Is the 'Shaping Work of the Future' course still available?

Yes, although the course is archived and no longer being updated, it is still available for free sign-up on the edX platform. Discussions may still be ongoing within the course forums.

What essential skills are needed for success in the future workforce?

Success in the future workforce requires a combination of technical skills (like digital literacy, data analysis, AI) and strong social skills. These social skills include communication, problem-solving, teamwork, and conflict resolution, which are crucial for effectively applying technology and collaborating with others.

How often was the 'Shaping Work of the Future' curriculum updated?

The curriculum was adapted and changed each year, particularly after Megan Perdue joined the team. Updates were based on student feedback, current events, and emerging social issues, often including weekly videos addressing timely topics.

What was the role of peer evaluation in the online course?

Peer evaluation and feedback were a key component, holding participants accountable for active engagement. This system helped learners contribute to each other's understanding and was a practical necessity for a course with thousands of participants.

How did the course foster international perspectives?

The discussion forums were designed to encourage learners from diverse global backgrounds to share their expertise and perspectives on the social contract of work in their countries. This created a rich, international exchange of ideas, educating participants beyond a purely US-centric view.

What is the importance of mentorship and apprenticeship for the future of work?

Mentorship and apprenticeship are crucial for lifelong learning. They combine structured learning with on-the-job experience, providing guidance and feedback. This model fosters a learning culture within organizations, essential for adapting to future changes.

How important is transparency in the future of work, especially with new technologies?

Transparency is vital, especially as technology and AI collect significant data. Making information accessible to everyone in the organization, while protecting privacy, can accelerate innovation by allowing more people to contribute. Restricting information can lead to distrust and hinder progress.

Key Moments

Open Learning Talks | Shaping the Work of the Future

MIT OpenCourseWare

Education4 min read46 min video

Oct 25, 2021|268 views|5

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Key Moments

TL;DR

MIT Professor Tom Kochan discusses "Shaping the Work of the Future" course, its evolution with online learning, and adapting to global changes like tech and COVID-19.

Key Insights

The "Shaping the Work of the Future" course evolved from a traditional classroom setting to an online format to reach a broader audience, particularly young people concerned about the "American Dream".

The course content was significantly updated to incorporate the impact of technology, social movements (like Black Lives Matter, #MeToo), and global events (like the COVID-19 pandemic).

Online learning facilitated a global exchange of perspectives, enriching the course content with diverse participant experiences and challenging assumptions, especially for US-centric issues.

Lessons learned from the online course informed on-campus teaching, creating reciprocal learning opportunities between MBA students and online participants.

The COVID-19 pandemic underscored the importance of essential workers, flexible work systems, and the need for organizations to listen to and respect employees' home responsibilities.

The course inspired a new MITx course focused on empowering worker representatives to influence the design and implementation of technology in the workplace.

Success in the future workforce requires a combination of technical and social skills, emphasizing communication, teamwork, and continuous learning.

Transparency in communication and information flow within organizations is crucial for fostering innovation and mutual accountability, especially with advanced technologies.

THE ORIGINS AND EVOLUTION OF THE MITX COURSE

Professor Tom Kochan, a long-time MIT Sloan professor specializing in work and employment research, discusses the genesis of the "Shaping the Work of the Future" MITx course. Initially hesitant about online teaching, Kochan was motivated by a growing concern for the declining "American Dream" and the need to equip younger generations with the tools to shape their own careers and improve workplace conditions. The course aimed to move beyond traditional academic confines to address these critical workforce issues with a broader audience.

COLLABORATIVE COURSE DEVELOPMENT AND CONTENT EXPANSION

The course's evolution was significantly shaped by Digital Learning Scientist Meghan Perdue, who joined the project after taking an archived version. Perdue's expertise in digital learning and her fresh perspective led to a substantial rework of the curriculum. Key pillars evolved to include strategies for building "high-road" organizations, the importance of worker organizations like unions, the role of education and government in a social contract, and crucially, the fourth pillar: leveraging technology as a complement to enhance productivity and work quality.

ADAPTING TO GLOBAL EVENTS AND DIVERSE PERSPECTIVES

A significant aspect of the course's success was its ability to adapt to real-world events and integrate diverse global perspectives. By listening to participant feedback and observing global shifts such as the Black Lives Matter movement, #MeToo, and political divisions, the course became more dynamic. International examples from Australia, Europe, and Africa were brought in, fostering a richer discussion and a more nuanced understanding of labor issues beyond the United States.

THE IMPACT OF COVID-19 AND THE RISE OF ESSENTIAL WORKERS

The COVID-19 pandemic profoundly impacted the course, forcing a re-evaluation of the world of work. Discussions shifted to the experiences of essential workers on the front lines, the challenges of integrating work and home responsibilities, and the necessity of flexible and hybrid work systems. The pandemic highlighted the value of mutual learning, with participants' personal stories becoming invaluable resources for understanding the immediate and ongoing impacts of the crisis on the workforce.

SYNCHRONIZING ONLINE AND ON-CAMPUS LEARNING

The vision for MITx was to influence on-campus teaching as well. The "Shaping the Work of the Future" course inspired a mirrored on-campus class, "Managing for People and Profits." This created a symbiotic relationship where on-campus students sometimes acted as technical instructors for online participants, learning firsthand the perspectives of workers outside academia. A pivotal moment was realizing how differently on-campus MBA students and online learners perceived issues, validating the need for this cross-pollination of ideas.

REACHING A GLOBAL AUDIENCE AND EMERGING THEMES

The course's audience grew and diversified over its six iterations, with the median age increasing as professionals, teachers, and consultants joined. This international participation enriched discussions, allowing learners to share insights on social contracts in their respective countries. Key themes that emerged included the critical need for lifelong learning, the power of mentorship and apprenticeships in developing essential technical and social skills, and the growing importance of transparency in organizational communication and data usage.

THE 'HANDBOOK' APPROACH AND FUTURE INITIATIVES

The insights gained from the "Shaping the Work of the Future" course were synthesized into a book, co-authored by Kochan and Lee Dyer, serving as a practical handbook for action. This aligns with the learners' desire for actionable strategies. Looking ahead, Kochan and Perdue are developing a new course specifically for worker representatives, aimed at equipping them with the knowledge and tools to influence the early design and implementation of workplace technologies, in partnership with the AFL-CIO's Technology Institute.

ESSENTIAL SKILLS AND THE NEED FOR TRANSPARENCY IN WORK

Future workforce success hinges on a blend of technical proficiency and robust social skills, including communication, problem-solving, and teamwork. The course also strongly advocated for organizational transparency, especially concerning data and algorithmic decision-making. Making information accessible to all employees, while protecting personal data, is seen not just as ethical but as a driver of innovation and mutual accountability, fostering a more collaborative and effective work environment for everyone involved.

Mentioned in This Episode

●Software & Apps

●Organizations

●Books

●Concepts

●People Referenced

Common Questions

The course has no formal prerequisites. It is designed to be accessible to anyone interested in the future of work, regardless of their background in employment or management. The material includes data visualizations but doesn't require advanced analytical skills.

Topics

Lifelong Learning Technology & Innovation Society & Philosophy Future Of Work Social Contract Workplace Dynamics Online Learning Career & Skills Labor Relations Technology In The Workplace Worker Representation

Mentioned in this video

People

Barbara Dyer

A colleague of Tom Cochran's who encouraged him to prioritize the development of the online course.

Lee Dyer

Colleague and friend of Tom Cochran, co-author of the textbook companion to the MITx course.

Tom Cochran

Professor and author discussing his research and the 'Shaping Work of the Future' course.

Raphael Wright

President of MIT who championed the development of MITx and online learning capabilities, aiming to influence on-campus teaching.

Martha Mangelsdorf

Communications specialist at the Institute for Work and Employment Research, responsible for updating content on their website.

Von Wiederhausen

A participant in the online course who significantly contributed to bringing a European perspective into the discussions.

Organizations

AFL-CIO

American Federation of Labor, partnered with for a new course aimed at worker representatives on technology in the workplace.

Institute for Work and Employment Research

Tom Cochran's institute at MIT, which serves as a resource for updated articles, blogs, and dialogues on work and employment.

Black Lives Matter

A social movement that influenced the course content, prompting discussions on racial justice and societal divisions.

MIT School of Humanities, Arts and Social Sciences

Megan Perdue's affiliation, where the 'Shaping Work of the Future' course was developed.

MIT Sloan School of Management

Tom Cochran's academic affiliation, where he researches work and employment issues.

Cornell University

University where Tom Cochran previously taught in the School of Labor and Industrial Relations.

MIT Task Force on the Work of the Future

A group at MIT that produced a report on the future of work, influencing the course's content by adding a focus on technology.

Software & Apps

edx

The online learning platform where the 'Shaping Work of the Future' course was offered and remains available.

Books

Shaping Work of the Future

The MITx course developed by Tom Cochran and Megan Perdue, focusing on evolving workplace dynamics and policies.

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