Simulation Skills: This is Your Brain on the Future from Coursera

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.

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!

Traffic lights

Read about what's good

what should give you pause

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

Reviews summary

Simulation skills for futures thinking

According to learners, this course offers a highly positive exploration of future simulation, providing practical tools and a scientific basis. Many praise the engaging instructor, Dr. Jane McGonigal, for her clarity and accessibility. The exercises are key, often described as thought-provoking and actionable, helping students apply concepts and gain a new perspective. While widely appreciated, some felt sections like Advanced Simulation Topics had limited depth. A few also noted some repetition, particularly around the First-Person Future content.

Exercises are key for applying concepts.

"The exercises are thought-provoking and actionable. I highly recommend this..."

"Some of the exercises were a bit abstract for me, but the core concepts are very valuable."

"The exercises require genuine effort but are rewarding. Could benefit from more interactive elements..."

"The exercises push you to think differently. Highly recommend."

"The exercises are designed to make you apply the concepts. Strongly recommended."

Grounded in neuroscience, adds credibility.

"It provides practical tools and a scientific basis for understanding how our brains approach thinking about the future."

"The scientific grounding makes it credible. Highly recommend for personal or professional development."

"The scientific foundation combined with practical exercises makes it highly effective."

"The scientific backing makes it very credible. Exercises are key. Highly recommend."

"The cognitive science aspects are fascinating. Exercises are good."

Offers new ways to think about the future.

"Loved this course! It shifted my perspective on thinking about the future from something distant and uncertain..."

"Mind-blowing! The course material is incredibly relevant and presented in a way that is both informative and inspiring."

"Provides a unique and powerful perspective on how to approach the future. The scientific foundation..."

"This course has genuinely changed how I think about the future. It's practical, inspiring..."

"Very thought-provoking course. It offers a new perspective on futures thinking based on neuroscience."

Provides actionable techniques, immediately useful.

"This course is exactly what I was looking for! It provides practical tools..."

"Highly actionable insights. A must-take course!"

"The techniques are easy to grasp and immediately applicable. Dr. McGonigal is a brilliant instructor."

"It's not just theoretical; it provides actionable skills based on science. The instructor is brilliant."

"Highly recommend this course! It's unique, practical, and scientifically grounded."

Dr. McGonigal is highly praised.

"The instructor is engaging and explains complex topics clearly. I highly recommend this..."

"Absolutely fantastic course! Dr. McGonigal presents the material in such an accessible and engaging way."

"Dr. McGonigal is a brilliant instructor. This course exceeded my expectations."

"Dr. McGonigal is an exceptional teacher. Worth every minute."

Parts felt repetitive to a few learners.

"I found the course interesting but a bit repetitive, particularly the emphasis on 'First-Person Future'."

"The focus on personal future simulation is strong, maybe too strong for my interest which was more on broader societal or technological futures."

Some areas felt introductory, especially advanced topics.

"Okay course, but not as deep as I expected. It felt a bit introductory in some areas..."

"It felt a bit introductory in some areas, especially the 'Advanced Simulation Topics' which just scratched the surface..."

"The advanced topics section was too brief. Overall, decent but not groundbreaking."

"Some topics, like the advanced ones, were less developed. Still, a valuable course."

"I found the course interesting but a bit repetitive. ... The advanced topics section was very basic. It's okay, but manage your expectations."

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

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Sharpen your understanding of Bayesian probability, a fundamental concept in futures thinking.

Browse courses on Bayes Theorem

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Review notes or textbooks on Bayesian probability.
Solve practice problems involving conditional probability and Bayes theorem.

Vision Board for Future

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Create a visual representation of your imagined future to enhance your simulation skills.

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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

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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

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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

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Engage in structured simulations to refine your future-thinking abilities.

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Participate in online simulations or role-playing exercises.
Analyze the outcomes and identify areas for improvement in your simulation skills.

Attend Futurist Conference

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Expose yourself to diverse perspectives and cutting-edge insights on future trends.

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Identify and register for relevant futurist conferences.
Attend keynote speeches and panel discussions.
Network with futurists, researchers, and industry leaders.

Advanced Simulation Techniques

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Explore innovative methods for simulating the future, such as virtual reality and data visualization.

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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

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Synthesize your learning by creating a comprehensive report on a specific future scenario.

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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

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.

See salaries and explore the career path for Science Writer

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.

See salaries and explore the career path for Futurist

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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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