Digital thinking tools for better decision making
Digital thinking tools for better decision making is a self-paced online course delivered by The Open University (OpenLearn). It is free, takes about 24 hours, and awards a digital badge (Credly etc) (free).
- Relevance to work
- 2.4 / 3
- Cost and access
- 2 / 2
- Provider
- 2 / 2
- Credential
- 1.5 / 1.5
- Currency
- 0.45 / 1.5
- Total
- 8.3 / 10
Provider learner rating: 4.6 out of 5 from 31 ratings on OpenLearn course page, as at 2026-09-29
Key facts
| Cost | FreeFree. Free digital badge and statement of participation on completion. |
|---|---|
| Time | 24 hours (provider stated) |
| Level | Beginner |
| Format | self-paced online |
| Prerequisites | none |
| Credential | digital badge (Credly etc) (free) |
| Open to | Worldwide |
| Free in | Worldwide |
| Content written for | Any country |
| Last checked | 2026-09-29 |
Topics:Judgement and decisions
Things to know
- Badge requires sign-up and passing the quizzes
- Last updated April 2020, so the AI session predates current generative AI tools
- CPD points are UK CPD Standards Office points; check whether your Australian professional body accepts them
Summary
An eight-session course on using digital tools, from spreadsheets to argument maps, to reason more clearly and make better choices. It ends by linking these thinking tools to modern AI. Completion earns an Open University badge and 24 CPD points.
You will be able to
- Explain how digital tools extend human thinking
- Find and assess information more effectively
- Use spreadsheets and set reasoning to test ideas
- Build argument maps to lay out a case and spot weak points
- Discuss where thinking tools are heading as AI develops
Modules
- Session 1: The rise of digital thinking tools
- Session 2: Getting to grips with information
- Session 3: The big calculator
- Session 4: Reasoning with argument maps
- Session 5: Reasoning with sets
- Session 6: Digital argument mapping
- Session 7: Argument mapping in action
- Session 8: From thinking tools to AI
Who it suits
Professionals who want sharper reasoning and evidence-based decisions, including when working with AI outputs.
Who is behind it
- Delivered by
- The Open University
- Hosted on
- OpenLearn (open.edu/openlearn)
- Funded by
- Not stated
- Partners
- Not stated
Related courses
Questions
- Is Digital Thinking Tools for Better Decisions free?
- Yes. It is free as at our last check. Free. Free digital badge and statement of participation on completion.
- How long does it take?
- About 24 hours (provider stated).
- Do you get a certificate?
- Yes. It awards a digital badge (Credly etc), free.
- Who is it for?
- Professionals who want sharper reasoning and evidence-based decisions, including when working with AI outputs.
- Can I take it from outside Australia?
- Yes. It is open worldwide. It is free in: Worldwide.
Sources
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