91ÉçÇø

Innovation and society

Course Description:
Innovation and Society is a non-credit, self-paced online course designed to introduce learners to the major innovations, technological developments, and historical events that have shaped human civilization. The course examines how human migration, agriculture, scientific discoveries, industrialization, and modern computing have influenced societies throughout history and continue to impact the world today.

The course will take about 5 hours and 24 minutes to complete. At the completion of this course, learners will be able to:

• • Explain how early human migration and environmental changes influenced the development of civilizations.
  • Describe the significance of the agricultural revolution and its impact on population growth, permanent settlements, and the rise of cities.
  • Identify important achievements of ancient civilizations and their contributions to science, mathematics, trade, and culture.
  • Explain how innovation has shaped human society throughout history, from the Roman Empire to the Industrial Revolution.
  • Discuss the importance of energy, technology, and engineering in the development of modern civilization.
  • Describe how innovations such as sound, timekeeping, refrigeration, lighting, and computing transformed everyday life.
  • Explain the impact of Moore's Law and the rapid advancement of computer technology on modern society.
  • Evaluate both the benefits and challenges that technological innovation presents for the future of humanity.
• Delivery: Self-paced online, self-assessment quizzes (not graded), multiple-choice final exam (graded).
• Instructor: Professor Emeritus in Mechanical Engineering, John Fillo, PhD.
• Credentials:  A course completion certificate is available to all who complete the course by passing the final exam with a 70% or higher. 
• Who can take this course: This course is open to all engineers, professionals, and students.
• Course Fees:
  • $35 Student
  • $50 Alumni
  • $75 Industry

ABOUT THE COURSE

Physicist Freeman Dyson once said that “technology is … the mother of civilizations, of arts and sciences."

While technology is a key to unlocking our understanding of modernity, how we got to where we are is a fascinating tale. The Industrial Revolution ushered in humanity’s first machine age, with progress driven primarily by technological innovations that have led to other industrial revolutions and to our computer age. 

The course is organized into eight learning lectures that explore the evolution of civilization and the role innovation has played in improving human life.

1. Lecture 1: Foundations of Civilization
2. Lecture 2: Understanding Civilization
3. Lecture 3: Innovation and Human Progress
4. Lecture 4: Transformative Innovation
5. Lecture 5: Industrial Development
6. Lecture 6: The Computer Age
7. Lecture 7: Bounty and Spread
8. Lecture 8: Is It All Peaches and Cream?

Starting with an introduction to human history and the question of what bent the curve of human social development, we discuss six innovations — glass, cleanliness, sound, time, cold, and light — and how their history is at the heart of the computer age.

After looking at the fundamental characteristics of the Industrial Revolution and our machine age, we look at the effect that computers are making on culture as well as the consequences of innovation, including labor productivity and employment, and what the implications of the computer age are for future jobs and careers.

There are module assessment questions throughout the course to help students review important concepts related to human migration, the development of civilizations, technological innovation, industrialization, energy, and the evolution of modern society. These assessments are intended to support learning and help students check their understanding of the material covered in each section.  

The final exam consists of 31 questions worth a total of 111 points. Participants will have 1 hour and 20 minutes (80 minutes) to complete the exam. A minimum score of 78 points (70%) is required to receive a passing grade and earn a course completion certificate from 91ÉçÇø

ABOUT THE INSTRUCTOR

John Fillo

Professor Emeritus

Mechanical Engineering
jfillo@binghamton.edu
607-777-4556
CE 1213 

John Fillo is a Watson College of Engineering and Applied Science professor emeritus in mechanical engineering. 

He graduated with a PhD in mechanical engineering from Syracuse University and taught at the University of Massachusetts - Amherst and the University of Texas - EI Paso. He later worked at the Brookhaven National Laboratory for 10 years in the area of fusion energy research.

After leaving Brookhaven, Fillo became the founding chairman of the Department of Mechanical and Industrial Engineering in Watson College. This was followed by appointments as the associate dean for research and associate dean for academic affairs. After serving as chairman for the Department of Bioengineering, Fillos is now associated with the ES2 Data Center research group. He continues to teach in the energy area and develops courses in continuing education.