What you will study
The course is divided into four blocks; there is a natural progression through the blocks, from providing a background to introducing risks and strategies for mitigating these risks, then examples of how to use these strategies for real-world applications, before a final look at how technology such as how AI shapes the world of work.
You’ll learn about the following:
Block 1: Setting the scene for AI technology
An introduction to the historical, social and ethical context of AI technology (Units 1 & 2)
Block 2: The risks of AI technology
An outline of the risks of AI technology and what can be done to respond to such risks (Units 3 & 4)
Block 3: Exploration of case studies
A series of case studies in which you will explore where AI technology has gone wrong as well as where it has gone right (Units 5, 6 & 7)
Block 4: AI and the workplace of the future
In this final block, you will consider AI technology and how it may shape, and perhaps already is shaping, the workplace of the future (Unit 8)
You will have opportunities at the end of each unit to test your knowledge via quizzes. After successfully completing this short course, you will receive a digital badge.
Please note that although this course is non-accredited, it can be used towards the module Making your learning count (YXM130) to gain OU credits.
You will learn
By the end of this Continuing Professional Development (CPD) course, you will:
- be able to formulate your own definition of AI
- have described the major historical, social, political and economic issues in AI
- have critically evaluated primary source information on these issues
- be able to formulate your own responses to these issues, driven by fact-based critical research
- be able to identify key features of risks in AI projects
- be able to use these key features to flag risks in a project involving a variety of types of data.
Learner support
The course is taught entirely online, with the aid of a learning adviser to offer support where needed. You will have access to online forums that you are strongly encouraged to participate in, as they are an excellent source of support and information. These forums combine peer support with input from the specialist learning adviser(s). Other support is available via the StudentHome website and computing helpdesk.
If you have a disability
The course is delivered online and makes use of a variety of online resources. If you use specialist hardware or software to assist you in using a computer or the internet you are advised to contact us about support which can be given to meet your needs.
The OU strives to make all aspects of study accessible to everyone and this Accessibility Statement outlines what studying LG003 involves. You should use this information to inform your study preparations and any discussions with us about how we can meet your needs.