Data Design: A.I. the Cloud

3 Credits · Level: Graduate, Undergraduate

This course provides a conceptual and design-oriented introduction to the key concepts for computing, digital information, and data from the first foundations of these technologies to the applications now being developed for Machine Learning (ML), Artificial Intelligence (AI), and Cloud computing. This course is especially designed for students from non-technical backgrounds, and provides methods for “deblackboxing” complex technologies through the key concepts and design principles approach. Students will learn how the technologies can be made accessible through an interdisciplinary framework, which combines Systems Thinking, Design Thinking, Semiotic Theory, and the Ethics and Policy viewpoint. By the end of the course, students will have achieved (1) a conceptual, design-oriented understanding of computing, data, AI/ML, and Cloud systems, and (2) a competency in design thinking and systems thinking that can be applied to any sociotechnical system. Since the ability to communicate conceptually clear and truthful explanations of our technologies across technical and non-technical communities is greatly needed in every field and profession, students who have learned these competencies will be able to take on thought leadership roles in any career that they want to pursue.