The Digital Revolution
Digital Revolution is the first course, developed within the Digital SkillUp initiative, which aims to contribute to the Platform's learning pillar. Created by a team of experts, specialising in education and emerging technologies, this course targets all citizens: from younger people and students, to older people and jobseekers, and anyone interested in up-and re-skilling. The course also aims to support employees across industrial sectors, with a special focus on workforce in small and medium sized enterprises (SMEs).
Structure of the course
Employing non-technical language, Digital Revolution's aim is to open a window to technology for anyone and offers a comprehensive overview of the history and evolution of digitalisation. It does this in 6 chapters, which are entirely self-paced, tailored to fit busy schedules and mobile-friendly, offering added flexibility to learners so they can choose to go through the course's material at the most convenient time for them. Each chapter is further broken down into sections:
Chapter 1: the digital revolution
Split in 3 sections, Chapter 1 gives an introductory overview to the digital revolution - from the history of the shift from mechanical and analogue electronic technology towards digital as a means of storing, transferring and managing information - to the digital transformation of various industrial sectors. The Chapter explores why the digital revolution is called a revolution and takes learners through the moments in time that mark the start of the information age, as well as specific events that have led to the increased and global adoption of digital technologies. In addition, learners will also have a chance to reflect on the digital revolution's impact on society and economy.
Chapter 2: the computing revolution
Chapter 2 builds on the overview of the digital transformation and digitalisation of economy and society in Chapter 1 to take learners through the history of the computing revolution. The 3 sections of the chapter offer an overview of computers: their essential components (basic and advanced hardware elements), their basic structure and functioning, and traces the evolution of smart devices, or electronic gadgets that can connect, share and interact both with users and other smart devices, partially autonomously.
Chapter 3: the software and application revolution
Zooming in on software, Chapter 3 explains how software is created and what are the various types of user applications, typically employed by the average European citizen to make tasks easier and faster. Other topics covered by the 3 sections of the chapter include: the origins and history of software, different types of programming languages and existing ways to create and develop software. Finally, the chapter aims to support an improved understanding of the ways in which we use software on our devices.
Chapter 4: the Internet and connectivity revolution
Building on knowledge of software and hardware and their interdependence, this chapter explores the various ways in which devices communicate and delves into the particular elements that make connection possible. The sections of the chapter also take learners through the main aspects of computer connectivity that make it possible to access information from any point of the world, as long as a network connection exists.
Chapter 5: the cloud computing revolution
What is the cloud and how do we store data? What does it mean when information is stored on servers accessible via the Internet rather than on-site? What are the benefits behind cloud computing, both from an individual point of view, and for business purposes? Chapter 5 tries to answer these questions and offer an introductory overview of what makes cloud computing possible.
Chapter 6: big data and beyond
Big data refers to amounts of data that exceed the processing capacity of traditional databases and systems. With technology advancing fast, and more and more devices connecting to the internet, the amount of data being created is also increasing and Chapter 6 puts this into context. It offers an introduction to the subject of big data, its evolution and various applications in industry today and sets the scene for further training in emerging technologies.
Digital Revolution is offered in 10 languages: English, German, French, Greek, Spanish, Italian, Romanian, Polish, Croatian, and Dutch. It is the first course of the Digital SkillUp initiative, which also offers two other courses that dive deeper into specific emerging technologies, such as the Internet of Things (IoT), robotics and automation, and cybersecurity.
