Essential Business MOOCs For July

 

Creativity, Innovation and Change

 

School: Penn State University

Platform: Coursera

Link: Creativity, Innovation and Change

Start Date: July 14, 2014 (6 Weeks)

Workload: 3-5 Hours Per Week

Instructors: Kathryn W. Jablokow, Darrell Velegol, Dr. Jack V. Matson, Elizabeth Kisenwether

Credentials: Dr. Jablokow, whose background is in electrical and mechanical engineering, is considered among the leading scholars in creativity and problem-solving. At Penn State, she teaches classes in creativity, problem-solving leadership, creative design, and ethics. Along with winning several outstanding teacher awards at Penn State, Jablokow was also awarded the National Engineering Excellence in Teaching Award from the Keck Foundation.

Dr. Darrell Velegol teaches chemical engineering courses at Penn State. A prolific writer, he has published over 70 papers on colloid science. He received his Ph.D. from Carnegie Mellon.

Dr. Watson, an Emeritus Professor, has helped launched three companies and written numerous books on innovation. A pioneer of the “intelligent fast failure” concept, Watson’s research has centered on waste management and hazardous waste. He holds a Ph.D. from Rice University, where he studied chemical and environmental engineering.

Kisenwether serves as the co-director of Penn State’s Lion Launch Pad, a business accelerator program. Recently, she was named the director of the school’s Intercollege Minor in Entrepreneurship and Innovation (ENTI).

Graded: Students will earn a Certificate of Completion by submitting six weekly exercises and reflection surveys. To earn a certificate “With Distinction,” students must also participate in 12 peer reviews.

Description: This course is designed to stimulate problem-solving, so participants can capitalize on change and diversity. A broad review of the creative process, students will apply fast failure, differentiation, and value creation techniques to help them become change agents. Consisting of 5-10 videos and readings, the course foregoes exams and quizzes, relying on creative exercises and reflection papers for students to demonstrate their mastery of course content.

Review: “I am a trained innovation manager and I am enthusiastic about innovation, creativity and change. This course is designed and managed by a wonderful, diverse group of people who are as enthusiastic about innovation, creativity and change as I am. I loved everything about the course: the 3 scientists guiding us through the topic, all the side materials and further readings and the entire inspiring design of the MOOC.” For additional reviews, click here.

Additional Note: The course has added 50% more videos and materials since the course was last held in 2013. For a deeper dive into the course concepts, the instructors recommend that students read Jack Matson’s Innovate or Die! and Darrell Velegol’s Center.