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Play by Play

Solving Problems, Changing Lives

Learn strategies for having a greater impact on the range of challenges we face today, so you can help others more effectively.

Your technical and other skills can have a tremendous impact on helping others to solve problems. In this course, Play by Play: Solving Problems, Changing Lives, you’ll first understand the three kinds of problems we face in our world today. We’ll explore the kinds of strategies that people develop when they use their heads and they use their hearts. We’ll apply those strategies to situations like working in a team, and we’ll talk about the kinds of tools you can use to help have a greater impact in the world.

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What's inside

Syllabus

Course Overview

Introduction

Using Your Head vs. Using Your Heart

How Can You Empower People?

Why Do Access and Resources Matter so Much?

Why Design Thinking Is Such an Important Tool

Empowering Others to Empower Themselves

Good to know

Know what's good

, what to watch for

, and possible dealbreakers

Examines problem-solving and its importance in addressing contemporary challenges

Emphasizes the roles of both technical skills and empathy in problem-solving

Covers design thinking, a renowned problem-solving methodology

Empowers learners to develop and apply effective problem-solving strategies in various contexts

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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 Play by Play: Solving Problems, Changing Lives with these activities:

Review teamwork and communication protocols

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Sharpen your teamwork and communication skills.

Browse courses on Communication Skills

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Read articles and watch videos on effective teamwork and communication.
Practice active listening and empathy in your interactions.
Participate in team-based activities or discussions.

Brush up on using both hemispheres of your brain

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Use your head and heart to find the most effective problem-solving strategies.

Browse courses on Design Thinking

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Explore the different types of problems we face today.
Learn about the strategies that people use to solve problems using their heads.
Learn about the strategies that people use to solve problems using their hearts.

Start a peer group to share ideas and experiences

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Join forces with other learners to reinforce concepts and engage in meaningful discussions.

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Find other learners who are interested in forming a peer group.
Set up regular meetings to discuss the course material.
Take turns leading discussions and sharing your insights.

Four other activities

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Explore the power of design thinking with free tutorials

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Become familiar with the powerful tool of design thinking.

Browse courses on Design Thinking

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Find free online tutorials on design thinking.
Follow the tutorials and learn the steps of design thinking.
Apply design thinking to a real-world problem to further solidify learning.

Volunteer your time and help others in need

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Put your skills to work by volunteering and gaining hands-on experience.

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Find a volunteer opportunity that aligns with your interests and schedule.
Contact the organization and inquire about volunteer opportunities.
Attend a volunteer training session to learn about the organization's mission and policies.
Use your skills and knowledge to help others.

Create a blog post or article that shares your insights

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Synthesize your learning by creating content that showcases your understanding.

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Choose a topic that you are passionate about and that you have learned about in the course.
Research the topic and gather information from credible sources.
Write a blog post or article that shares your insights and knowledge.
Publish your blog post or article online.

Develop a presentation on a design thinking case study

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Demonstrate your understanding of design thinking by creating a presentation.

Browse courses on Design Thinking

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Choose a design thinking case study to analyze.
Develop a presentation that outlines the problem, solution, and impact of the design thinking process.
Present your findings to a group of peers or colleagues.

Career center

Learners who complete Play by Play: Solving Problems, Changing Lives will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:

Development Officer

Development Officers are responsible for raising funds for nonprofit organizations. They work in a variety of settings, including universities, hospitals, and social service agencies. This course may be useful for Development Officers as it provides strategies for solving problems and changing lives. By learning how to effectively use their heads and hearts, Development Officers can develop more effective strategies for raising funds and supporting their organizations.

See salaries and explore the career path for Development Officer

Climate Change Analyst

Climate Change Analysts study the causes and consequences of climate change. They work in a variety of settings, including government agencies, research institutions, and private companies. This course may be useful for Climate Change Analysts as it provides strategies for solving problems and changing lives. By learning how to effectively use their heads and hearts, Climate Change Analysts can develop more effective strategies for studying climate change and promoting climate action.

See salaries and explore the career path for Climate Change Analyst

Human Resources Manager

Human Resources Managers oversee the human resources department of an organization. They work in a variety of settings, including businesses, government agencies, and non-profit organizations. This course may be useful for Human Resources Managers as it provides strategies for solving problems and changing lives. By learning how to effectively use their heads and hearts, Human Resources Managers can develop more effective strategies for managing their employees and creating a positive work environment.

See salaries and explore the career path for Human Resources Manager

Diversity and Inclusion Manager

Diversity and Inclusion Managers are responsible for creating and implementing diversity and inclusion programs in their organizations. They work in a variety of settings, including businesses, government agencies, and non-profit organizations. This course may be useful for Diversity and Inclusion Managers as it provides strategies for solving problems and changing lives. By learning how to effectively use their heads and hearts, Diversity and Inclusion Managers can develop more effective strategies for creating inclusive workplaces and promoting diversity.

See salaries and explore the career path for Diversity and Inclusion Manager

Social Worker

Social Workers help people overcome challenges and improve their lives. They work in a variety of settings, including schools, hospitals, and mental health clinics. This course may be useful for Social Workers as it provides strategies for solving problems and changing lives. By learning how to effectively use their heads and hearts, Social Workers can develop more effective strategies for helping people overcome challenges and achieve their goals.

See salaries and explore the career path for Social Worker

Policy Analyst

Policy Analysts research and analyze public policies. They work in a variety of settings, including government agencies, think tanks, and non-profit organizations. This course may be useful for Policy Analysts as it provides strategies for solving problems and changing lives. By learning how to effectively use their heads and hearts, Policy Analysts can develop more effective strategies for researching and analyzing public policies.

See salaries and explore the career path for Policy Analyst

Teacher

Teachers help students learn and grow. They work in a variety of settings, including public schools, private schools, and charter schools. This course may be useful for Teachers as it provides strategies for solving problems and changing lives. By learning how to effectively use their heads and hearts, Teachers can develop more effective strategies for teaching their students and helping them succeed.

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Environmental Scientist

Environmental Scientists study the environment and its impact on human health. They work in a variety of settings, including government agencies, research institutions, and private companies. This course may be useful for Environmental Scientists as it provides strategies for solving problems and changing lives. By learning how to effectively use their heads and hearts, Environmental Scientists can develop more effective strategies for studying the environment and promoting environmental sustainability.

See salaries and explore the career path for Environmental Scientist

Counselor

Counselors help people cope with challenges and improve their mental health. They work in a variety of settings, including schools, private practice, and community mental health centers. This course may be useful for Counselors as it provides strategies for solving problems and changing lives. By learning how to effectively use their heads and hearts, Counselors can develop more effective strategies for helping people overcome challenges and improve their mental health.

See salaries and explore the career path for Counselor

Community Organizer

Community Organizers work to bring people together to address issues and create change. They work in a variety of settings, including schools, non-profit organizations, and government agencies. This course may be useful for Community Organizers as it provides strategies for solving problems and changing lives. By learning how to effectively use their heads and hearts, Community Organizers can develop more effective strategies for empowering people and creating lasting change.

See salaries and explore the career path for Community Organizer

Nonprofit Manager

Nonprofit Managers oversee the operations of nonprofit organizations. They work in a variety of settings, including social service agencies, environmental organizations, and arts organizations. This course may be useful for Nonprofit Managers as it provides strategies for solving problems and changing lives. By learning how to effectively use their heads and hearts, Nonprofit Managers can develop more effective strategies for leading their organizations and making a positive impact on the world.

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Sustainability Manager

Sustainability Managers are responsible for developing and implementing sustainability programs in their organizations. They work in a variety of settings, including businesses, government agencies, and non-profit organizations. This course may be useful for Sustainability Managers as it provides strategies for solving problems and changing lives. By learning how to effectively use their heads and hearts, Sustainability Managers can develop more effective strategies for creating sustainable workplaces and promoting sustainability.

See salaries and explore the career path for Sustainability Manager

Public Health Educator

Public Health Educators are responsible for educating the public about health issues. They work in a variety of settings, including schools, community health centers, and government agencies. This course may be useful for Public Health Educators as it provides strategies for solving problems and changing lives. By learning how to effectively use their heads and hearts, Public Health Educators can develop more effective strategies for educating the public about health issues and promoting healthy behaviors.

See salaries and explore the career path for Public Health Educator

Project Manager

Project Managers are responsible for planning, executing, and closing projects. They work in a variety of industries, including construction, engineering, and information technology. This course may be useful for Project Managers as it provides strategies for solving problems and changing lives. By learning how to effectively use their heads and hearts, Project Managers can develop more successful projects that have a positive impact on the world.

See salaries and explore the career path for Project Manager

Program Manager

A Program Manager is a professional who designs, plans, and executes programs to achieve specific goals. They work in various industries, including non-profit organizations, government agencies, and businesses. This course may be useful for Program Managers as it provides strategies for solving problems and changing lives. By learning how to effectively use their heads and hearts, Program Managers can develop more impactful programs that make a real difference in the world.

See salaries and explore the career path for Program Manager

Reading list

We've selected 16 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 Play by Play: Solving Problems, Changing Lives.

The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People

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Provides a framework for personal and professional effectiveness. It covers topics such as being proactive, beginning with the end in mind, putting first things first, and win-win thinking. These principles can be applied to any area of life, including problem-solving and helping others.

Play by Play

Solving Problems, Changing Lives

What's inside

Syllabus

Good to know

Save this course

Activities

Career center

Reading list

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