Information Technology in the Labor Market OpenCourseWare: A Free Bachelor Level Business Class by MIT Covering the Market Impacts of Information Technology

Published Jan 27, 2009

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Examine the intersection of economics, information technology and employment in 'Information Technology in the Labor Market.' The free OpenCourseWare from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology's undergraduate program in urban studies considers the human impact of a job market increasingly pervaded by computers.

Information Technology in the Labor Market: Course Specifics

Degree Level Free Audio Video Downloads
Undergraduate Yes No No Yes

Lectures/Notes Study Materials Tests/Quizzes
Yes Yes Yes

Information Technology in the Labor Market: Course Description

'Information Technology in the Labor Market' starts from the premise that there are certain tasks that can be easily automated and certain tasks that are more suited for humans than computers. From there, the course examines what jobs can be supplanted by computers, and what jobs are enhanced with the addition of technology, and how this affects everything from job skills to wages. The skills that computers excel at, such as pattern recognition and algorithm-based analysis, as well as skills that humans excel at, such as cognition and complex analysis, are examined in turn. The course focuses on the types of human labor most likely to be automated. Study materials reinforce exceptions to the general rule of mid-level labor being the most readily replaced by computers, and reasons for these exceptions. A full set of lecture notes from urban economics professor Frank Levy outline the contents of the lectures presented to MIT students during the course. Assignment problem sets prompt students to apply the principles of the reading to actual scenarios. Assignments for students to develop methods of automating tasks highlight both the benefits and limitations of technology supplementing and replacing human labor and thought.

The OpenCourseWare includes exams and assignments with solutions, lecture outlines, textbook recommendations and downloadable readings. To download this course, visit the IT and employment course website.

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