Information professionals seeking free professional development opportunities have another choice in updating their skills and knowledge with a new and future-focused Massive Open Online Course (MOOC) offered by the San José State University (SJSU) School of Library and Information Science (SLIS). The new course, entitled, “Emerging Future: Technology Issues and Trends,” aims to explore the impact of new technologies while introducing participants to important issues, emerging trends, and the skills necessary to plan effectively for the future.  

Dr. Sue Alman, a lecturer at the SJSU information school and an expert in both futurism and online learning, is co-teaching the MOOC with Jen Jumba, a public librarian who also teaches courses in the school’s library and information science graduate degree program.

The MOOC presents a timely professional development opportunity for working information professionals interested in the ethical, social, and economic significance of technological changes and the global consumption of information. According to Alman, “There are dozens of categories that have been targeted for major research initiatives, and the results will have theoretical and practical effects on the ways in which libraries and archives strategically plan for the future. Some of these areas include astrophysics, big data, cybersecurity, transportation, robotics, agriculture, and many more.”

The rapid development of new technologies also has enormous impact on the future of individuals and information organizations. Alman added, “Professionals who have traditional library and archives roles must be aware of the information and technological advances in order to assist users, and they must be prepared for exciting new positions in all types of organizations.” 

The “Emerging Future: Technology Issues and Trends” MOOC is open to everyone and provides access to cutting-edge content in a practical and effective way. Alman stated, “MOOCs are an excellent medium for professional development, and they can be used by participants to update skills and learn about new concepts. Participants can spend as much or as little time as they have available, and they have the added opportunity to network with others from around the world.” 

The course will be conducted in an interactive online learning environment hosted on the Canvas Network, and participants will be able to engage in discussions, collaborate on assignments, and comment on each other’s work. The “Emerging Future: Technology Issues and Trends” MOOC does not offer academic credit, but participants can earn electronic badges as they complete assignments. Upon course completion, participants will receive a certificate.

Registration for the “Emerging Future: Technology Issues and Trends” MOOC is now open, and the class will run from Sept. 22, 2014 to Nov. 2, 2014. Enrollment is capped at 500 students, and participants will be registered on a first-come, first-served basis.

Related Content:

• Read Dr. Sue Alman’s post about the MOOC on the Center for Information Research and Innovation (CIRI) blog