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Merve Hickok

This course gives a broad overview of the impact that generative artificial intelligence (AI) could have on jobs and how it can be used to support everyday tasks. As the use of generative AI increases, organizations are finding new ways to augment their work, impacting the number and types of jobs we can expect in the future. In “Generative AI: Labor and the Future of Work,” you’ll explore how generative AI can support workers in all industries, as well as the labor that goes into developing and managing these systems. Explore what the “future of work” could mean for both employees and employers and how these systems can impact work quality, creativity, and the labor market. You’ll also look at how the global digital divide could impact tool adoption for different groups across the world. By analyzing the adoption and implementation of generative AI in the workplace, you will better understand how these tools could shift how we work together.

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What's inside

Syllabus

Traffic lights

Read about what's good
what should give you pause
and possible dealbreakers
Explores the potential impact of generative AI on various industries and job roles
Examines the use of generative AI to support workers and augment their tasks
Taught by instructors who are experts in the field of generative AI and its applications
Analyzes the potential implications of generative AI on the future of work and the job market
Students should have a basic understanding of AI concepts and their applications
May require additional time and effort to complete assignments and assessments

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Reviews summary

Generative ai's workplace transformation

According to students, this course offers a highly relevant overview of generative AI's impact on employment. Learners gain a clear understanding of how these technologies reshape the future of work, impacting both employees and employers. The course explores labor augmentation and the nuances of the global digital divide. It's noted for providing thought-provoking discussions on work quality and creativity, making it a valuable resource for professionals navigating technological shifts.
Thoughtfully covers complex aspects like equity in tech adoption.
"I particularly valued the exploration of the global digital divide and its impact on tool adoption worldwide."
"The course brought up important considerations beyond just the technology, like fairness and access to AI tools."
"It made me think critically about the broader societal and ethical implications of AI's spread."
Well-suited for professionals of varied backgrounds.
"As a professional, I found the content directly applicable to my field, even without a deep tech background."
"The course explained complex concepts in a way that was easy for me to grasp, connecting them to real-world work scenarios."
"It's perfect for anyone trying to make sense of AI's implications for their industry and current job."
Offers a broad and insightful exploration of AI's societal impact.
"I appreciated the broad overview, covering many facets of AI's impact on labor and the economy."
"It gave me a holistic view, from supporting tasks to managing systems, which was very helpful for my understanding."
"The course touched upon diverse areas like work quality, creativity, and the broader labor market."
Focuses on real-world applications and workplace transformations.
"I gained a much better understanding of how these tools could shift how we work together in practice."
"The course really helped me visualize what the 'future of work' could mean for my role and company's operations."
"It presented practical ideas on how generative AI can support workers across various industries effectively."
Provides critical, timely insights into AI's impact on jobs.
"This course provided me with very relevant insights into how AI will shape jobs and the workforce."
"I found the discussions on labor augmentation extremely timely and important for my career development."
"The focus on the future of work with generative AI is precisely what I needed to understand for my professional role."

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 Generative AI: Labor and the Future of Work with these activities:
Review definitions of AI and machine learning
Starting the course with a strong foundation in AI and machine learning will boost your understanding of generative AI concepts.
Browse courses on Artificial Intelligence
Show steps
  • Read the key definitions of AI and machine learning.
  • Summarize the differences between AI and machine learning.
  • Provide examples of AI and machine learning applications.
Explore generative AI tools
Experimenting with generative AI tools will give you hands-on experience and a deeper understanding of their capabilities and limitations.
Browse courses on Generative AI Tools
Show steps
  • Sign up for free accounts on popular generative AI platforms.
  • Explore the different features and functionalities of each platform.
  • Generate your own content using the tools and analyze the results.
Read a book about the ethical implications of generative AI
Understanding the ethical implications of generative AI is crucial for responsible development and use. This book will provide you with valuable insights.
Show steps
  • Read the book and take notes on the key ethical issues raised.
  • Discuss the ethical implications with classmates or colleagues.
Four other activities
Expand to see all activities and additional details
Show all seven activities
Participate in a peer review of generative AI projects
Peer review will provide you with valuable feedback and help you refine your understanding of generative AI project development.
Browse courses on Peer Review
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  • Find a peer or group of peers to review your generative AI project.
  • Exchange projects and provide constructive feedback on each other's work.
  • Incorporate the feedback into your own project.
Develop a hypothetical generative AI product
Creating a hypothetical generative AI product will challenge you to apply the concepts learned in the course and develop your own innovative ideas.
Browse courses on Product Design
Show steps
  • Identify a problem or opportunity that generative AI could address.
  • Research existing generative AI products and technologies.
  • Develop a concept for your hypothetical product, including its features, target audience, and potential impact.
  • Create a prototype or demo of your product (optional).
Volunteer for a non-profit organization that uses generative AI
Volunteering will provide you with practical experience in using generative AI for social good and give back to the community.
Browse courses on Volunteering
Show steps
  • Research non-profit organizations that use generative AI.
  • Contact the organizations and inquire about volunteer opportunities.
  • Participate in volunteer activities that involve using generative AI.
Analyze a case study on the impact of generative AI on a specific industry
Analyzing a case study will give you insights into the real-world applications and potential implications of generative AI in various industries.
Browse courses on Case Studies
Show steps
  • Select an industry that is being impacted by generative AI.
  • Find a case study or research paper that analyzes the impact of generative AI on that industry.
  • Read and summarize the case study, highlighting the key findings and insights.
  • Discuss the implications of the case study for the future of work and the industry.

Career center

Learners who complete Generative AI: Labor and the Future of Work will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:

Reading list

We've selected 50 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 Generative AI: Labor and the Future of Work.
Widely used textbook for undergraduate and graduate labor economics courses. It provides a comprehensive overview of labor market theory and empirical evidence, making it excellent for gaining a broad understanding. It valuable reference tool throughout one's studies and professional career.
This recent book directly addresses the contemporary topic of remote and hybrid work models, examining the challenges and opportunities they present for both employees and employers. It provides practical insights and analysis on a highly relevant aspect of the future of work.
Another highly regarded textbook in the field, this book balances theoretical models with real-world applications and public policy analysis. It's suitable for both undergraduate and graduate students seeking a solid foundation and deeper understanding of labor market dynamics and policy implications. It is frequently used as a core text in academic programs.
Written by the founders of IDEO and the Hasso Plattner Institute of Design at Stanford, this book argues that everyone is creative and provides strategies for unleashing that potential. It's an inspiring and practical guide for building confidence in one's creative abilities.
This recent book by Nobel laureate Claudia Goldin provides a deep dive into the evolution of women's roles in the labor market and the persistent gender gaps. It's essential for understanding contemporary labor market issues related to gender, family, and work-life balance. It offers valuable insights into a critical contemporary topic. Published in 2021, it recent and highly relevant work.
David Autor leading researcher on the impact of technology on the labor market. (or his extensive body of research papers) is essential for understanding the contemporary debate on automation, AI, and the future of work, directly addressing topics in the course list. It provides insights into current and future labor market challenges.
Provides a deep historical analysis of the relationship between technology and work, offering valuable context for understanding the current wave of automation. It's excellent for those seeking a more academic and in-depth understanding of the long-term trends shaping the future of work.
Provides a practical guide to using generative AI, covering the different techniques and tools available. It is written by two leading experts in the field, Josh Patterson and Adam Gibson.
This textbook offers a rigorous and in-depth treatment of labor economics, suitable for advanced undergraduate and graduate students. It delves into theoretical models and provides a strong analytical framework for understanding labor market phenomena. It can serve as a valuable reference for those pursuing advanced research.
Reframes AI as a 'prediction machine,' explaining its economic implications in a clear and accessible way. It's excellent for deepening the understanding of AI's impact on business strategy and decision-making, which is crucial for comprehending the future of work in an AI-driven world.
A foundational text in the theory of unemployment, this book by Nobel laureate Pissarides focuses on search and matching models in the labor market. It is essential for graduate students and researchers seeking a deep theoretical understanding of unemployment dynamics. It classic in the field.
This seminal work examines how companies are profiting from the pervasive collection and use of personal data, a phenomenon with significant implications for the nature of work, privacy, and power dynamics in the digital age. It provides a critical perspective on the technological future.
Focuses on deviations from the standard perfectly competitive labor market model, exploring the implications of factors like bargaining, search frictions, and discrimination. It is highly relevant for understanding contemporary labor market issues and is suitable for graduate students and researchers. It provides a deeper understanding beyond introductory texts.
Based on research from Accenture, this book provides a framework for how businesses can integrate AI and human talent to create new forms of work and achieve greater innovation. It's a practical guide for professionals and organizations adapting to AI.
Is considered a foundational text on how computer technology is reshaping the job market and the types of skills that are becoming more valuable. It provides essential background for understanding the historical context of the future of work.
A concise precursor to 'The Second Machine Age,' this book offers a quick yet insightful overview of the initial impacts of technological acceleration on employment and inequality. It's valuable for gaining a broad understanding and serves as good prerequisite reading before diving into more detailed analyses.
Drawing lessons from the military, this book presents a new model for organizational structure and leadership in a complex and rapidly changing world. It's highly relevant for understanding how teams and organizations need to adapt for the future of work.
A powerful and motivating book that addresses the internal barriers artists and creatives face, such as procrastination and self-doubt. It's a valuable resource for anyone struggling with the psychological challenges of sustained creative work. It offers practical advice for overcoming resistance.
Provides a comprehensive analysis of unemployment, integrating macroeconomic perspectives with detailed labor market analysis. It explores the causes of unemployment and the role of labor market institutions, offering valuable insights for understanding a key labor market outcome. It significant reference for those studying unemployment.
Explores the rapid convergence of various exponential technologies and their potential to disrupt industries and transform daily life, including work. It offers a forward-looking perspective on the scale and speed of change we can anticipate.
Explores the historical interplay between technological advancements and educational attainment and their impact on wage inequality. It provides crucial context for understanding how skill demands and the labor market have evolved, offering valuable background for contemporary issues related to technology and work.
A seminal work in labor economics, Becker's book introduced the concept of human capital and its impact on earnings and labor market outcomes. While an older publication, its foundational ideas are crucial for understanding the theoretical underpinnings of labor economics and are a must-read for anyone serious about the field. It provides essential background knowledge.
Examines the role of monopsony power in labor markets, challenging the traditional competitive model. It provides a framework for analyzing wage setting and employment in markets where employers have significant power, highly relevant for understanding contemporary wage issues. It offers a deeper understanding of specific market structures.
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This classic text explores the concept of 'flow,' a state of complete absorption in an activity. Understanding flow is crucial for comprehending the psychological conditions that enable deep creative work and optimal performance. It foundational text in positive psychology and creativity studies.
Offers a broad overview of how robots, AI, and automation are impacting the job market and society. It explores policy implications and potential societal responses, making it useful for a general understanding of the challenges and opportunities presented by the future of work.
Identifies twelve technological forces that will shape the next thirty years, many of which have direct implications for the future of work, such as AI, ubiquitous access, and new forms of interaction. It helps in understanding the broader technological landscape.
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Challenges the conventional wisdom of extreme specialization, arguing that a breadth of experience and interdisciplinary thinking is increasingly valuable in a complex world. It offers a relevant perspective on the skills needed for the future of work.
Explores new organizational paradigms beyond traditional hierarchical structures, offering insights into more agile, self-managing, and purpose-driven ways of working. It provides a deeper understanding of potential future organizational models.
Offers a perspective on labor markets that emphasizes institutional and sociological factors alongside economic ones, particularly focusing on dual labor market theory. It provides a broader, more nuanced understanding of how labor markets function in practice. It is valuable for adding breadth to a purely economic perspective.
Provides a thought-provoking exploration of the future of generative AI, discussing its potential benefits and risks. It is written by Gary Marcus, a leading researcher in the field.
Provides a business-oriented perspective on generative AI, discussing its potential impact on industries and how companies can use it to gain a competitive advantage. It is written by three leading experts in the field, Thomas Davenport, Rajeev Ronanki, and Nitin Mittal.
Another influential work by Piketty, this book analyzes the dynamics of wealth and income inequality over centuries. It provides historical context for understanding current labor market inequalities and the share of income going to labor versus capital. It valuable reference for understanding long-term economic trends affecting labor.
Written by a long-time labor reporter, this book offers a comprehensive look at the state of the American labor movement and the challenges faced by workers today. It provides a accessible overview of contemporary labor issues and policy debates. It is useful for gaining a broad understanding of the current labor landscape.
Serves as an excellent introduction to Design Thinking, a widely used framework for creative problem-solving. It provides practical tools and methodologies that can be directly applied to creative projects and innovation challenges. It is suitable for those new to structured creative processes.
Rodrik examines the effects of globalization on domestic labor markets and the challenges of balancing open trade with inclusive growth. is relevant for understanding how international economic forces shape labor market outcomes and policy choices. It adds a global perspective to labor market discussions.
Explores the relationship between labor law, employment rights, and economic outcomes. It argues that strong labor protections can have positive economic effects, offering a perspective that is particularly relevant in policy-oriented discussions about the labor market. It is valuable for understanding the legal and policy framework of labor.
Written by Google's former head of HR, this book offers practical insights into building a high-performing culture and attracting talent. While not solely focused on the future, it provides valuable lessons from a leading tech company on managing and motivating a modern workforce.
While broader than just labor markets, Piketty's work provides important context on rising inequality, which is closely tied to labor market outcomes. examines the changing political landscape and its connection to economic divides, offering a contemporary perspective on the social implications of labor market trends. It provides a broader socio-economic context.
Provides a history of the American labor movement, highlighting the contributions and struggles of diverse groups of workers. It offers valuable historical context for understanding the evolution of labor rights, unions, and working conditions, relevant to the institutional aspects of the labor market.
The Heath brothers explore the elements that make ideas memorable and impactful. provides practical principles for communicating creative ideas effectively and ensuring they resonate with an audience. It's a useful guide for anyone needing to present or share their creative work.
Examines the science behind why certain ideas and products become popular. Understanding these principles can be incredibly valuable for creatives looking to share their work and have it gain traction. It's relevant for those interested in the intersection of creativity and marketing.
A seminal work exploring the common patterns underlying scientific discovery, artistic creation, and comic inspiration. This philosophical and psychological examination offers a deep, albeit challenging, look at the nature of creativity. It classic text for advanced readers interested in the theoretical underpinnings of creativity.
Explores the relationship between generative AI and the creative process, discussing how generative AI can be used to enhance creativity. It is written by Margaret Boden, a leading researcher in the field.

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