Understanding Information and Technology Today (FutureLearn)

Understanding Information and Technology Today (FutureLearn)

Non-technological ‘big picture’ of technology and information systems to help you understand what technology can do for you today. When we talk about technology and IS (information systems) we tend to focus on computers. Instead, in this course we examine the ‘big picture’ of technology, in order to gain a better understanding of what computers can do for us and when we should switch off our computers, smartphones, tablets and wearables.

Class Deals by MOOC List - Click here and see FutureLearn's Active Discounts, Deals, and Promo Codes.

We cover some of the fundamental concepts of technology and IS but the aim is not to provide an in-depth understanding of specific applications, but to help you develop a context for the technologies you encounter and to help you understand the changes in the technology landscape.

What will you achieve?

  • Develop a 'big picture' understanidng 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.
Go to Class
MOOC List is learner-supported. When you buy through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission.

Related Courses

Frontier Physics, Future Technologies (FutureLearn) FutureLearn
University of York

Frontier Physics, Future Technologies (FutureLearn)

Expand your understanding of modern physics and discover how we can solve societal problems by developing future technologies. Explore the mysteries of the universe through cutting-edge physics. Physics is the most fundamental of the sciences. By studying the properties of energy and matter, physicists aim to explain the many mysteries of the universe.

Self Paced
3 Weeks
Justice and Equity in Technology Policy (Coursera) Coursera
University of Michigan

Justice and Equity in Technology Policy (Coursera)

More than ever, technology is shaping, and being shaped by, public policy. This has an enormous impact, particularly for marginalized communities. The artificial intelligence and computer algorithms increasingly driving government and industry decisions—from the allocation of social services to hiring—are reflecting and reinforcing social biases towards women, people of color, and disabled people, among others. Global climate change is having a disproportionately negative impact on low- and middle-income countries, and on historically disadvantaged communities of color in the United States. Communities are increasingly concerned they are not benefiting from government research funding, and that the regulation of emerging technologies is inadequate.

Oct 12th 2026
5-12 Weeks
eHealth: Combining Psychology, Technology and Health (FutureLearn) FutureLearn
University of Twente

eHealth: Combining Psychology, Technology and Health (FutureLearn)

How can technology make you healthy? Learn about the design, application, implementation and evaluation of eHealth. eHealth refers to the use of technologies to improve well-being, health, and healthcare. It is an umbrella term that captures concepts about the health context, technology, and people. In this free online course, we will provide you with insight into the domain of eHealth, describe methods to develop eHealth, and explain theories that enable behaviour change and facilitate implementation.

Available now
5-12 Weeks
Electric Utilities Fundamentals and Future (Coursera) Coursera
University of Colorado System

Electric Utilities Fundamentals and Future (Coursera)

The approach of this course is truly unique in how it approaches and engages learners. It looks at the electric utility industry, which has remained critical to our quality of life, health and comfort from the eyes of numerous industry experts through on-location interviews, compelling visuals, and animation. You will benefit from having the inside track because you see some behind-the-scenes information not covered in news stories, social media or even if we are in the business ourselves.

Oct 12th 2026
5-12 Weeks
Curso SMART-ASD: Conectando Tecnologías con Personas con Autismo (FutureLearn) FutureLearn
University of Bath

Curso SMART-ASD: Conectando Tecnologías con Personas con Autismo (FutureLearn)

Encontrando los apoyos tecnológicos más adecuados para alumnado con autismo y/o discapacidad intelectual. Muchos niños con un diagnóstico de Trastorno del Espectro del Autismo (TEA) también tienen una Discapacidad Intelectual (DI). Sin embargo, este grupo está muy poco representado dentro de la investigación y conocimiento dentro de los TEA.

No sessions available
4 Weeks
Web Science: How the Web is Changing the World (FutureLearn) FutureLearn
University of Southampton

Web Science: How the Web is Changing the World (FutureLearn)

Explore how the web has changed our world and what the future might hold, with this free online course introducing Web Science. You may already be an avid user of the Web, but this introduction to Web Science will help you better understand it as both a social and technical system - a global information infrastructure, built from the interactions of people and technologies. This free online course is based on our experience of trying to understand how the Web has grown and changed through technical innovation, economics, politics and everyday use.

No sessions available
2 Weeks
Begin Programming: Build Your First Mobile Game (FutureLearn) FutureLearn
University of Reading

Begin Programming: Build Your First Mobile Game (FutureLearn)

Learn basic Java programming by developing a mobile game that you can run on your computer, Android phone or tablet. Take your first steps into the world of computer programming and learn how to build your own mobile game in just five weeks. You’ll be introduced to the basic constructs and the principles behind computer programs, as well as the building blocks that are used to create them.

No sessions available
5-12 Weeks
Respecting Our Differences Online (FutureLearn) FutureLearn
Samsung

Respecting Our Differences Online (FutureLearn)

Learn how technology can be used to share a diverse range of opinions and ideas, and amplify underrepresented voices online. Explore how our differences of opinion can bring us closer together. On this course, you’ll explore ways to make the online world safe for everyone and learn how we can use technology to celebrate our differences online.

No sessions available
2 Weeks
Cybersecurity Job Search and Interviews: Getting Started (Coursera) Coursera
University System of Georgia

Cybersecurity Job Search and Interviews: Getting Started (Coursera)

Are you planning to have a career in cybersecurity? This course can help you plan your preparation for such a career as well as give some advice on finding positions and landing a position. What you will learn: the process and resources for finding the perfect cybersecurity job; the cybersecurity professional’s role in an organization’s cybersecurity effort; the knowledge preparation for the cybersecurity professional from an education versus training perspective.

Oct 12th 2026
5-12 Weeks