Digital Wellbeing and Productivity from edX

Chances are, we are spending more time online and on screens than we ever have before. Our digital lives have transformed a great deal in a short amount of time, and we can sometimes struggle to make sense of what it all means for us.

Individuals and organisations now face the challenge of finding a healthy balance between productivity and downtime. How can we adapt to changes in our digital lives, while remaining healthy and happy? What habits can help us get the most out of our time and energy online? How can we best manage digital wellbeing while maintaining productive digital habits? And how can individuals, teams, businesses, and institutions learn from research-based knowledge to create digital habits and skills to help us flourish together?

This course draws on insights from business, psychology, philosophy, and the tech industry to help you develop digital habits and routines that work for your lifestyle. It will also help teachers and leaders to think about how to build good habits in others in their organisations and teams.

In this course, you will get many opportunities to learn by doing. You’ll get to experiment with numerous tools designed to help better understand and shape your habits in your digital work and life. You will be equipped with skills around developing a digital life plan to cultivate lasting habits of productivity and wellbeing.

The course instructor, Tyler Shores, manages the innovative ThinkLab research program at the University of Cambridge, and is a Senior Research Associate at the Intellectual Forum, Jesus College. His research focuses on digital habits, social media, and how digital environments shape how we work and think. Prior to Cambridge, Tyler worked in online education at Stanford University, served as a director at an international education nonprofit organisation, and worked at the Google world headquarters in Mountain View, California while running the Authors@Google program.

What you'll learn

In this short introductory course, you will undertake a process of reflection and strategic development, constructing a digital wellbeing plan for you and/or your team based on:

An understanding of available tools that can help optimise the time spent online at work and in our wider lives.
An existing habits analysis that will help craft a productivity and wellbeing routine for yourself and others.
A more in-depth understanding of some of the values and habits that drive our behaviour online, as well as a greater sense of autonomy about what we can control and change while online.
Top tips from world-leading experts who have discovered and created strategies for themselves and with organisations, exploring what they have found drives surviving and thriving in the online world.

What's inside

Syllabus

Week 1: Digital Wellbeing

How much is too much time online? That question is harder than ever for us to gauge when so much of our work and leisure time is absorbed in apps and various online platforms. In this section, we will talk about research-based approaches to wellbeing that can help us to understand digital habits and how to take care of wellbeing in an online – and offline – context. Learners will develop a wellbeing strategy and think about different options to thrive, not just survive.

Week 2: Digital Productivity

How do we work when we are online? This section explores how we use our time, how we can manage our attention and focus, and more. During this week, learners will gather data and information about their work and how their time is spent, with an aim towards employing tips and strategies to get the most out of their workday and from those in their teams. Learners will do a digital audit throughout the week, looking at their screen time and productivity. Different tools will be discussed, and learners will explore how they can understand more about their digital lives.

Week 3: The Future of Work and Learning

There is a very good chance that many of us today are working and learning more online than ever before. In this section, we will explore the nature of digital work and learning. This section will draw upon insights from business, psychology, and other fields to help understand current trends about how we work and learn, and what the near future might look like - and how we can all keep ourselves constantly learning and growing in a world of constant change.

Week 4: Social Media

What makes us click? In this section, we will examine some of the principles that tech companies employ upon us on an everyday basis to entice us to engage in their platforms. We will explore both the good and the bad, the well-known and lesser-known questions that surround big tech companies and social media to help you make informed decisions about how much of a role social media might play in your everyday life. And just as importantly, to help you to gain a better understanding of how we can use this knowledge to reshape our digital habits. This week will ask learners to conduct an audit of their online social behaviour and help them understand the tools available to them to understand their social media use.

Week 5: Digital Psychology

Sometimes our values can be shaped by our habits and behaviours. In this session, we discuss principles of neuroscience and behavioural psychology from leading experts on how you can apply your understanding of all this course’s topics to shape the kind of online and offline life that you want to be leading and that will help you flourish in an ever-changing digital world. We will cover topics that will prompt you to think about how being online shapes how we think about ourselves, how we relate to others, and the rest of the world.

Week 6: Digital Philosophy

This section brings learners into the fascinating, bigger picture discussion of why we might want to examine our online and offline habits. Much of our habits and behaviours are defined by our values, and this lecture will examine philosophical insights from throughout history that have a direct relevance for how we think about ourselves, our work, other people, and our world in a digital context.

Good to know

Know what's good

, what to watch for

, and possible dealbreakers

Provides strategies for organizations and individuals to build healthy digital habits

Examines the impact of digital habits on productivity and wellbeing

Offers practical tools to help learners optimize their digital lives

Provides a comprehensive understanding of digital habits and their impact

Emphasizes the importance of digital wellbeing

Taught by an expert in digital habits and wellbeing from the University of Cambridge

Reviews summary

Enlightening digital wellness exploration

According to students, Digital Wellbeing and Productivity is an engaging and enlightening overview of digital wellness. Students say the course is well-organized and features interesting guest speakers. Learners say the course helps them be more mindful of their digital habits and develop strategies for improving their digital wellbeing.

Course materials are well-organized and easy to follow.

Course content is perceived as interesting and engaging.

"There is a ton of helpful information covered in this course"

"The guest speakers in the course were also very interesting."

Course helps students become more aware of their digital habits.

"nous pouvons à travers ce cours nous posé certaines questions dont nous en avions conscience mais qui passait inaperçues."

"aussi, cela nous permet de mieux organiser le temps que passons en ligne et hors ligne."

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 Wellbeing and Productivity with these activities:

Practice Mindfulness and Digital Detox Exercises

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Regular practice of mindfulness and digital detox exercises can help you develop better control over your digital habits and improve your overall well-being.

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Set aside a few minutes each day for mindfulness meditation.
Take regular breaks from your digital devices to focus on the present moment.

Explore Digital Wellness Resources and Tools

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There are many valuable resources and tools available online that can help you improve your digital habits. Dedicate some time to exploring these resources.

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Research and identify reputable websites, apps, and other resources that offer evidence-based insights and practical tips for digital well-being.
Follow and engage with experts and thought leaders in the field of digital well-being on social media and online platforms.

Join a Digital Wellness Support Group

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Connecting with others who are also working to improve their digital well-being can provide support, motivation, and accountability.

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Find a support group or online community that aligns with your goals for digital well-being.
Regularly participate in group discussions, share your experiences, and offer support to others.

Five other activities

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Read 'The Attention Merchants'

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This book discusses the impact of digital media on our attention spans and well-being, helping you understand the challenges and opportunities of managing your digital life.

View The Attention Merchants: The Epic Scramble to... on Amazon

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Read the assigned chapters and make notes on the key ideas.
Write a summary of the main points of the book.

Seek Mentorship from a Digital Wellness Expert

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Guidance from an experienced mentor can provide valuable insights and support as you navigate your digital life and strive for well-being.

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Identify potential mentors who have expertise in digital well-being and align with your personal goals.
Reach out to your chosen mentors and request guidance or mentorship opportunities.

Create a Digital Wellness Plan

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This project will allow you to apply the principles of digital well-being to your own life, helping you create a plan to optimize your digital habits and improve your overall well-being.

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Assess your current digital habits and identify areas for improvement.
Research and explore different digital tools and resources that can help you manage your digital life.
Create a personalized digital wellness plan that outlines your goals, strategies, and action steps.

Write a Reflective Essay on Digital Habits

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Reflecting on your digital habits and their impact on your life can help you gain valuable insights and make positive changes.

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Keep a journal to track your digital habits and experiences.
Analyze your journal entries to identify patterns, challenges, and areas for improvement in your digital habits.
Write a reflective essay that summarizes your findings and insights, and outlines your plans for improving your digital habits.

Volunteer for a Digital Literacy or Digital Wellness Organization

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Volunteering your time to support others in improving their digital literacy and well-being can deepen your understanding of these issues and make a positive impact in your community.

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Research and identify organizations that align with your interests in digital literacy or digital well-being.
Reach out to the organizations and inquire about volunteer opportunities that match your skills and interests.

Career center

Learners who complete Digital Wellbeing and Productivity will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:

Digital Marketing Manager

A Digital Marketing Manager is responsible for planning and executing marketing campaigns that use digital channels, such as social media, email, and websites. As a Digital Marketing Manager, you would use your knowledge of digital habits, productivity, and social media to create and implement effective marketing campaigns. This course may be particularly helpful for you if you are interested in learning about the latest trends in digital marketing and how to use them to reach your target audience.

See salaries and explore the career path for Digital Marketing Manager

User Experience (UX) Designer

A UX Designer is responsible for designing the user interface and experience of websites and apps. As a UX Designer, you would use your knowledge of digital habits and productivity to create user interfaces that are easy to use and navigate. This course may be particularly helpful for you if you are interested in learning about the principles of UX design and how to apply them to your work.

See salaries and explore the career path for User Experience (UX) Designer

Data Analyst

A Data Analyst is responsible for collecting, analyzing, and interpreting data to help businesses make informed decisions. As a Data Analyst, you would use your knowledge of digital habits and productivity to collect and analyze data from a variety of sources. This course may be particularly helpful for you if you are interested in learning about the principles of data analysis and how to apply them to your work.

See salaries and explore the career path for Data Analyst

Product Manager

A Product Manager is responsible for overseeing the development and launch of new products. As a Product Manager, you would use your knowledge of digital habits and productivity to understand the needs of your target audience and to develop products that meet those needs. This course may be particularly helpful for you if you are interested in learning about the principles of product management and how to apply them to your work.

See salaries and explore the career path for Product Manager

Social Media Manager

A Social Media Manager is responsible for managing a company's social media presence. As a Social Media Manager, you would use your knowledge of digital habits and social media to create and implement effective social media campaigns. This course may be particularly helpful for you if you are interested in learning about the latest trends in social media marketing and how to use them to reach your target audience.

See salaries and explore the career path for Social Media Manager

Content Writer

A Content Writer is responsible for creating written content for websites, blogs, and other marketing materials. As a Content Writer, you would use your knowledge of digital habits and productivity to create content that is engaging and informative. This course may be particularly helpful for you if you are interested in learning about the principles of content writing and how to apply them to your work.

See salaries and explore the career path for Content Writer

Digital Strategist

A Digital Strategist is responsible for developing and implementing digital strategies for businesses. As a Digital Strategist, you would use your knowledge of digital habits and productivity to help businesses achieve their online goals. This course may be particularly helpful for you if you are interested in learning about the latest trends in digital marketing and how to use them to develop effective digital strategies.

See salaries and explore the career path for Digital Strategist

E-commerce Manager

An E-commerce Manager is responsible for overseeing the day-to-day operations of an e-commerce website. As an E-commerce Manager, you would use your knowledge of digital habits and productivity to manage the website, process orders, and provide customer service. This course may be particularly helpful for you if you are interested in learning about the principles of e-commerce and how to apply them to your work.

See salaries and explore the career path for E-commerce Manager

Search Engine Optimization (SEO) Specialist

An SEO Specialist is responsible for optimizing websites for search engines. As an SEO Specialist, you would use your knowledge of digital habits and productivity to help businesses improve their visibility in search results. This course may be particularly helpful for you if you are interested in learning about the principles of SEO and how to apply them to your work.

See salaries and explore the career path for Search Engine Optimization (SEO) Specialist

Social Media Analyst

A Social Media Analyst is responsible for analyzing social media data to help businesses understand their target audience and improve their social media campaigns. As a Social Media Analyst, you would use your knowledge of digital habits and social media to collect and analyze data from a variety of sources. This course may be particularly helpful for you if you are interested in learning about the principles of social media analysis and how to apply them to your work.

See salaries and explore the career path for Social Media Analyst

Usability Tester

A Usability Tester is responsible for testing the usability of websites and apps. As a Usability Tester, you would use your knowledge of digital habits and productivity to evaluate the user experience and identify areas for improvement. This course may be particularly helpful for you if you are interested in learning about the principles of usability testing and how to apply them to your work.

See salaries and explore the career path for Usability Tester

Instructional Designer

An Instructional Designer is responsible for designing and developing educational materials. As an Instructional Designer, you would use your knowledge of digital habits and productivity to create learning materials that are engaging and effective. This course may be particularly helpful for you if you are interested in learning about the principles of instructional design and how to apply them to your work.

See salaries and explore the career path for Instructional Designer

Technical Writer

A Technical Writer is responsible for writing technical documentation, such as user manuals, white papers, and training materials. As a Technical Writer, you would use your knowledge of digital habits and productivity to create documentation that is clear and concise. This course may be particularly helpful for you if you are interested in learning about the principles of technical writing and how to apply them to your work.

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Graphic designer

A Graphic Designer is responsible for creating visual content, such as logos, websites, and marketing materials. As a Graphic Designer, you would use your knowledge of digital habits and productivity to create visuals that are visually appealing and effective. This course may be particularly helpful for you if you are interested in learning about the principles of graphic design and how to apply them to your work.

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Web Developer

A Web Developer is responsible for developing and maintaining websites. As a Web Developer, you would use your knowledge of digital habits and productivity to create websites that are user-friendly and effective. This course may be particularly helpful for you if you are interested in learning about the principles of web development and how to apply them to your work.

See salaries and explore the career path for Web Developer