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Jane McGonigal
Do you want to learn how to simulate the future more creatively and more effectively? This course is for you.
Read more
Do you want to learn how to simulate the future more creatively and more effectively? This course is for you.
Read more
Do you want to learn how to simulate the future more creatively and more effectively? This course is for you.
Humans are the only living creatures with the ability to think about and make plans for the long- term future. Even so, our brains don’t always make it easy. Over the past decade, scientists have discovered a number of neurological “road blocks” to effective futures thinking. These glitches in the brain make it harder for us to accurately predict how we’ll feel and what we’re likely to do, when a particular future arrives. They lead us to make faulty assumptions about which futures are likely or unlikely to happen. And they convince us we have less power to shape and influence the future than we actually do – leaving us stuck in the present.
In this course, you’ll learn how to overcome these obstacles so you can think about the future more strategically and creatively. You’ll practice simulation techniques for “unsticking” the mind when it comes to seeing what’s possible in the future and accepting how things could be different. You’ll also learn how to lead others through “first-person future” simulations, which have been shown in scientific studies to improve strategy and increase motivation and hope for the future. Along the way, leading futurists from the Institute from the Future will share some of their most challenging forecasts to help you stretch your imagination and improve your simulation skills.
This course will ensure that you can put all of your new forecasting skills to the best possible use, by helping you nudge your brain toward more effective ways of simulating and preparing for the future.
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/drwl8e/simulation
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What's inside
Syllabus
Introduction to Mental Simulation
Welcome to your future! This week, you'll learn the basics of mental simulation. How does the brain try to imagine the future, and what makes it so difficult? You'll practice three techniques for "unsticking" your mind, so you can think more creatively and spot opportunities for innovation faster. Get ready to get to know your brain better!
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Syllabus
Introduction to Mental Simulation
Welcome to your future! This week, you'll learn the basics of mental simulation. How does the brain try to imagine the future, and what makes it so difficult? You'll practice three techniques for "unsticking" your mind, so you can think more creatively and spot opportunities for innovation faster. Get ready to get to know your brain better!
Read more
First-Person Futures
Who will YOU be in the future? It turns out that the most important part of futures thinking is to get to know your future self. What will YOU feel in the future? What will YOU do in the future? Simulating the next decade from YOUR unique point of view is the basis for improved creativity, strategy, and motivation. Let's go spend some time with your future self! (BONUS: The "First Person Creativity" lesson at the end of this module has been updated with an excerpt from Jane McGonigal's 2022 book IMAGINABLE and a new video describing the amazing results from a future pandemic simulation....find out how it accurately predicted hard-to-anticipate events in 2020 and why participants benefited from having imagined, a decade in advance, a future that actually happened.)
Alternative Futures
The best simulations of the future play with multiple possibilities. This week, you'll learn a powerful method for simulating four different versions of the future at the same time. You'll even experiment with simulating 100 different versions of the same future! Let's go stretch and flex your imagination.
Advanced Simulation Topics
You've learned all about mental simulation techniques. But what other kinds of simulation are coming next? This week, you'll explore some innovations in virtual reality, haptics (touch simulation), storytelling and immersive experience design. This is your close-up look at some advanced simulation topics!
Good to know
Good to know
Know what's good ,
what to watch for , and
possible dealbreakers
Helps learners get to know their future selves, which boosts motivation and improves creativity
Covers advanced simulation topics such as virtual reality and haptics, preparing learners for future trends in simulation technology
Uses first-person simulations, which scientific studies have shown to improve strategy and motivation for the future
Taught by Jane McGonigal, who is recognized for her work in game design and future thinking
Provides techniques for overcoming neurological obstacles to effective future thinking
Helps learners overcome mental roadblocks in imagining the future and accepting different possibilities
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Reviews summary
Highly rated and educational
Learners say Simulation Skills: This is Your Brain on the Future is a highly rated course that provides learners with educational tools and concepts. According to students, this course is excellent, amazing, and full of engaging assignments. The main focus of the course is to develop your simulation skills by allowing you to imagine and simulate different possibilities for the future. Many students were impressed with the tools and resources provided to encourage thinking creatively, strategically, and beyond the normal conventions of the present day. An overwhelming number of reviews recommend this course to anyone who is interested in exploring possible futures and developing their imagination and creativity, especially for those interested in innovation and entrepreneurship. Those interested in learning simulation skills will find this course has a lot to offer.
Well presented course with clear explanations.
"This is a course i would recommend to every professional."
"Good course. It has helped me in understanding future thing as a profession."
"The techniques taught really helped me broaden my imagination about the possibilities that future holds."
Thought provoking course that will challenge your assumptions about the future.
"Simulation Skills: This is your Brain on the Future will give you a sense of empowerment for imagining futures in which you want to live."
"Learned several powerful techniques for simulating four different versions of the future at the same time. The course develops imagination, strategic thinking and creativity."
"This course is very informative, it provides information and tools that develop skills that could be used individually and in organizations."
Imaginative tools you can use to explore different futures.
"I am so glad about this course! You are the best, thanks to all talents from Institute for the Future! I really enjoyed all videos, tools and readings."
"This course is very informative, it provides information and tools that develop skills that could be used individually and in organizations."
"This course is very informative, it provides information and tools that develop skills that could be used individually and in organizations."
Highly engaging course that will keep you thinking creatively and strategically.
"This course is very informative, it provides information and tools that develop skills that could be used individually and in organizations."
"Learned several powerful techniques for simulating four different versions of the future at the same time. The course develops imagination, strategic thinking and creativity."
"This course is very informative, it provides information and tools that develop skills that could be used individually and in organizations."
Highly recommended for anyone interested in exploring possible futures.
"I absolutely LOVE this course and specialisation."
"Learned several powerful techniques for simulating four different versions of the future at the same time. The course develops imagination, strategic thinking and creativity."
"This course is very informative, it provides information and tools that develop skills that could be used individually and in organizations."
Too much reading and not enough video teaching.
"Good value for money...but too much reading versus video teaching."
"Good value for money...but too much reading versus video teaching."
"Good value for money...but too much reading versus video teaching."
The quizzes and assignments are too trivial and do not really test understanding.
"Good value for money...but too much reading versus video teaching."
"Good value for money...but too much reading versus video teaching."
"Good value for money...but too much reading versus video teaching."
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 Simulation Skills: This is Your Brain on the Future with these
activities:
Recall Bayesian Probability
Show steps
Sharpen your understanding of Bayesian probability, a fundamental concept in futures thinking.
Browse courses on
Bayes Theorem
Show steps
-
Review notes or textbooks on Bayesian probability.
-
Solve practice problems involving conditional probability and Bayes theorem.
Vision Board for Future
Show steps
Create a visual representation of your imagined future to enhance your simulation skills.
Show steps
-
Gather images, quotes, and other visuals that represent your desired future.
-
Arrange the visuals on a board or digital platform.
-
Reflect on the vision board and write a brief description of your future self.
The Book of Why
Show steps
Delve into causal inference, a crucial aspect of futures thinking, by reading this seminal work.
View
The Book of Why: The New Science of Cause and...
on Amazon
Show steps
-
Read chapters on causal diagrams and counterfactual reasoning.
-
Discuss key concepts with a study partner or online forum.
Four other activities
Expand to see all activities and additional details
Show all seven activities
Simulation Practice
Show steps
Engage in structured simulations to refine your future-thinking abilities.
Show steps
-
Participate in online simulations or role-playing exercises.
-
Analyze the outcomes and identify areas for improvement in your simulation skills.
Attend Futurist Conference
Show steps
Expose yourself to diverse perspectives and cutting-edge insights on future trends.
Show steps
-
Identify and register for relevant futurist conferences.
-
Attend keynote speeches and panel discussions.
-
Network with futurists, researchers, and industry leaders.
Advanced Simulation Techniques
Show steps
Explore innovative methods for simulating the future, such as virtual reality and data visualization.
Show steps
-
Identify online tutorials or workshops on advanced simulation techniques.
-
Follow the tutorials and apply the techniques to your own future simulations.
-
Share your learnings with classmates or colleagues.
Futurist Report
Show steps
Synthesize your learning by creating a comprehensive report on a specific future scenario.
Show steps
-
Research and analyze trends and data relevant to your chosen scenario.
-
Develop a plausible narrative and timeline for the future scenario.
-
Identify potential challenges and opportunities within the scenario.
-
Write and present your futurist report.
Recall Bayesian Probability
Show steps
Sharpen your understanding of Bayesian probability, a fundamental concept in futures thinking.
Browse courses on
Bayes Theorem
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Review notes or textbooks on Bayesian probability.
- Solve practice problems involving conditional probability and Bayes theorem.
Vision Board for Future
Show steps
Create a visual representation of your imagined future to enhance your simulation skills.
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Gather images, quotes, and other visuals that represent your desired future.
- Arrange the visuals on a board or digital platform.
- Reflect on the vision board and write a brief description of your future self.
The Book of Why
Show steps
Delve into causal inference, a crucial aspect of futures thinking, by reading this seminal work.
View
The Book of Why: The New Science of Cause and...
on Amazon
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Read chapters on causal diagrams and counterfactual reasoning.
- Discuss key concepts with a study partner or online forum.
Four other activities
Expand to see all activities and additional details
Show all seven activities
Simulation Practice
Show steps
Engage in structured simulations to refine your future-thinking abilities.
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Participate in online simulations or role-playing exercises.
- Analyze the outcomes and identify areas for improvement in your simulation skills.
Attend Futurist Conference
Show steps
Expose yourself to diverse perspectives and cutting-edge insights on future trends.
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Identify and register for relevant futurist conferences.
- Attend keynote speeches and panel discussions.
- Network with futurists, researchers, and industry leaders.
Advanced Simulation Techniques
Show steps
Explore innovative methods for simulating the future, such as virtual reality and data visualization.
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Identify online tutorials or workshops on advanced simulation techniques.
- Follow the tutorials and apply the techniques to your own future simulations.
- Share your learnings with classmates or colleagues.
Futurist Report
Show steps
Synthesize your learning by creating a comprehensive report on a specific future scenario.
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Research and analyze trends and data relevant to your chosen scenario.
- Develop a plausible narrative and timeline for the future scenario.
- Identify potential challenges and opportunities within the scenario.
- Write and present your futurist report.
Career center
Learners who complete Simulation Skills: This is Your Brain on the Future will develop knowledge and skills
that may be useful to these careers:
Science Writer
Science Writer
This course will help you create more engaging and effective written content that communicates science-based information to a general audience. As a Science Writer, your job is to write articles, blog posts, press releases, and other materials that explain complex scientific concepts in a clear and accessible way. To do this effectively, you need to be able to understand and interpret scientific research, and you need to be able to translate technical information into language that non-experts can understand.
Futurist
Futurist
As a futurist, your job is to help organizations make informed decisions about long-term trends. The skills you will learn in this course will help you scan for emerging trends and technologies, evaluate their potential impact, and develop strategies for adapting to or shaping the future. These skills are valuable for futurists because they allow you to think strategically about the future and make informed recommendations.
Game Designer
Game Designer
This course will help you develop the skills you need to create engaging and immersive simulations. As a game designer, your job is to design and develop games that are fun and challenging. To do this effectively, you need to be able to understand and interpret human behavior, and you need to be able to create scenarios that are realistic and engaging. This course will help you build a foundation in simulation techniques and principles that you can apply to your work as a game designer.
Instructional Designer
Instructional Designer
This course will help you improve your skills in simulating the future and creating learning experiences that are effective and engaging. As an instructional designer, your job is to develop and deliver learning programs that help people learn new skills and knowledge. To do this effectively, you need to be able to understand and interpret learning theories, and you need to be able to create learning experiences that are motivating and effective. The skills you will learn in this course will help you build a foundation in simulation techniques and principles that you can apply to your work as an instructional designer.
Journalist
Journalist
This course will help you develop the skills you need to research and report on complex issues and trends. As a journalist, your job is to inform the public about important events and issues. To do this effectively, you need to be able to gather information from multiple sources, and you need to be able to write clearly and concisely. The skills you will learn in this course will help you build a foundation in simulation techniques and principles that you can apply to your work as a journalist.
Policy Analyst
Policy Analyst
This course will help you develop the skills you need to analyze policy issues and make recommendations for action. As a policy analyst, your job is to help policymakers make informed decisions about complex issues. To do this effectively, you need to be able to gather and analyze data, and you need to be able to write clearly and concisely. The skills you will learn in this course will help you build a foundation in simulation techniques and principles that you can apply to your work as a policy analyst.
Speechwriter
Speechwriter
This course will help you develop the skills you need to write speeches that are persuasive and engaging. As a speechwriter, your job is to write speeches for public officials and other leaders. To do this effectively, you need to be able to understand and interpret your audience, and you need to be able to write in a clear and concise style. The skills you will learn in this course will help you build a foundation in simulation techniques and principles that you can apply to your work as a speechwriter.
Teacher
Teacher
This course will help you develop the skills you need to create and deliver engaging and effective lessons. As a teacher, your job is to help students learn and grow. To do this effectively, you need to be able to understand and interpret learning theories, and you need to be able to create learning experiences that are motivating and effective. The skills you will learn in this course will help you build a foundation in simulation techniques and principles that you can apply to your work as a teacher.
Urban Planner
Urban Planner
This course will help you develop the skills you need to plan and design sustainable and resilient communities. As an urban planner, your job is to plan and design cities and towns. To do this effectively, you need to be able to understand and interpret complex data, and you need to be able to create plans that are both feasible and desirable. The skills you will learn in this course will help you build a foundation in simulation techniques and principles that you can apply to your work as an urban planner.
Marketing Manager
Marketing Manager
This course may help you make more effective marketing campaigns by teaching you how to simulate the future and anticipate customer needs. To do this effectively, you need to be able to understand and interpret market research, and you need to be able to develop marketing campaigns that are targeted and effective. The skills you will learn in this course may help you build a foundation in simulation techniques and principles that you can apply to your work as a marketing manager.
Product Manager
Product Manager
This course may help you make more effective product decisions by teaching you how to simulate the future and anticipate customer needs. To do this effectively, you need to be able to understand and interpret market research, and you need to be able to develop product plans that are both feasible and desirable. The skills you will learn in this course may help you build a foundation in simulation techniques and principles that you can apply to your work as a product manager.
Sales Manager
Sales Manager
This course may help you make more effective sales strategies by teaching you how to simulate the future and anticipate customer needs. To do this effectively, you need to be able to understand and interpret market research, and you need to be able to develop sales strategies that are targeted and effective. The skills you will learn in this course may help you build a foundation in simulation techniques and principles that you can apply to your work as a sales manager.
Business Analyst
Business Analyst
This course may help you make more effective business decisions by teaching you how to simulate the future and anticipate customer needs. To do this effectively, you need to be able to understand and interpret market research, and you need to be able to develop business plans that are both feasible and desirable. The skills you will learn in this course may help you build a foundation in simulation techniques and principles that you can apply to your work as a business analyst.
Financial Analyst
Financial Analyst
This course may help you make more effective financial decisions by teaching you how to simulate the future and anticipate customer needs. To do this effectively, you need to be able to understand and interpret market research, and you need to be able to develop financial plans that are both feasible and desirable. The skills you will learn in this course may help you build a foundation in simulation techniques and principles that you can apply to your work as a financial analyst.
Operations Manager
Operations Manager
This course may help you make more effective operations decisions by teaching you how to simulate the future and anticipate customer needs. To do this effectively, you need to be able to understand and interpret market research, and you need to be able to develop operations plans that are both feasible and desirable. The skills you will learn in this course may help you build a foundation in simulation techniques and principles that you can apply to your work as an operations manager.
For more career information including salaries, visit:
OpenCourser.com/course/drwl8e/simulation
Reading list
We've selected 14 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
Simulation Skills: This is Your Brain on the Future.
Provides a comprehensive overview of the science of forecasting and offers practical advice on how to improve your own forecasting skills. It valuable resource for anyone who wants to learn more about the future and how to prepare for it.
Explores the potential impact of artificial intelligence on society and the human future. It must-read for anyone who wants to understand the challenges and opportunities that AI presents.
Explores the impact of the Fourth Industrial Revolution on society and the economy. It valuable read for anyone who wants to understand the challenges and opportunities that the future of work holds.
Explores the future of humanity and the challenges that we will face in the coming years. It thought-provoking read that will challenge your assumptions about the future and inspire you to think differently about the possibilities.
Save
Explores the future of humanity and the challenges that we will face in the coming years. It thought-provoking read that will challenge your assumptions about the future and inspire you to think differently about the possibilities.
Explores the future of humanity and the challenges that we will face in the coming years. It thought-provoking read that will challenge your assumptions about the future and inspire you to think differently about the possibilities.
Explores the future of work and the impact of technology on the workforce. It valuable read for anyone who wants to understand the challenges and opportunities that the future of work holds.
Explores the future of capitalism and the challenges that it faces. It valuable read for anyone who wants to understand the challenges and opportunities that the future of capitalism holds.
Save
Explores the future of technology and the impact of emulation on society. It thought-provoking read that will challenge your assumptions about the future and inspire you to think differently about the possibilities.
Save
Explores the future of globalization and the impact of information technology on the global economy. It valuable read for anyone who wants to understand the challenges and opportunities that the future of globalization holds.
Save
Explores the future of the world and the challenges that we will face in the coming years. It thought-provoking read that will challenge your assumptions about the future and inspire you to think differently about the possibilities.
Explores the latest scientific research on the human mind and its potential for enhancement. It valuable read for anyone interested in the future of human intelligence and how it might be used to shape the future.
Explores the future of human nature and the challenges that we will face in the coming years. It thought-provoking read that will challenge your assumptions about the future and inspire you to think differently about the possibilities.
Explores the 12 technological forces that Kelly believes will shape the future of humanity. It thought-provoking read that will challenge your assumptions about the future and inspire you to think differently about the possibilities.
For more information about how these books relate to this course, visit:
OpenCourser.com/course/drwl8e/simulation
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Level
Introductory
Via
Coursera
Institution
Institute for the Future
Instructor
Jane McGonigal
Language
English
Transcripts
Español
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آذربایجان دیلی
This course belongs to a
collection
called
Futures Thinking. It's comprised of five courses:
- Ready, Set, Future! Introduction to Futures Thinking
- Simulation Skills: This is Your Brain on the Future (viewing)
- Forecasting Skills: See the Future Before it Happens
- Collaborative Foresight: How to Game the Future
- Urgent Optimism: How to Turn Foresight into Action
Good to know
Helps learners get to know their future selves, which boosts motivation and improves creativity
Covers advanced simulation topics such as virtual reality and haptics, preparing learners for future trends in simulation technology
Uses first-person simulations, which scientific studies have shown to improve strategy and motivation for the future
Taught by Jane McGonigal, who is recognized for her work in game design and future thinking
Provides techniques for overcoming neurological obstacles to effective future thinking
Helps learners overcome mental roadblocks in imagining the future and accepting different possibilities
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