Technologies Changing the World: An Introduction to the Future Technologies Series
Emerging technologies aren't just important for computer scientists and business managers - they radically define the way each one of us live and interact with each other.
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Introduction
Course Description
Curious about AI or Blockchain but do not know where to start? We got you covered! This beginners course will introduce you to five emerging technologies that are revolutionizing our current times: Blockchain, Artificial Intelligence (AI) & Machine Learning (ML), Internet of Things (IoT), Digital Twin, and last but not least, 3D Printing & Digital Manufacturing.
Through the series, you will explore topics such as blockchain's potential for accelerating international development and the role of AI in future warfare. You will also learn about how IoT is reshaping our urban spaces, the role of digital twins in creating virtual environments, and how 3D printing and digital manufacturing are changing lives at both the individual and the global levels.
This is the first course in the series, giving you an overview of the 5 topics and a deep dive into the ethical debates regarding technological advances and our society.
Units
Unit 1
What is Blockchain and How Does it Work?
Imagine being able to share information online that could not be copied... sounds unbelievable right? Well, that is exactly what blockchain technology makes possible! From digital currencies to voting ballots, blockchain technology is revolutionising the exchange of online date!
But how does it really work? This unit features Christian Ingemann, founder and all-round developer at Comet Studies, where he designs new learning experiences for personal and business development. Christian introduces you to the basics of blockchain technology, shedding some light on what this hot technology topic is really all about.
Unit 2
Back to basics: What is Artificial Intelligence (AI)?
If you have ever clicked on a Facebook Ad, a recommendation on Spotify or Netflix or a shorter route on Google Maps, then you have interacted with an AI. The million dollar question is- what is an AI really? We are taking it back to basics in this unit you and will get a general understanding of what an AI is.
List a few tasks that require you to think: making choices, recognizing objects, having a conversation or perhaps translating words. All of these tasks require human intelligence aka require us to use our brains. So what is artificial intelligence you ask? Now, if we think about the word “artificial, it refers to something that is not naturally occurring in the world- basically something made or created by humans.
An artificially intelligent is a computer system that is able to perform tasks normally requiring human intelligence, such as visual perception, speech recognition, decision-making, and translation between languages (English Oxford Living Dictionary).
How does it really work?
Long story short, biological neural networks in the human brain help us think and make connections; similarly, artificial neural networks work to make sense of large sums of information or data.
Unit 3
The ABC of IoT
Chances are that you are connected to the internet on a device at this very instant, as you take this course, watch videos or listen to music. Whether it is a phone, laptop, or tablet, your device or "thing" is part of the Internet of Things or the IoT system. The definition is simple enough, but it has larger implications. All those devices are connected to the internet and in turn to each other, making them able to send, receive and make changes based on this data.
Unit 4
What is a Digital Twin?
Simply put, a digital twin is the coming together of the virtual and physical world. In some cases, it is referred to as the digital reflection of something physical that powers AI Artificial, but it can also be a digital map that powers Augmented Reality (AR) and Virtual Reality (VR).
If you have taken this unit before from the course titled "Future Technologies Series: Technologies Changing the World" then you can skip the syllabus and video lecture, and head straight to the exercise section.
Unit 5
Breaking Down 3D Printing
To understand 3D printing, it is helpful to compare it with regular ink-paper printing. Did you know that with regular printers, the ink does not stain the paper? It actually sits on the paper or is “bonded” to it. In the case of 3D printing, ink is replaced by different materials such as functional plastics, metals, ceramics, sand and even biological materials like sugar and chocolate.
3D printing is also referred to as additive manufacturing - the processes by which a physical object is created by adding material layer by layer. We've handpicked the resources in this unit to give you the best overview- from input to output- that will shed some light on how something as mind-blowing as 3D printing actually works!
Unit 6
The Ethics of Emerging Technology
Now that you have had an introduction to a series of emerging technologies, it is important that you become aware of the ethical concerns of these technologies. Simply put, ethics is what differentiates right from wrong regarding a specific behavior.
Unit 7
Certificate
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3. That’s it! Thank you for completing a course on The LAB. We look forward to seeing you again