Collaborative Foresight: How to Game the Future

Collaborative Foresight: How to Game the Future

This course is part of the Futures Thinking Specialization

Language of instruction: English
8 languages available
Some materials may not be translated

Jane McGonigal

Teachers: Jane McGonigal
Financial assistance available
11,123 already registered

 

What will you learn

  • Design and run a multiplayer forecasting game
  • Game out hard-to-predict consequences in any future scenario
  • Anticipate long-term harms of new technologies and how to prevent them
  • Create diverse, inclusive futures thinking communities

Skills gained

  • Creativity
  • Strategic Planning
  • Future Forecasting
  • Gaming
  • Collaboration

ENROLLMENT IS OVER

100 Things Every Designer Needs to Know About People by Susan Weinschenk

100 Things

Behavioral science leader and CEO at The Team W, Inc., Susan M. Weinschenk, provides a guide that every designer needs, combining real science and research with practical examples on everything from font size to online interactions. With this book you’ll design more intuitive and engaging apps, software, websites and products that match the way people think, decide and behave.

Here are some of the questions this book will answer:

  • What grabs and holds attention?
  • What makes memories stick?
  • What motivates people?
  • How does listening to music make people feel?
  • How do you engineer a decision?
  • What line length for text is best?
  • Are some fonts better than others?

We design to elicit responses from people. We want them to buy something, read more, or take action of some kind. Designing without understanding what makes people act the way they do is like exploring a new city without a map: results will be haphazard, confusing, and inefficient. Increase the effectiveness of your designs by using science-backed examples on human behavior.

Find out more about 100 Things Every Designer Needs to Know About People →

BE OPEN: The Future of e-Learning: 10 Trends to Watch Out For in 2024. Pt.2

BE OPEN: The Future of e-Learning: 10 Trends to Watch Out For in 2024. Pt.2

Importance of well-being training

Well-being training is becoming increasingly important in the future of e-learning. As people face new challenges and stressors, it’s crucial to prioritize their mental and emotional well-being. Companies now recognize that employees who are mentally healthy and emotionally balanced are more productive and engaged. Therefore, incorporating well-being training into e-learning programs can help individuals develop resilience, manage stress effectively, and improve their overall well-being.

By focusing on topics such as mindfulness, self-care practices, work-life balance, and stress management techniques, learners can enhance their mental health while acquiring valuable skills for personal and professional success.

Continued growth of mobile learning

Mobile learning is expected to continue its growth in the future of e-learning. With the increasing use of mobile devices, such as smartphones and tablets, people are turning to these devices for learning on the go.

This trend aligns with the predicted rise in mobile device usage globally. Mobile learning allows learners to access educational content anytime and anywhere, making it convenient and flexible.

Additionally, as stated in important fact #8, the prevalence of mobile devices will contribute to the continued growth of this mode of learning.

Increased outsourcing of e-learning content development

E-learning content development is on the rise, and with it comes an increased tendency for organizations to outsource this process. Many companies are realizing that developing e-learning content in-house can be time-consuming and expensive.

By outsourcing to specialized firms or freelancers, businesses can save both time and money while ensuring high-quality content. This trend is expected to continue growing in 2024 as more companies recognize the benefits of outsourcing their e-learning needs.

Additionally, outsourcing allows organizations to tap into the expertise of professionals who have a deep understanding of instructional design and technology. It also provides access to diverse perspectives and fresh ideas, resulting in engaging and effective e-learning experiences for learners.

Learning Experience Platforms (LXP)

Learning Experience Platforms (LXP) are a key trend to watch out for in the future of e-learning. LXPs are online platforms that provide a personalized and engaging learning experience for users.

With features like AI-driven personalization, gamification, and data analytics, these platforms offer interactive and tailored learning content. LXPs also prioritize collaboration and adaptability, allowing learners to connect with peers, share resources, and progress at their own pace.

As mobile learning continues to grow, LXPs offer flexibility by providing access to educational materials on various devices. By leveraging immersive technologies like augmented reality (AR) and virtual reality (VR), LXPs create dynamic and interactive learning environments.

Mobile-first learning

Mobile-first learning is a significant trend in the future of e-learning. As the use of mobile devices continues to rise, more and more learners are accessing educational content on their smartphones and tablets.

This shift towards mobile learning allows for greater flexibility and convenience, as learners can access materials anytime, anywhere. Mobile-first learning also opens up opportunities for interactive and engaging experiences through features like video-based learning and gamification.

Additionally, data analytics play a crucial role in tracking learners’ progress and providing personalized learning experiences. With the increasing prevalence of mobile devices, it is expected that mobile-first learning will continue to grow in popularity in 2024.

The Future of e-Learning in 2024

Advancements in technology, such as AI and AR/VR, will shape the future of e-learning. Personalized and adaptive learning, blended with traditional methods, will cater to diverse learners.

The skills gap in the workforce and the benefits of e-learning in corporate training further highlight the importance of embracing these trends. Discover more about the exciting future of e-learning in 2024!

Advancements in technology (AI, AR/VR, etc.)

Advancements in technology, such as Artificial Intelligence (AI), Augmented Reality (AR), and Virtual Reality (VR), are set to revolutionize the future of e-learning. AI will play a significant role by providing personalized learning experiences and adaptive content delivery.

AR and VR technologies will enhance learner engagement through immersive experiences, allowing students to explore virtual environments and interact with digital objects. These advancements will not only make learning more interactive and engaging but also provide valuable insights through data analytics, enabling educators to tailor their teaching approaches based on individual needs.

With these technological advancements, the future of e-learning holds tremendous potential for creating dynamic and effective online educational experiences.

Importance of soft skills and diversity, equity, and inclusion

In the future of e-learning, the importance of soft skills and diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) training will be emphasized. Soft skills such as communication, collaboration, adaptability, and empathy are crucial for success in the workplace.

DEI training promotes equality and fosters a diverse and inclusive work environment. By providing these trainings online, organizations can reach a wider audience and create a more inclusive learning experience.

Research shows that companies with diverse teams perform better financially and are more innovative. Therefore, it is vital for e-learning platforms to incorporate soft skills and DEI training to prepare learners for the evolving demands of the workforce in 2024.

Interiors in the Era of Covid-19. Interior Design between the Public and Private Realms

Interiors of Era Covid 19

Penny Sparke (Anthology Editor), Ersi Ioannidou (Anthology Editor), Pat Kirkham (Anthology Editor), Stephen Knott (Anthology Editor), Jana Scholze (Anthology Editor)

The Covid-19 lockdowns caused people worldwide to be confined to their homes for longer and on a greater scale than ever before. This forced many unprecedented changes to the way we treat domestic space – as relationships shifted between the public and the private worlds, and homes were rapidly adapted to accommodate the additional roles of schools, offices, gyms, restaurants, making-spaces and more. Above all, our understanding of the home as a site to support and enhance the well-being of its inhabitants changed in a variety of novel ways.

Interiors in the Era of Covid is a collection of essays which explore the complex ways in which our inside spaces (contemporary and historical) have responded to Covid-19 and other human crises. With case studies ranging from US and Europe to Japan, China, Colombia, and Bangladesh, this is a truly global work which examines wide-ranging subjects from home-working and home technologies to the impact of lockdown on people’s identities, gender roles in the home, and the realities of domestic living with Covid in refugee camps.

Exploring the roles played by designers (both amateur and professional) in accommodating changing requirements and anticipating future ones – whether Covid or beyond – this book is a must-read for students and researchers in interior design, architecture, architectural and design history, and anyone interested in the home and the relationships between health and design.

Find out more about Interiors in the Era of Covid-19 →

BE OPEN: The Future of e-Learning: 10 Trends to Watch Out For in 2024. Pt.1

BE OPEN: The Future of e-Learning: 10 Trends to Watch Out For in 2024. Pt.1

Today we want to discuss the future of E-Learning and the enormous trend of those flocking to Youtube and other E-Learning platforms to gain knowledge and real-life solutions for day-to-day problems we encounter. Recent statistics show that the world is fast shifting towards e-Learning, a modern approach that’s transforming education.

Navigating the digital landscape of education can feel like a daunting task, especially with evolving technologies transforming how we learn. Did you know that the eLearning market is predicted to grow by more than 200% between 2020 and 2025? This article will shed light on the top ten trends in e-Learning to look out for in 2024, equipping you with valuable insights that can help shape your e-learning strategies effectively. So, are you ready to future-proof your learning roadmap?

Top 10 Emerging Trends in e-Learning for 2024

AI will be increasingly used in e-learning, VR/AR integration will enhance the learning experience, continuous learning investment will rise, nanolearning and gamification will become more prevalent, well-being training will gain importance, mobile learning will continue to grow, there will be increased outsourcing of content development, LXPs will revolutionize the learning experience, and mobile-first learning approaches will dominate.

Increased use of Artificial Intelligence (AI)

AI is changing how we learn. More e-learning platforms are using AI now. It helps to give a better learning experience. Each student can have their own path of learning. This makes the study more fun and easier for them.

AI also gives students quick answers to their questions with chatbots. Teachers get help from AI too! They use it to check tests faster and better than before.

Integration of Virtual and Augmented Reality (VR/AR)

The integration of virtual and augmented reality (VR/AR) is set to revolutionize e-Learning in 2024. With VR, learners can immerse themselves in realistic virtual environments, enhancing their engagement and retention of information. AR overlays digital information onto the real world, allowing learners to interact with virtual objects in a physical setting. These technologies offer a more interactive and experiential learning experience, making complex concepts easier to understand.

According to predictions, VR/AR will be widely incorporated into e-Learning platforms, providing learners with hands-on experiences without the need for physical resources or travel. For example, medical students can practice surgeries in a virtual operating room or employees can simulate hazardous scenarios for safety training. The use of VR/AR also promotes collaboration among learners through shared experiences and real-time feedback.

Furthermore, integrating these immersive technologies allows better data capture and analysis. Data analytics can track learner behavior within VR/AR environments, identifying areas where they excel or struggle. This enables personalized instruction tailored to individual needs.

Greater investment in continuous learning

Continuous learning is becoming increasingly important in the future of e-learning. With advancements in technology and the ever-changing nature of industries, it is crucial for individuals to continually update their skills and knowledge.

This has led to a greater investment in continuous learning programs, both by individuals and organizations. By investing in continuous learning, individuals can stay relevant in their fields and adapt to new challenges and opportunities.

Organizations benefit as well, as employees who engage in continuous learning are more likely to be productive, innovative, and adaptable. With the growth of e-learning platforms and resources, accessing continuous learning opportunities has become more convenient than ever before.

Rise of nanolearning

Nanolearning is becoming increasingly popular in the field of e-learning. This trend involves delivering content in small, bite-sized chunks that are easy to digest and understand.

With nanolearning, learners can access information quickly and conveniently whenever they need it. It is an effective way to address the growing demand for just-in-time learning, especially in fast-paced industries where knowledge needs to be constantly updated.

As technology continues to advance, nanolearning will play a significant role in providing learners with targeted and relevant information efficiently.

Increased use of gamification

Gamification is becoming more popular in e-learning. It involves using game elements, like challenges and rewards, to engage learners and make the learning experience fun. Gamified learning can increase motivation, encourage active participation, and improve knowledge retention.

In 2024, we can expect to see a further increase in the use of gamification as a strategy to enhance e-learning experiences for learners of all ages. By incorporating game mechanics into educational content, such as quizzes, leaderboards, and badges, educators can create interactive and immersive learning environments that promote active learning and drive learner engagement.

Gamification not only makes learning enjoyable but also provides instant feedback and encourages learners to continuously improve their skills. So get ready for an e-learning future where games are not just for entertainment but also serve as powerful tools for education.

The Art Spirit by Robert Henri

The Art Spirit

Robert Henri, who painted in the Realist style and was a founding member of the Ashcan School, was known for his belief in interactive nature of creativity and inspiration, and the enduring power of art. Since its first publication in 1923, The Art Spirit, has been a source of inspiration for artists and creatives from David Lynch to George Bellows. Filled with valuable technical advice as well as wisdom about the place of art and the artist in American society, this classic work continues to be a must-read for anyone interested in the power of creation and the beauty of art.

The book is like a collection of inspirational quotes that will motivate you to look at more of your world through an artist’s lens, as Henri’s musings about the artistic process are so profound.

A classic work of advice, criticism, and inspiration for aspiring artists and lovers of art.

Find out more about The Art Spirit →

Talk Art the Interviews

Talk Art Interviews

Authors:  Russell Tovey, Robert Diament

The actor Russell Tovey and the gallerist Robert Diament bring their much-loved Talk Art podcast to the printed page with a selection of their most popular conversations. Featuring 24 funny, moving and intriguing interviews with the likes of Sonia Boyce, Stephen Fry, Tracey Emin and Elton John, it gives a fascinating insight into how art is made, why we are drawn to it and the powerful impact it can have on our lives.

Find out more about Talk Art the Interviews →