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Martin Hilbert
Unravel the mysteries behind the accelerating pace of technological change, exploring mathematical principles and historical precedents behind AI and large learning models (LLM). Gain insights into the dichotomy of continuous innovation versus disruptive breakthroughs, and evaluate their profound impact on industries and economies worldwide. Investigate the societal implications of technological diffusion, analyzing inequalities and proposing viable policy solutions. Navigate the complex terrain of ethical considerations in technological advancement, addressing issues of bias, inclusivity, and AI alignment. Delve into the ethical frameworks guiding innovation, while contemplating the future of human-machine collaboration and the ethical imperatives therein.
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What's inside
Syllabus
Getting Started and Defining Technology
After this module, you will be able to review how the social construction of technology requires proactive change management and be able to define what technology is and learn how this organismic system evolves. You'll be able to analyze the historical evolution of technology and its impact on society from the Stone Age to the digital age and develop a working definition of technology that allows you to understand its different aspects and roles in society. You'll also be able to discover why ‘things are getting faster and faster’, by exploring the mathematical logic behind the unavoidable accelerating nature of technological change.
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Syllabus
Getting Started and Defining Technology
After this module, you will be able to review how the social construction of technology requires proactive change management and be able to define what technology is and learn how this organismic system evolves. You'll be able to analyze the historical evolution of technology and its impact on society from the Stone Age to the digital age and develop a working definition of technology that allows you to understand its different aspects and roles in society. You'll also be able to discover why ‘things are getting faster and faster’, by exploring the mathematical logic behind the unavoidable accelerating nature of technological change.
Read more
Traffic lights
Traffic lights
Read about what's good
what should give you pause and
possible dealbreakers
Explores recent and ongoing technological advancements' societal and economic impacts
Examines the influence of exponential technological progress on industry and society
Develops critical thinking skills through the analysis of real-world case studies
Taught by Martin Hilbert, a leading expert in the field of technology and society
Provides a comprehensive overview of the evolution and impact of technology
Requires students to have a basic understanding of mathematics and technology
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Reviews summary
Strategic insights on sociotechnological evolution
According to learners, this course offers incredibly insightful analysis of technological change, societal impact, and ethical considerations. Many found the content highly relevant to current industry challenges, particularly the modules on AI ethics, the digital divide, and disruptive innovation. It provides a strong theoretical foundation and historical context, with well-structured lectures. However, a few learners noted the pace can be fast and the content dense, suggesting it's best for those with some prior knowledge. Some also desired more practical application and case studies, feeling it leaned more theoretical.
Instructor lauded for clarity and passion in complex topics.
"The instructor's ability to simplify complex concepts while maintaining depth was remarkable."
"The instructor's passion for the subject shines through."
Provides a robust academic grounding in key concepts.
"A solid course covering essential aspects of socio-technological co-evolution."
"The historical context provided was excellent, and understanding Moore's Law in detail was beneficial."
"The course provides a strong theoretical foundation, some sections could benefit from more recent examples..."
"I enjoyed the historical evolution part and the insights into accelerating tech change. The course provides a solid foundation for understanding the macro trends."
Offers deep understanding crucial for current strategic roles.
"This course was incredibly insightful, especially the modules on AI ethics and the digital divide."
"The content felt highly relevant to current industry challenges."
"Excellent course! The material on disruptive innovation was particularly eye-opening."
"The course gave me a new lens through which to view digital strategy."
Some learners found content dense and pace challenging.
"The topics are interesting, but I found the pace a bit fast in some modules..."
"It felt like a lot of information was packed into a short time, making it hard to absorb fully without prior knowledge."
"Found this course quite challenging to follow. The content felt very dense and abstract, lacking practical examples..."
"I struggled with the rapid pace and dense theoretical discussions."
Course leans theoretical; some desire more hands-on cases.
"My only minor critique is that some discussions felt a bit theoretical at times, and I wished for more case studies or hands-on application scenarios."
"While the course provides a strong theoretical foundation, some sections could benefit from more recent examples..."
"I felt some parts were a bit too academic and less focused on direct application, which is what I was hoping for as a professional."
"I think it's probably better suited for academics or those with a very strong background in economics and technology theory."
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 Digital Strategies: Managing Sociotechnological Co-Evolution with these
activities:
Read 'The Master Algorithm' by Pedro Domingos
Show steps
Gain insights into the fundamental concepts and challenges of AI by exploring a seminal text in the field.
View
The Master Algorithm: How the Quest for the...
on Amazon
Show steps
-
Read the book thoroughly, taking notes and highlighting key passages
-
Summarize the main arguments and implications of the book in a written report
Create a Comprehensive Course Resource Binder
Show steps
Organize and consolidate course materials for effective reference throughout your learning journey.
Show steps
-
Gather all course materials, including lecture notes, assignments, quizzes, and exams
-
Organize materials into logical sections or categories
Review Historical Context of Technological Evolution
Show steps
Brush up on the historical development of technology to provide context for the course material.
Browse courses on
History of Technology
Show steps
-
Read chapters 1-3 of 'The Innovators' by Walter Isaacson
-
Watch the documentary 'The Silicon Valley Story'
-
Create a timeline of major technological advancements
Six other activities
Expand to see all activities and additional details
Show all nine activities
Practice Identifying Continuous and Disruptive Innovations
Show steps
Engage in exercises to sharpen your ability to distinguish between continuous and disruptive innovations.
Browse courses on
Disruptive Innovation
Show steps
-
Analyze case studies of different innovations, categorizing them as continuous or disruptive
-
Participate in online quizzes or games testing your understanding of innovation types
Join a Study Group on Ethical Implications of AI
Show steps
Engage with peers to discuss and debate the ethical considerations surrounding AI.
Browse courses on
Ethics of AI
Show steps
-
Find a study group or create your own with classmates or online
-
Facilitate discussions on topics such as AI bias, privacy concerns, and job displacement
Explore Online Tutorials on AI Alignment
Show steps
Enhance your understanding of AI alignment through structured online tutorials.
Browse courses on
Responsible AI
Show steps
-
Identify reputable online platforms offering tutorials on AI alignment
-
Complete interactive exercises and simulations to practice AI alignment principles
Develop an Infographic on the Digital Divide
Show steps
Create a visual representation to illustrate the causes and consequences of the digital divide.
Browse courses on
Digital Divide
Show steps
-
Research data on digital access, usage, and impact
-
Design and develop an infographic using a tool like Canva or Piktochart
-
Share your infographic on social media or a personal blog
Volunteer at a Technology Outreach Organization
Show steps
Gain practical experience in addressing technological inequalities by volunteering.
Browse courses on
Community Engagement
Show steps
-
Research local organizations working to bridge the digital divide
-
Offer your skills in areas such as digital literacy training or technology maintenance
Contribute to an Open-Source AI Project
Show steps
Deepen your understanding of AI by contributing to open-source projects.
Browse courses on
AI Development
Show steps
-
Identify open-source AI projects on platforms like GitHub or GitLab
-
Review project documentation and identify areas where you can contribute
Read 'The Master Algorithm' by Pedro Domingos
Show steps
Gain insights into the fundamental concepts and challenges of AI by exploring a seminal text in the field.
View
The Master Algorithm: How the Quest for the...
on Amazon
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Read the book thoroughly, taking notes and highlighting key passages
- Summarize the main arguments and implications of the book in a written report
Create a Comprehensive Course Resource Binder
Show steps
Organize and consolidate course materials for effective reference throughout your learning journey.
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Gather all course materials, including lecture notes, assignments, quizzes, and exams
- Organize materials into logical sections or categories
Review Historical Context of Technological Evolution
Show steps
Brush up on the historical development of technology to provide context for the course material.
Browse courses on
History of Technology
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Read chapters 1-3 of 'The Innovators' by Walter Isaacson
- Watch the documentary 'The Silicon Valley Story'
- Create a timeline of major technological advancements
Six other activities
Expand to see all activities and additional details
Show all nine activities
Practice Identifying Continuous and Disruptive Innovations
Show steps
Engage in exercises to sharpen your ability to distinguish between continuous and disruptive innovations.
Browse courses on
Disruptive Innovation
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Analyze case studies of different innovations, categorizing them as continuous or disruptive
- Participate in online quizzes or games testing your understanding of innovation types
Join a Study Group on Ethical Implications of AI
Show steps
Engage with peers to discuss and debate the ethical considerations surrounding AI.
Browse courses on
Ethics of AI
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Find a study group or create your own with classmates or online
- Facilitate discussions on topics such as AI bias, privacy concerns, and job displacement
Explore Online Tutorials on AI Alignment
Show steps
Enhance your understanding of AI alignment through structured online tutorials.
Browse courses on
Responsible AI
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Identify reputable online platforms offering tutorials on AI alignment
- Complete interactive exercises and simulations to practice AI alignment principles
Develop an Infographic on the Digital Divide
Show steps
Create a visual representation to illustrate the causes and consequences of the digital divide.
Browse courses on
Digital Divide
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Research data on digital access, usage, and impact
- Design and develop an infographic using a tool like Canva or Piktochart
- Share your infographic on social media or a personal blog
Volunteer at a Technology Outreach Organization
Show steps
Gain practical experience in addressing technological inequalities by volunteering.
Browse courses on
Community Engagement
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Research local organizations working to bridge the digital divide
- Offer your skills in areas such as digital literacy training or technology maintenance
Contribute to an Open-Source AI Project
Show steps
Deepen your understanding of AI by contributing to open-source projects.
Browse courses on
AI Development
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Identify open-source AI projects on platforms like GitHub or GitLab
- Review project documentation and identify areas where you can contribute
Career center
Learners who complete Digital Strategies: Managing Sociotechnological Co-Evolution will develop knowledge and skills
that may be useful to these careers:
For more career information including salaries, visit:
OpenCourser.com/course/ejvz9d/digital
Reading list
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OpenCourser.com/course/ejvz9d/digital
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Effort
5 weeks of study, 2-5 hours/week
Level
Introductory
Via
Coursera
Institution
University of California, Davis
Instructor
Martin Hilbert
Language
English
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