Institute for the Future
Ready, Set, Future! Introduction to Futures Thinking
Institute for the Future

Ready, Set, Future! Introduction to Futures Thinking

This course is part of Futures Thinking Specialization

Jane McGonigal

Instructor: Jane McGonigal

49,874 already enrolled

Included with Coursera Plus

Gain insight into a topic and learn the fundamentals.
4.8

(1,254 reviews)

Beginner level

Recommended experience

Flexible schedule
Approx. 11 hours
Learn at your own pace
97%
Most learners liked this course
Gain insight into a topic and learn the fundamentals.
4.8

(1,254 reviews)

Beginner level

Recommended experience

Flexible schedule
Approx. 11 hours
Learn at your own pace
97%
Most learners liked this course

What you'll learn

  • Define futures thinking and give examples of futures projects

  • Collect and analyze signals of change

  • Identify historical change in the past to predict new changes in the future

  • Learn how to avoid future shock - and help others avoid it, too!

Details to know

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Assessments

8 assignments

Taught in English

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This course is part of the Futures Thinking Specialization
When you enroll in this course, you'll also be enrolled in this Specialization.
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  • Gain a foundational understanding of a subject or tool
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There are 4 modules in this course

The adventure begins! This week, you'll meet some professional futurists and learn: What is futures thinking? What are the benefits of futures thinking? Who hires futurists, and where can you put your new skills to use? By the end of this week, you'll be ready to choose your own future topics to explore throughout the rest of this course.

What's included

9 videos7 readings3 assignments1 peer review2 discussion prompts

This week, you'll learn how to collect and work with signals of change. Signals are the most important "raw material" of futures thinking. First, we'll show you some of our favorite signals and how we found them. Then, it's your turn: Collect and analyze signals related to your own future topic.

What's included

7 videos2 readings2 assignments1 peer review1 discussion prompt

It's time to strengthen your futures thinking skills by thinking about the past. It sounds strange, but to be a good futurist, you have to be a good historian as well! This week, you'll learn how to use our most powerful tool for "looking back to look forward."

What's included

3 videos4 readings1 assignment1 peer review1 discussion prompt

This week, you'll learn: What are the four different types of futures thinking, and when should you use each type? You'll also try out a fun futures thinking tool: the "Future Four-Square" game. This tool will help you dig deeper on your own future topic.... whatever you're interested in exploring the future of! Finally, get ready to help a friend or colleague think about the future. After all, the best way to learn something new is to teach someone else!

What's included

7 videos4 readings2 assignments1 peer review2 discussion prompts

Instructor

Instructor ratings
4.9 (484 ratings)
Jane McGonigal
Institute for the Future
6 Courses67,287 learners

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4.8

1,254 reviews

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