• University of Leeds
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Learn about Current Digital Workplace Trends

Understand how digital technology influences our lives and the way we work, with the IOC and the University of Leeds.

18,898 enrolled on this course

  • Duration

    2 weeks
  • Weekly study

    3 hours

Explore the changing face of technology in the workplace

The current digital workplace is fast-moving and presents an ever-changing job market.

On this two-week course, you’ll discover why digital skills are so important, and the type of job roles that lean heavily on this knowledge.

Guided by industry experts, you’ll learn how to keep on top of digital trends to help you thrive in the workplace.

Future-proof your career with essential digital skills

You’ll examine some of the big myths surrounding the future of work, and demystify the role of ‘tech’ in the workplace.

Using up-to-date case studies and videos from people who have recently started working, you’ll discover first-hand how the digital workplace affects you as a worker.

You’ll learn about the Fourth Industrial Revolution and the importance of digital skills in today’s job market before reflecting on the transferable skills you’ll need to secure the future of your career.

You’ll then apply what you have learned to create a guide for your next professional steps.

Understand how digital technologies are changing the way we work and live

The influence of digital technology in our lives is vast and this course will help you identify the ways you can use technology to work smarter.

By the end of the course, you’ll have the confidence and tools to progress your career in the digital workplace.

Whether you’re just entering the world of work, or you’re forging a new career path in the fast-moving digital space, this course is a practical guide to using technology effectively.

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Skip to 0 minutes and 7 seconds Tuyen Do: Artificial intelligence, the Internet of Things, machine learning, the cloud. You’ve probably heard of these technologies, but do you know what they are? This course will help you find out. Learn about Current Digital Workplace Trends is one of three courses exploring thriving in the digital workplace. You’ll discover how digital technologies are influencing the world we live and work in. And why digital skills are needed in the workplace. From demystifying some of the big myths about the future of work, to exploring how you can use technology to work smarter, this course is a practical guide to using technology effectively in your career. You’ll hear the experiences of people like yourself, who are new or returning to the world of work.

Skip to 0 minutes and 56 seconds And learn from professionals with many years experience. And throughout the course, you’ll be able to apply what have learned to create a guide for your next steps. This course is part of our portfolio of professional and digital skills courses from the University of Leeds, in association with the Institute of Coding. Covering topics from coding to social media marketing. All available free to help you build your career today. Whether you’re new to the world of work or forging a new career for yourself, we look forward to sharing your journey in the fast-moving digital space.

Syllabus

  • Week 1

    What is the Fourth Industrial Revolution?

    • Welcome

      Before you get started, take some time to meet your Lead Educator, Sophie Pendrell, who will guide you through the course. You'll also have the opportunity to meet your fellow learners and plan your learning journey.

    • The Fourth Industrial Revolution

      In this activity, you’ll explore what defines the Fourth Industrial Revolution and how new growth in technology is impacting upon today’s world.

    • How does technology affect us?

      In this activity, you’ll explore how the new technologies of the Fourth Industrial Revolution are affecting the world around us. Technology affects our society, the way we learn, and has an impact on the job market.

    • The growing importance of data

      In this activity, you explore the importance of data in the modern world and the ways it is used, from big data to personal data. You’ll also look at some of the current laws which were set up to protect how this data is used.

    • Summary

      You’ve now reached the end of Week 1 of Learn about Current Digital Workplace Trends. In this activity, we’ll sum up what you’ve learned and look ahead to Week 2.

  • Week 2

    Are robots taking our jobs?

    • Welcome to Week 2

      This week, you’ll explore the difference between artificial intelligence (AI) and human intelligence before exploring the digital and transferable skills that are necessary to help make you ready for the future.

    • Artificial intelligence vs human intelligence

      In this activity, you’ll focus on artificial Intelligence and how it is different to human intelligence. You’ll also explore the unique skills of humans and consider if they are likely to be performed by robots in the future.

    • Digital skills

      In this activity, you’ll look at digital skills and decide which ones are going to be most useful in tomorrow’s world. You’ll also explore which ones may become obsolete in the changing workplaces of the future.

    • Transferable skills

      You’ve explored how important digital skills are. But these aren’t the only skills you’ll need in the workplace. In this activity, you’ll find out how transferable skills can help you be more productive when working with others.

    • Summary

      In this activity, you reflect on the two weeks of the course. You’ll have the opportunity to read a summary of the key topics in the course and find out about the next steps you may like to take.

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...

  • Identify the technologies and aspects of the Fourth Industrial Revolution.
  • Discuss how technology is changing the world around us.
  • Debate the growing importance of data.
  • Explore the impact of automation in the workplace.
  • Investigate the digital skills predicted for a future workforce.
  • Reflect on the transferable skills predicted to be future proof.

Who is the course for?

This course is designed for people who have some digital skills but would like to build confidence in using digital technology.

You may be new to the workplace, returning to employment or already working and want to understand how practices have evolved in order to futureproof your career.

Who will you learn with?

Sophie has worked with digital media for over 30 years both as an artist, producer and educator. She now works remotely from her home beside the sea.

Who developed the course?

University of Leeds

As one of the UK’s largest research-based universities, the University of Leeds is a member of the prestigious Russell Group and a centre of excellence for teaching.

Institute of Coding

The Institute of Coding (IoC) is a national collaboration of employers, universities, and charities, on a mission to provide people from all walks of life with access to digital learning and career opportunities.

Endorsers and supporters

supported by

Nesta logo

supported by

UKBlackTech logo

supported by

tech mums logo

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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