• University of Strathclyde

Understanding Information and Technology Today

Explore the non-technological ‘big picture’ of technology and information systems to learn what technology can do for you today.

2,473 enrolled on this course

Business people using Information technology

  • Duration

    5 weeks

  • Weekly study

    2 hours
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Learn what to use computers for and when to switch them off and think.

When we talk about technology and IS (information systems) we tend to focus on computers. On this course, you will examine the ‘big picture’ of technology, and gain a better understanding of what computers can do for us and when we should switch off our technological devices.

The aim of this course is not just to provide an in-depth understanding of specific applications, but to help you develop a context for the technologies you encounter. You will discover the fundamental concepts of technology and IS in context to help you understand the changes in the technology landscape.

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Skip to 0 minutes and 5 seconds Sometimes technology annoys us.

Skip to 0 minutes and 12 seconds But we like its convenience.

Skip to 0 minutes and 17 seconds Good use of technology makes us productive.

Skip to 0 minutes and 23 seconds But will it replace our workforce? Technology must serve your business.

Skip to 0 minutes and 33 seconds So how do you explain what you need technology to do?

Skip to 0 minutes and 39 seconds What should you use it for and what should not be left to technology? Join Viktor Dorfler for understanding information and technology today.

What topics will you cover?

  • Technology expectations: technology in terms of accepted concepts.
  • Technology reality: what technology really looks like today.
  • The strange concept of innovation.
  • Information Systems: databases and portals.
  • What IS/ICT does
  • Tools for modelling: exploring two large groups of modelling approaches, the hard and the soft methods.
  • IS/ICT design and implementation.
  • IS/ICT history: the history of making and using IS/ICT.
  • IS/ICT strategy within organisations.
  • Cloud computing: types of cloud computing and what the future holds in store.
  • Intelligent machines: Artificial Intelligence (AI).
  • Smart machines.

Learning on this course

On every step of the course you can meet other learners, share your ideas and join in with active discussions in the comments.

What will you achieve?

By the end of the course, you‘ll be able to...

  • Develop a 'big picture' understanding of IS/ICT and its use in organisations
  • Evaluate where to put a database and where a knowledge base
  • Describe IS/ICT strategy as an aspect of corporate strategy
  • Explore basic concepts that you need to communicate with IS/ICT specialists
  • Compare variants of cloud-computing
  • Compare your experiences of using smart technology
  • Discuss the possibilities and consequences of artificial intelligence

Who is the course for?

You don’t need any past experience of this topic to take this course. You might find this course particularly useful if you’re background isn’t in technology but you now find yourself using technology regularly.

Who will you learn with?

Viktor Dörfler

Senior Lecturer in Information & Knowledge Management. My interest is comprised of areas of personal and organisational knowledge and learning as well as supporting these with artificial intelligence.

Who developed the course?

University of Strathclyde

The University of Strathclyde is a leading international technological university located in Glasgow, Scotland’s biggest city, committed to useful learning.

Learning on FutureLearn

Your learning, your rules

  • Courses are split into weeks, activities, and steps to help you keep track of your learning
  • Learn through a mix of bite-sized videos, long- and short-form articles, audio, and practical activities
  • Stay motivated by using the Progress page to keep track of your step completion and assessment scores

Join a global classroom

  • Experience the power of social learning, and get inspired by an international network of learners
  • Share ideas with your peers and course educators on every step of the course
  • Join the conversation by reading, @ing, liking, bookmarking, and replying to comments from others

Map your progress

  • As you work through the course, use notifications and the Progress page to guide your learning
  • Whenever you’re ready, mark each step as complete, you’re in control
  • Complete 90% of course steps and all of the assessments to earn your certificate

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