skills, which are useful for professionals in any field
Taught by instructors from the Institute for the Future, who are recognized for their work in foresight
Examines future forecasting, which is a skill that is useful for professionals in a variety of fields, including business, government, and nonprofits
Students will have the opportunity to create their own forecast and scenario, providing them with hands-on experience in this skill
Students will learn how to turn groups of "signals" (clues about the future) and "drivers" (global forces that influence the direction of change) into compelling future forecasts

Save this course

Save Forecasting Skills: See the Future Before it Happens to your list so you can find it easily later:
Save

Reviews summary

Highly rated forecasting course

Learners say that Forecasting Skills: See the Future Before it Happens is a largely positive well taught course. It develops creativity, provides a good basic overview of future thinking, and gives concrete tools to think, converse, and act. Learners enjoyed the engaging assignments and found the readings superb. They note that the emphasis on technology is a bit heavy and that some of the lessons are similar to the introduction course. Overall, learners say that it is a great course that they highly recommend.
The readings are superb and insightful.
"Reading material in the course is superb and the instructor appears to be effortless and so thoughtful in the way she brings the students along with her."
Provides tools and skills to forecast the future accurately.
"I would totally recommend it as a jouryne to futures thinking, worth it!"
Develops creativity and open mindedness.
"well oriented course and a lot of knowledges you could apply on reality thank you so much and God Bless"
"Another excellent course in the Futures Thinking specialisation. I am looking forward to completing all five."
Some lessons are similar to the introduction course.
"This course is great, very interesting and Jane McGonigal is an amazing teacher, even though some of the lessons are similar to the introduction course."
There is a heavy emphasis on technology.
"Great, practical course. So interesting and useful to see the forecasts for 2021 that were created ten years earlier. That really helped illustrate how this process is meant to work. I still find the emphasis on technology a bit heavy. It's certainly a major driver of change, but not the only one!"

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 Forecasting Skills: See the Future Before it Happens with these activities:
Organize and Review Course Materials
Helps strengthen understanding and retention of course content by organizing and reviewing notes, assignments, and other materials.
Show steps
  • Gather all course materials, including notes, assignments, quizzes, and exams.
  • Review and organize materials, filling in any gaps or clarifying concepts.
  • Create a system for easy access and retrieval of materials.
Review the Course Syllabus
Understanding the course layout and requirements will help you succeed in this course.
Show steps
  • Locate the course syllabus and download a copy.
  • Carefully read and make note of key dates, assignments, and grading policies.
  • Research any required textbooks or materials to ensure you have proper resources.
Compile your notes and materials
Ensure you have a well-organized and easily accessible repository of your notes and materials for the entire course.
Browse courses on Note-Taking
Show steps
  • Gather all of your notes, assignments, and other materials.
  • Organize them by topic or chronologically.
  • Create a system for easy retrieval.
  • Review your materials regularly.
18 other activities
Expand to see all activities and additional details
Show all 21 activities
Watch videos and tutorials on future forecasting
Broaden your understanding of future forecasting techniques and best practices.
Browse courses on Future Forecasting
Show steps
  • Search for videos and tutorials on future forecasting.
  • Watch the videos and take notes on the key concepts.
Practice Identifying Signals and Drivers
Refining your ability to identify signals and drivers is crucial for accurate forecasting.
Browse courses on Signals
Show steps
  • Review the materials on signals and drivers provided in the course.
  • Find real-world examples of signals and drivers in various industries or sectors.
  • Practice distinguishing between signals and drivers using online resources or case studies.
  • Share your findings and analysis with classmates or colleagues for feedback.
Analyze Historical Trends and Patterns
Develops the ability to identify and interpret trends and patterns in historical data, providing a foundation for future forecasting.
Browse courses on Time Series Analysis
Show steps
  • Choose a specific industry, market, or topic of interest.
  • Gather historical data from credible sources.
  • Plot the data and visually analyze trends and patterns.
  • Use statistical techniques to identify significant trends and patterns.
Attend a Forecasting Meetup or Conference
Networking with professionals in the field will help you expand your knowledge and gain valuable insights.
Show steps
  • Identify industry events or conferences focused on forecasting.
  • Attend the event and actively participate in discussions.
  • Connect with experts and practitioners in the forecasting field.
  • Share your knowledge and learn from others.
Read Sapiens: A Brief History of Humankind
Gain a comprehensive understanding of the history of human civilization and how it has shaped our present-day society.
Show steps
  • Read the book.
  • Take notes on the key concepts and ideas.
  • Write a summary of the book.
  • Discuss the book with other students.
Read The Future of Humanity
Gain insights from a renowned futurist on the potential trajectories of human civilization.
Show steps
  • Read the book.
  • Summarize the key ideas.
  • Consider the implications for the future of humanity.
  • Discuss with others.
Read 'Superforecasting: The Art and Science of Prediction'
Provides a comprehensive overview of forecasting techniques and principles, and introduces real-world case studies.
Show steps
  • Read the book chapters in order, taking notes on key concepts and examples.
  • Complete the end-of-chapter exercises to test your understanding.
  • Discuss the book with classmates or colleagues to exchange insights.
Attend a Workshop on Forecasting Techniques
Provides an opportunity to learn from experts and network with professionals in the field of forecasting.
Browse courses on Forecasting
Show steps
  • Research and identify relevant workshops.
  • Register for and attend the workshop.
  • активно вовлечься, задавать questions, and participate in discussions.
  • Follow up with experts and attendees after the workshop.
Start a Forecast Journal
Keeping a journal for practicing and refining forecasting techniques at your own pace will help you improve your forecasting skills over time.
Show steps
  • Choose a notebook or digital tool for your journal.
  • Identify a topic or subject that you want to forecast.
  • Collect data and information related to your topic.
  • Analyze the data and identify any potential signals or drivers that may influence the future.
  • Make a forecast and justify your reasoning in your journal.
  • Regularly review and update your forecast as new information becomes available.
Practice identifying future signals and drivers
Enhance your ability to identify and analyze the signals and drivers that will shape the future.
Browse courses on Future Forecasting
Show steps
  • Find a news article or blog post that discusses a potential future trend.
  • Identify the key signals and drivers that are mentioned in the article.
  • Write a brief summary of your findings.
Discuss future forecasts and scenarios with other students
Share your ideas and learn from others to expand your perspectives on future possibilities.
Browse courses on Collaboration
Show steps
  • Find a study buddy or group.
  • Discuss your forecasts and scenarios with each other.
  • Consider different perspectives and challenge your assumptions.
Guided Tutorial: Scenario Planning
This tutorial will introduce you to scenario planning, a powerful technique for exploring possible futures.
Browse courses on Scenario Planning
Show steps
  • Find an online tutorial or workshop on scenario planning.
  • Follow the steps outlined in the tutorial to develop a scenario for a topic of your choice.
  • Share your scenario with others and discuss its implications.
Develop a future forecast for a specific industry or topic
Apply your forecasting skills to a real-world scenario and develop a comprehensive forecast for a specific industry or topic.
Browse courses on Future Forecasting
Show steps
  • Choose an industry or topic that interests you.
  • Research the current state of the industry or topic.
  • Identify potential future trends and drivers of change.
  • Develop a forecast for the future of the industry or topic.
Create a Forecast and Scenario for a Chosen Topic
Provides hands-on experience in applying forecasting techniques and creating scenarios to explore possible futures.
Browse courses on Forecasting
Show steps
  • Select a specific topic or issue that interests you.
  • Identify and analyze relevant drivers of change.
  • Develop a set of forecasts and scenarios.
  • Evaluate and present your forecasts and scenarios.
Create a future scenario based on your forecasts
Develop your creative thinking skills and explore the potential implications of your forecasts.
Browse courses on Future Scenarios
Show steps
  • Develop a forecast for the future of this topic.
  • Choose a topic that you are interested in.
  • Write a narrative that describes what the future would be like if your forecast came true.
Design a Forecasting Tool
Develops technical skills in using machine learning and data visualization techniques to build forecasting tools.
Browse courses on Forecasting
Show steps
  • Identify the target audience and specific forecasting needs.
  • Research and select appropriate machine learning models.
  • Design and implement the forecasting tool.
  • Validate and test the accuracy of the tool.
  • Develop user documentation and training materials.
Create a Forecasting Model
Developing a forecasting model will provide you with hands-on experience in applying forecasting techniques.
Browse courses on Forecasting Models
Show steps
  • Choose a forecasting method that is appropriate for your dataset.
  • Collect and clean the necessary data.
  • Build and train your forecasting model using statistical software or tools.
  • Evaluate the performance of your model.
  • Use your model to make predictions and analyze potential outcomes.
Contribute to the Foresight Institute
Apply your knowledge by contributing to a real-world project focused on long-term future forecasting.
Browse courses on Open Source
Show steps
  • Visit the Foresight Institute website.
  • Explore their projects and find one that interests you.
  • Contact the project lead and offer your help.

Career center

Learners who complete Forecasting Skills: See the Future Before it Happens will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:
Trend Analyst
Trend Analysts study trends and make predictions about how they will affect the future. They use their knowledge to help organizations and individuals prepare for the future. The Forecasting Skills: See the Future Before it Happens course can be useful for Trend Analysts because it can help them develop the skills needed to forecast future trends. This can help them make better predictions about the future and help them prepare for it.
Product Manager
Product Managers are responsible for the development and marketing of new products. They use their knowledge of the market to identify and develop products that meet the needs of consumers. The Forecasting Skills: See the Future Before it Happens course can be useful for Product Managers because it can help them develop the skills needed to forecast future trends. This can help them identify and develop products that meet the needs of consumers in the future.
Consultant
Consultants help organizations identify and solve problems. They provide expertise and advice in a variety of areas, including strategy, operations, and technology. The Forecasting Skills: See the Future Before it Happens course can be useful for Consultants because it can help them develop the skills needed to identify and forecast future trends. This can help them provide better advice to their clients and help them make better decisions.
Risk Manager
Risk Managers identify and assess risks that could affect an organization. They develop and implement plans to mitigate these risks. The Forecasting Skills: See the Future Before it Happens course can be useful for Risk Managers because it can help them develop the skills needed to forecast future trends. This can help them identify and assess risks that could affect an organization in the future and develop better plans to mitigate these risks.
Policy Analyst
Policy Analysts study public policy and make recommendations on how to improve it. They use their knowledge to help governments make better decisions. The Forecasting Skills: See the Future Before it Happens course can be useful for Policy Analysts because it can help them develop the skills needed to forecast future trends. This can help them make better recommendations on how to improve public policy.
Economist
Economists study how economies work and how they are affected by different factors. They use their knowledge to make predictions about the future of the economy. The Forecasting Skills: See the Future Before it Happens course can be useful for Economists because it can help them develop the skills needed to forecast economic trends. This can help them make better predictions about the future of the economy and help them make better decisions.
Market Researcher
Market Researchers study the market to understand what consumers want and need. They use their knowledge to help businesses develop new products and services. The Forecasting Skills: See the Future Before it Happens course can be useful for Market Researchers because it can help them develop the skills needed to forecast future trends. This can help them better understand what consumers will want and need in the future and help them develop better products and services.
Strategic Planner
Strategic Planners develop and implement long-term plans for organizations. They use their knowledge of the future to help organizations achieve their goals. The Forecasting Skills: See the Future Before it Happens course can be useful for Strategic Planners because it can help them develop the skills needed to forecast future trends. This can help them develop better long-term plans for organizations.
Statistician
Statisticians collect, analyze, and interpret data. They use their knowledge to make predictions about the future. The Forecasting Skills: See the Future Before it Happens course can be useful for Statisticians because it can help them develop the skills needed to forecast future trends. This can help them make better predictions about the future and help them make better decisions.
Venture Capitalist
Venture Capitalists invest in new businesses. They use their knowledge of the future to identify businesses that have the potential to succeed. The Forecasting Skills: See the Future Before it Happens course may be useful for Venture Capitalists because it can help them develop the skills needed to forecast future trends. This can help them identify businesses that have the potential to succeed in the future.
Technology Futurist
Technology Futurists study the future of technology and make predictions about how it will affect society. They use their knowledge to help organizations and individuals prepare for the future. The Forecasting Skills: See the Future Before it Happens course may be useful for Technology Futurists because it can help them develop the skills needed to forecast future trends. This can help them make better predictions about the future of technology and help them prepare for it.
Futurist
Futurists study the future and make predictions about what it will be like. They use their knowledge to help organizations and individuals prepare for the future. The Forecasting Skills: See the Future Before it Happens course may be useful for Futurists because it can help them develop the skills needed to forecast future trends. This can help them make better predictions about the future and help them prepare for it.
Writer
Writers create written content for a variety of purposes, including news, marketing, and entertainment. The Forecasting Skills: See the Future Before it Happens course may be useful for Writers because it can help them develop the skills needed to forecast future trends. This can help them create more informed and insightful content.
Journalist
Journalists report on current events and trends. The Forecasting Skills: See the Future Before it Happens course may be useful for Journalists because it can help them develop the skills needed to forecast future trends. This can help them report on current events and trends in a more informed and insightful way.
Teacher
Teachers educate students in a variety of subjects. The Forecasting Skills: See the Future Before it Happens course may be useful for Teachers because it can help them develop the skills needed to forecast future trends. This can help them prepare their students for the future.

Reading list

We've selected 12 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 Forecasting Skills: See the Future Before it Happens.
Focuses on what the future of the internet will be. It brings together thought leaders from various backgrounds to provide their insights on the future of the internet. This book is valuable as additional reading.
Explores ten major trends that are shaping our world, from the rise of the global economy to the aging of the population. It provides a valuable overview of the forces that are driving change and offers insights into how we can prepare for the future.
Examines the future of the internet and the challenges that it faces, such as the rise of surveillance and the spread of misinformation. It provides a thought-provoking analysis of the issues that we need to address in order to ensure that the internet remains a force for good.
Provides advice for entrepreneurs on how to build a successful startup. It focuses on the importance of finding a unique market opportunity and building a strong team. This book useful reference tool.
Provides advice for entrepreneurs on how to overcome the challenges of building a successful startup. It covers topics such as hiring, firing, fundraising, and product development. This book is commonly used as a textbook.
Provides a framework for developing good strategy. It focuses on the importance of clarity, focus, and alignment. This book is commonly used as a textbook.
Provides a framework for building learning organizations. It focuses on the importance of systems thinking, collaboration, and continuous improvement. This book is commonly used as a textbook.
Provides a practical guide to building and launching successful startups. It emphasizes the importance of testing ideas quickly and cheaply, and iterating on them based on feedback from customers.
Identifies ten trends that will shape our future. It provides insights into the forces that are driving change and how we can prepare for them. This book is valuable as background reading.
Provides a step-by-step guide for building a successful startup. It focuses on the importance of testing ideas quickly and cheaply, and iterating based on feedback. This book useful reference tool.
Explores the role of uncertainty and randomness in our world. It provides insights into how we can better predict and prepare for unexpected events. This book is valuable as additional reading.
Explains why large companies often fail to innovate. It provides a framework for understanding the challenges of innovation and how to overcome them. This book is valuable as additional reading.

Share

Help others find this course page by sharing it with your friends and followers:

Similar courses

Here are nine courses similar to Forecasting Skills: See the Future Before it Happens.
Simulation Skills: This is Your Brain on the Future
Most relevant
Ready, Set, Future! Introduction to Futures Thinking
Most relevant
Forecasting for Agile Teams
Most relevant
Life After COVID-19: Get Ready for our Post-Pandemic...
Most relevant
Easily Estimate Projects and Products
Most relevant
Urgent Optimism: How to Turn Foresight into Action
Most relevant
Time Series Forecasting with Amazon Forecast
Most relevant
Predictive Analytics for Business Planning: Time-Series...
Collaborative Foresight: How to Game the Future
Our mission

OpenCourser helps millions of learners each year. People visit us to learn workspace skills, ace their exams, and nurture their curiosity.

Our extensive catalog contains over 50,000 courses and twice as many books. Browse by search, by topic, or even by career interests. We'll match you to the right resources quickly.

Find this site helpful? Tell a friend about us.

Affiliate disclosure

We're supported by our community of learners. When you purchase or subscribe to courses and programs or purchase books, we may earn a commission from our partners.

Your purchases help us maintain our catalog and keep our servers humming without ads.

Thank you for supporting OpenCourser.

© 2016 - 2024 OpenCourser