Find out how digital technology is influencing how we live and work with the Institute of Coding and the University of Leeds.
- Duration2 weeks
- Weekly study2 hours
- LearnFree
- Digital upgradeFree
Learn about Current Digital Workplace Trends
Explore the changing face of technology in the workplace
Why are digital skills so important and which jobs do you need them for?
Tackle some of the big myths surrounding the future of work, and demystify the world of digital technology using up-to-date case studies from people who have recently joined the workforce.
With an ever-changing job market, this course will help you to keep on top of how digital technologies are influencing our work and lives.
As you discover the Fourth Industrial Revolution, you’ll consider the importance of digital skills and reflect on the transferable skills you’ll need for your career to be future-proof.
Syllabus
Week 1
From 27 Jul 2020
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
From 3 Aug 2020
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.
When would you like to start?
Most FutureLearn courses run multiple times. Every run of a course has a set start date but you can join it and work through it after it starts. Find out more
Available now
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 digital skills but would like to build confidence in using digital technology in the workplace.
This may include those studying for A-levels, those who have a degree, or those who want to improve their career prospects.
The course will also be useful for anyone in employment who wants to boost their digital skills or anyone returning to the workplace who’d like to gain confidence in how working practices have evolved.
You might also be interested in the other courses in the Digital Skills for the Workplace collection from the University of Leeds and the Institute of Coding.
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 is a family of learners, businesses and educators creating a new way to develop the digital skills needed at work and beyond.
Supporters
Learner reviews
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What's included?
University of Leeds are offering everyone who joins this course a free digital upgrade, so that you can experience the full benefits of studying online for free. This means that you get:
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