Artificial intelligence, or AI, is the ability of a machine to perform cognitive functions that are associated with human minds, such as perceiving, reasoning, learning, and problem solving.

Blockchain is an emerging technology that can radically improve banking, supply chains, and other transaction networks. These networks work together in markets that exchange assets in the form of goods and services between the participants. Complete these activities to learn about the essentials of blockchain, the benefits of blockchain, and how it is used in business.

Cloud computing, often referred to as simply “the cloud,” is the delivery of on-demand computing resources—everything from applications to data centers—over the internet on a pay-for-use basis. Complete these activities to learn about cloud computing foundations, including benefits and use cases for this transformational technology in business.

What is big data and how can analyzing data help transform businesses? Making sense of large, diverse data sets allows businesses to make better decisions, with increased speed and confidence. Complete these activities to gain an appreciation of the business benefits of collecting and analyzing data.

Design thinking is a powerful approach to innovation and brand differentiation, focused on creating experiences that delight customers. Complete these activities to understand and apply knowledge of design thinking principles to develop solutions that deliver exceptional user experiences.

These learning activities will introduce you to concepts that entrepreneurs can consider when starting up, operating, and/or growing a small business. You can learn about techniques to be represented in search engines, increasing visibility on social networks, maximizing the user experience, mobile apps, best practices for selling online, and more.

The Internet of Things, or IoT, is a massive network of physical objects and devices that collect and exchange data. IoT allows millions of sensors to deliver volumes of data that transform businesses. Learn about how the Internet of Things is a part of specialized and integrated solutions that can solve industry and business challenges.

Open source software allows for companies, projects, and enterprises to adopt a community-backed development model, where diverse communities of developers come together to solve problems, develop new technologies, and create better software. Open development models are the driving force behind much of the innovation we are seeing today around cloud computing, automation, artificial intelligence, big data, and machine learning. IT professionals with open source skills are in demand more than ever.

Quantum computers could spur the development of new breakthroughs in science, medications to save lives, machine learning methods to diagnose illnesses sooner, materials to make more efficient devices and structures, financial strategies to live well in retirement, and algorithms to quickly direct resources such as ambulances. These learning activities will introduce you to quantum computing and spark your interest about future possibilities.

Essential skills represent the industry knowledge and modern ways of working that professionals need to be successful in a digital innovation economy. Learn how to use and apply agile and design thinking methodologies and practices, and be aware of the key technologies that power today’s jobs. These technologies include cloud computing, artificial intelligence, data and analytics, the Internet of Things (IoT), blockchain, and security.