Introduction to the Orbital Perspective

University of Arizona via Coursera

Go to Course: https://www.coursera.org/learn/orbitalperspective

Introduction

### Course Review: Introduction to the Orbital Perspective Are you seeking a transformative learning experience that nurtures critical thinking, global awareness, and collaborative skills? Look no further than "Introduction to the Orbital Perspective" on Coursera. This thought-provoking course draws upon the wonders of space exploration to reshape our understanding of teamwork and empathy in global endeavors. #### Course Overview The "Introduction to the Orbital Perspective" is an innovative and timely course that aims to equip students with essential skills for thriving in today’s increasingly interconnected world. With a curriculum centered on developing collaboration, team building, and elevated empathy, this course explores real-world scenarios, including the collaborative efforts seen in the Earthrise-2068 Project and the International Space Station (ISS). By leveraging insights from the ISS, the course encourages participants to adopt a broader viewpoint in addressing global challenges such as poverty, climate change, and conflict resolution. #### Syllabus Breakdown **1. The Orbital Perspective** The journey begins with an introduction to the concept of the orbital perspective, which reframes our understanding of global interdependence. **2. Looking Skyward - Part I & II** These lessons delve into the history of the ISS partnership, examining the cultural and technical hurdles overcome by the coalition of nations involved. Understanding how initial mistrust was transformed into successful collaboration serves as a microcosm of larger global dynamics. **3. Looking Earthward - Part I & II** Participants are invited to explore profound shifts in perspective through the instructor’s firsthand experience in space. Lessons contrast effective and ineffective collaboration, highlighting the potential for innovative approaches to longstanding global issues. **4. Looking Forward - Part I & II** A forward-looking exploration is crucial in this section, where barriers to global collaboration are examined alongside inspiring stories of individuals making significant strides in humanitarian efforts. Discussions about technology and immediacy in collaboration serve to reframe our interactions in a rapidly changing world. **5. Call to Action - Part I, II & III** The course culminates in a compelling "Call to Action," linking all lessons to a broader dialogue about deepening collaboration for solving the world's toughest challenges. Students will strategize on creating a virtual "Control Room of Spaceship Earth" and explore ways to keep the momentum of collaboration alive beyond the course. #### Course Experience The course is structured in an engaging format, combining video lectures, real-world case studies, and interactive discussions. It allows for flexibility to learn at your own pace, all while being guided by industry experts and seasoned educators. Each lesson presents not just theoretical frameworks but practical insights that translate seamlessly into team-oriented projects in any professional context. #### Who Should Enroll This course is perfect for anyone intrigued by global issues, interested in humanitarian efforts, or looking to enhance their teamwork skills in a professional setting. Whether you’re a student, a working professional, or simply a curious individual, you will find value in the tools and perspectives presented in this course. ### Recommendation I wholeheartedly recommend "Introduction to the Orbital Perspective" to anyone who aspires to become a more effective collaborator while fostering a heightened sense of empathy and global citizenship. The course's unique angle—drawing parallels between space exploration and our terrestrial challenges—offers an enriching, unforgettable experience. By the end of the course, you will not only have acquired practical skills effective for today’s complex job market but also a renewed sense of responsibility towards global cooperation. Enroll today and take the first step towards viewing our planet from a perspective that truly makes a difference!

Syllabus

The Orbital Perspective

In this first lesson the student will be introduced to the concept of the Orbital Perspective and given a glimpse to its implications for our global society.

Looking Skyward - Part 1

In this lesson the student will be introduced to the history leading up to the International Space Station (ISS) partnership and to some of the technical and cultural challenges that faced the partners in the early days of the International Space Station Program

Looking Skyward - Part II

How did we go from those early days of mistrust and suspicion to building and operating the International Space Station? What was the secret ingredient that enabled a coalition of fifteen nations to work together systematically, in a fully integrated manner, to construct and operate the most complex structure ever built in space? Is there something we can learn from how the members of the ISS program learned to overcome differences and cultural misunderstandings in order to accomplish remarkable things together? Can we use these same techniques to reach agreements on things such as alleviating poverty, mitigating climate change, or achieving peaceful solutions to long-term conflicts?”

Looking Earthward - Part I

In this lesson the instructor will share a profound shift in perspective experienced during his first space mission and take a deep dive into the meaning of the orbital perspective. We will also explore examples how taking an orbital perspective can affect our global society.

Looking Earthward - Part II

In this lesson we will explore the frameworks we use to construct our view of the world and the implications of taking on a conviction that we do not have to accept the suffering and conflict on our planet as inescapable. This lesson will also compare and contrast effective and ineffective forms of collaboration.

Looking Forward - Part I

In the third section of the course "Looking Forward", we will explore some of the many efforts to connect billions of minds and tap into our collective global genius. We will further examine the barriers to global collaboration and explore ways to break down those barriers. And we will hear some stories about amazing people who are building bridges to collaboration and making great strides toward overcoming our world’s biggest challenges. This lesson will also explore what factors led to success in a very high stakes situation. Participants will be exposed to some of the “perverse incentives” that limit the effectiveness of global humanitarian development and crisis response efforts. This lesson should lead to a discussion on how to better provide assistance worldwide.

Looking Forward - Part II

The exponential increase in collaborative technology is rapidly rewriting the way people and organizations interact. In this lesson we’ll look at several movements and initiatives that are synthesizing the orbital perspective and the worm’s eye view, making vast amounts of information accessible and bringing large groups of people together to work toward common causes. In some cases, collaboration is not facilitated by long-term personal relationships. Instead, the bond is the common cause, the shared experience, and in some cases simply being given the permission and means to help.

Call to Action - Part I

In these last three concluding lessons we will connect all the previous lessons into a specific “Call to Action”. Included in the call to action is a desire to spark a global conversation about the need to have a deeper level of collaboration toward solving the world’s toughest and most seemingly intractable problem. In the lesson participants will be exposed to some of the efforts that are rewriting the way humans interact on and off our planet.

Call to Action - Part II

This lesson will focus on methods to create an actual or virtual “Control Room of Spaceship Earth”.

Call to Action - Part III

This concluding lesson will focus on ways to continue the momentum that was created by the course and continue to propel the Earthrise-2068 project forward.