Understanding Technology and Data from Coursera

Welcome to the course Understanding Technology and Data.

This course is designed to provide a foundation on how technology and data are applied in everyday life. It will help you learn to succeed in a digital work environment. By the end of this course, you will be able to:

- Recognize the evolution of electronic devices

- Identify new technologies in different industries

- Define technologies such as cloud, Artificial Intelligence, blockchain, etc.

- Recognize what digitalization is and how it affects daily life

- Recognize the basics of a computer, including its different parts and security features

- Define coding

- Identify the key features of JavaScript

- Identify the key features of Python

- Recognize how to interpret data

This course is divided into four modules: Understanding Technology, Technology at Work, Exploring Coding, and Discovering Data.

Module one, Understanding Technology, explores the basics of technology and its evolution, and sheds light on the trajectory of technological development. You will learn about digital technologies and their growing application in different industries. You will also learn how automation is not only benefitting the workplace but also growing in significance at home. Cloud, blockchain, and Artificial Intelligence are trending technologies that you will explore in this module.

Module two, Technology at Work, will continue to build your digital literacy. You will learn the basics of computers and the Internet, and how they are used in the workplace. You will be introduced to techniques for working more efficiently and communicating virtually, including some handy tips for using email. You will also learn how to secure your data.

In module three, Exploring Coding, you will be introduced to the world of coding and some key programming languages, such as JavaScript and Python. You will learn about different career options in programming, such as web development, app development, and software development.

Module four, Discovering Data, will help you understand ways to collect and interpret data, and how it is deployed to make critical decisions. You will learn about different techniques for data interpretation and how to use Excel functions to work with data more easily.

This is a foundational course, intended for learners who are new to technology and data and who want to prepare for an increasingly digital working world. No specific prior experience is required for taking this course.

What's inside

Syllabus

Understanding Technology

This module explores the basics of technology and the history and future of technological development. It also provides an overview of a few specific technologies that are commonly used today.

Technology at Work

This module will Improve your digital literacy. You will learn about computers and the internet, and how they are used in the workplace. You will also learn how to work efficiently and communicate virtually.

Exploring Coding

This module provides an overview of coding and an introduction to key programming languages.

Discovering Data

This module explores ways to collect and interpret data, and how it can be used to guide decision-making.

Good to know

Know what's good

, what to watch for

, and possible dealbreakers

Develops foundational understanding of technology and its contribution to personal and professional pursuits

Taught by Accenture Teaching Staff, who are recognized for their work in technology and data

Examines practical applications of technology in various industries

Builds a solid foundation in key programming languages, such as JavaScript and Python

Emphasizes data interpretation and analysis, which are essential skills in today's data-driven world

Requires no prior experience in technology or data, making it accessible to learners of all levels

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 Understanding Technology and Data with these activities:

Review basic math concepts

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Refresh foundational math skills, such as algebra and trigonometry, to enhance comprehension of data analysis and interpretation concepts in the course.

Browse courses on Algebra

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Review online tutorials or articles on basic math concepts.
Practice solving math problems related to the course material.
Take a practice quiz or test on basic math concepts to assess your understanding.

Review basic computer concepts

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Solidify understanding of basic computer concepts, such as hardware and software components, to enhance comprehension of the course material.

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Review online tutorials or articles on computer fundamentals.
Read through introductory chapters of a computer science textbook.
Take a practice quiz or test on basic computer concepts to assess your understanding.

Compile a glossary of key terms

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Create a comprehensive glossary of key terms encountered in the course, fostering better understanding and retention of concepts.

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Maintain a notebook or digital document to record key terms and their definitions.
Review course materials, including lectures, readings, and assignments, to identify key terms.
Seek clarification from the instructor or peers on terms that are unclear.

Five other activities

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Participate in online discussion forums

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Engage with peers in online discussions to exchange ideas, clarify concepts, and gain diverse perspectives on the course material.

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Join online discussion forums or groups related to the course topics.
Actively participate in discussions by asking questions, sharing insights, and responding to others.
Collaborate with peers on projects or assignments to enhance understanding and teamwork.

Explore online coding tutorials

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Gain hands-on experience with coding through guided tutorials, reinforcing the concepts introduced in the course modules.

Browse courses on Python Programming

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Identify reputable online platforms or courses that offer coding tutorials.
Choose a specific programming language, such as Python or JavaScript.
Follow the instructions and practice the exercises provided in the tutorials.
Troubleshoot any errors or issues you encounter during the coding exercises.

Solve coding practice problems

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Sharpen coding skills and reinforce problem-solving abilities by practicing coding problems on platforms like LeetCode or HackerRank.

Browse courses on Algorithm Design

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Identify reputable online platforms or websites that offer coding practice problems.
Choose a specific area or topic to focus on, such as data structures or algorithms.
Solve coding problems of varying difficulty levels to improve your skills.

Explore data analysis tools and techniques

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Gain hands-on experience with data analysis tools and techniques through guided tutorials, reinforcing the concepts introduced in the course modules.

Browse courses on Data Analysis

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Identify reputable online platforms or courses that offer data analysis tutorials.
Choose a specific tool or platform, such as Python with Pandas or R with ggplot2.
Follow the instructions and practice the exercises provided in the tutorials.
Troubleshoot any errors or issues you encounter during the data analysis exercises.

Develop a data visualization project

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Apply the principles of data visualization to create a meaningful representation of data, demonstrating comprehension and practical application of the course material.

Browse courses on Data Visualization

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Gather and analyze data relevant to a specific topic or question.
Choose an appropriate data visualization tool or platform.
Design and create a data visualization that effectively communicates the insights derived from the data.
Share your visualization with others for feedback and insights.

Career center

Learners who complete Understanding Technology and Data will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:

Software Engineer

Software Engineers analyze user needs and design, build, test, deploy, and maintain software applications. This course can provide an introduction to the foundational coding skills that can help to build a foundation for becoming a Software Engineer. You will learn about JavaScript and Python including key features of each. You will also learn how to interpret and work with data using Excel - all skills which will be critical to your success as a new or established Software Engineer.

See salaries and explore the career path for Software Engineer

Data Analyst

Data Analysts collect, clean, and interpret data to help businesses understand their customers, improve their operations, and make better decisions. This course will help you build a foundation in the collection and interpretation of data, which can be hugely beneficial in preparing for a career as a Data Analyst. You will also learn about JavaScript and Python including key features of each. You will also learn how to interpret and work with data using Excel - all skills which will be critical to your success as a new or established Data Analyst.

See salaries and explore the career path for Data Analyst

Data Scientist

Data Scientists may either work with the organization's internal data, or with the large pools of public sector data that are increasingly available. Understanding Technology and Data will help build a foundation in the collection and interpretation of data. This will serve as a great base for further study towards becoming a Data Scientist, or for transitioning to a role from another background. As you will learn in Understanding Technology and Data, Data Scientists can use data to guide decision-making, and with the global data landscape growing at an incredible pace, there is a high demand for skilled professionals who have such a foundation.

See salaries and explore the career path for Data Scientist

Web Developer

Web Developers translate designs into functional websites, ensuring that the user interface (UI) is easy to use and visually appealing. This course will benefit an aspiring Web Developer by providing foundational knowledge of coding, JavaScript, Python, and working with data in Excel. This foundational knowledge can then be parlayed into further study towards a career in Web Development.

See salaries and explore the career path for Web Developer

Computer Systems Analyst

Computer Systems Analysts plan, design, and implement computer systems to meet the needs of an organization, and also train and support users. This course will help to build a foundation in Understanding Technology, Technology at Work, and Discovering Data - all key components to success in the role of a Computer Systems Analyst.

See salaries and explore the career path for Computer Systems Analyst

Computer Programmer

Computer Programmers write and test code that allows computer applications and software programs to function properly. This course can provide an introduction to the foundational coding skills that can help to build a foundation for becoming a Computer Programmer. You will learn about JavaScript and Python including key features of each. You will also learn how to interpret and work with data using Excel - all skills which will be critical to your success as a new or established Computer Programmer.

See salaries and explore the career path for Computer Programmer

Information Security Analyst

Information Security Analysts plan and implement security measures to protect an organization's computer networks and systems. This course may help you towards the path of working in Information Security, but additional learning and certifications will also be required. You will benefit from a foundational understanding of cloud technology, which is key for roles in Information Security.

See salaries and explore the career path for Information Security Analyst

UX Designer

UX Designers focus on the user experience when interacting with digital products and services. This course may help you towards the path of working in UX Design, but additional learning and certifications will also be required. You will benefit from a foundational understanding of digital technologies and their applications, which is key for roles in UX Design.

See salaries and explore the career path for UX Designer

Systems Administrator

Systems Administrators maintain and oversee an organization's computer systems, including servers, desktops, and networks. This course may help you towards the path of working in System Administration, but additional learning and certifications will also be required. You will benefit from a foundational understanding of cloud technology, which is often used for system administration.

See salaries and explore the career path for Systems Administrator

Front-End Developer

Front-End Developers design and develop the look and feel of websites and applications. This course can provide an introduction to the foundational coding skills that can help to build a foundation for becoming a Front-End Developer. You will learn about JavaScript and Python including key features of each. You will also learn how to interpret and work with data using Excel - all skills which will be critical to your success as a new or established Front-End Developer.

See salaries and explore the career path for Front-End Developer

Back-End Developer

Back-End Developers design and develop the back-end code of websites and applications. This course can provide an introduction to the foundational coding skills that can help to build a foundation for becoming a Back-End Developer. You will learn about JavaScript and Python including key features of each. You will also learn how to interpret and work with data using Excel - all skills which will be critical to your success as a new or established Back-End Developer.

See salaries and explore the career path for Back-End Developer

UI Designer

UI Designers design the visual interface for digital products and services. This course may help you towards the path of working in UI Design, but additional learning and certifications will also be required. You will benefit from a foundational understanding of digital technologies and their applications, which is key for roles in UI Design.

See salaries and explore the career path for UI Designer

Network Administrator

Network Administrators oversee the installation, maintenance, and repair of computer networks within an organization. This course may help you towards the path of working in Network Administration, but additional learning and certifications will also be required. You will benefit from a foundational understanding of cloud technology, which is often used for networking infrastructure.

See salaries and explore the career path for Network Administrator

Database Administrator

Database Administrators maintain and administer an organization's databases, ensuring that they are running smoothly and efficiently. This course can provide a foundational knowledge of how to interpret and work with data using Excel, which is a useful skill for Database Administrators. You will also benefit from a foundational understanding of cloud technology, which is often used for storage and other processing related to database administration.

See salaries and explore the career path for Database Administrator

Cloud Engineer

Cloud Engineers design, build, and maintain cloud computing systems. This course can provide a foundational understanding of cloud technology, which will form a strong base for your learning towards a career as a Cloud Engineer. You will learn about cloud, blockchain, and Artificial Intelligence - all trending technologies for those that are working in Cloud Engineering.

See salaries and explore the career path for Cloud Engineer