There is considerable hype in the media – good and bad – that makes it difficult to work out if this connectedness is a good thing or a bad thing. Or, should we be indifferent about the internet of everything? What is clear from media coverage is that the internet of everything has already been associated with global security scares, while for many it is the cool technological must-have.

So, what it is and why should I care?

You may not yet have a smart watch, an Amazon Echo or a refrigerator that has become hackable. However, as we have seen the explosion of smartphones, video technologies and Pokemon, we are witnessing another technology that is set to become a part of everyday life for everyone.

Welcome to the free course Internet of everything. The internet of everything (IoE) is the networked connection of people, process, data and things. As more people, data and things come online, we need to develop skills and technological processes to harness the vast amounts of information being generated by all these connected people and things.

The goal of this course is to introduce you to fundamental concepts and technologies that enable the IoE and help you understand its benefits as well as potential risks. The course presents introductory material and is intended to be easily completed by anyone with a basic appreciation of computer technologies. By completing this course, you will not become an IoE expert, but you will become an informed individual.

As part of this course, and to check your understanding of the concepts explained, there is a brief quiz at the end of each session. There is also an end-of-course assessment quiz. By enrolling you can track your progress and gain a free statement of participation for completing the whole course.

The Internet of everything free course is brought to you by The Open University. This course was originally developed by Cisco Systems Ltd and adapted for OpenLearn by The Open University. The collaboration of The Open University and Cisco Systems to develop and deliver this course as part of OpenLearn’s portfolio will provide and extend free learning in this important and current area of study.

Course learning outcomes

After studying this course, you should be able to:

• Explain the impact of the internet of everything (IoE)
• Explain the interactions between people, process, data, and things that form the IoE
• Configure networked devices and applications to support a given IoE implementation.
• Explain the benefits and challenges of the IoE
• Explain modelling and prototyping in the IoE.