THE rapid transition to online during the pandemic has had a lasting impact on how people learn. Early trends from the post-pandemic phase show that the demand for online learning continues to outpace pre-pandemic levels.
It is seen as a source of hope, growth, and resilience amid disruptions and economic uncertainty.
Coursera, an online learning platform, is a top destination to learn skills that help succeed personally and professionally. More than 250 of the world’s top universities and industry educators partner with Coursera.
They offer content that empower 92 million learners around the world. Credentials range from individual courses, specialisations, projects, certificates, to full-fledged online degrees, across 11 domains including data science, business, technology, language learning and personal development.
How do I get on Coursera?
Starting your Coursera journey is very easy. All you need to do is sign up at www.coursera.org, and browse the Coursera catalogue to find a course that’s relevant to you. Once you’ve enrolled in a course, simply follow the instructions on the site.
According to Coursera’s Global Skills Report 2021, it takes as little as 35 to 70 hours for recent graduates and mid-career changers to develop entry-level digital job skills. For someone with no prior degree or technology experience, it will take 80 to 240 hours.
With over 452,000 registered learners in Malaysia – many who are looking to boost their careers – Coursera can track the trends for in-demand job skills. If you’re looking to try out the platform but aren’t sure where to start, here are Malaysia's 10 most popular courses on Coursera:
- First Step Korean by Yonsei University: This elementary-level Korean language course is your first step of speaking like a true Korean with main topics including basic expressions used in everyday life. Each lesson covers dialogues, pronunciation, vocabulary, grammar, quizzes and role-plays.
- Machine Learning by Stanford University: Machine learning is so pervasive today that you probably use it dozens of times a day without knowing it. This course provides a broad introduction to machine learning, data mining, statistical pattern recognition as well as drawing from numerous case studies and applications to utilise algorithms.
- Foundations: Data, Data, Everywhere by Google: This is the first course in the Google Data Analytics Certificate that will equip you with the skills needed to apply to introductory-level data analyst jobs. You’ll be introduced to the world of data analytics through a hands-on curriculum developed by Google.
- Chinese for Beginners by Peking University: Learning the Chinese language is now considered a bonus and an asset in most companies. Suited for beginners, this course includes an introduction of phonetics and daily expressions, basic understanding of the language and enables basic conversations of daily living.
- Introduction to Psychology by Yale University: This course provides you with a comprehensive overview of the scientific study of thought and behaviour as it explores topics such as perception, communication, learning, memory, decision-making, persuasion, emotions, and social behaviour.
- Financial Markets by Yale University: This course emphasises building financially-savvy leadership skills and describes practices today and analysis of prospects for the future. It’ll provide you with an overview of the ideas, methods, and institutions that permit human society to manage risks and foster enterprise.
- The Science of Well-Being by Yale University: Prepared for a series of challenges designed to increase your happiness and build more productive habits, Professor Laurie Santos reveals misconceptions about happiness, annoying features of the mind that lead us to think the way we do, and the research that can help us change.
- English for Career Development by University of Pennsylvania: Designed for non-native English speakers, you’ll learn about the job search, application, and interview process in the United States, while comparing the same process in your home country. The course aims to allow you to explore a global career path, while building your vocabulary and improving your language skills to achieve your professional goals.
- Programming for Everybody (Getting Started with Python) by University of Michigan: This course aims to teach you the basics of programming computers using Python by covering the basics. It’s a course suitable for beginners with moderate computer experience to master the materials.
- Learning How to Learn: Powerful mental tools to help by Deep Teaching Solutions: This course gives you easy access to the invaluable learning techniques used by experts in art, music, literature, math, science, sports, and many other disciplines. You’ll be able to learn about how the brain uses two very different learning modes and how it encapsulates information effectively in helping you master tough subjects. – The Vibes, December 1, 2021
