The millennials and Generation Z have an advantage that Generation X never had, although Gen X may still score over the Baby Boomers in that respect. For the discerning person, learning never ends! And the plethora of sites that are now available make it easy, affordable and convenient. Whereas in the past most people gave up the opportunity to learn more about stuff they were curious about, that they needed or that they were simply interested in or passionate about; today almost everyone can simply fulfil this need from the comfort of their home – in fact just about anywhere.
Online learning is here and its raining offers even as the first few are trying to gather as many people as possible into their fold. Some sites offer as much as 90% discount and others offer proper certifications from reputed universities. Millions of old and young students opt for online programs, with or without the need for a degree or certification. Online learning in this decade is simply the greatest revolution in contemporary education. It has opened up great opportunities for everyone who wants to learn something.
The inherent dissuaders in traditional education, viz., finding the institution, commuting to the traditional classroom or venue, cost of a single day, course shortages, limited seats, busy classrooms are done away with in online learning. It is as of now, still stereotypical, since there is still an antediluvian perception that only those who are not ‘smart’ enough opt for online learning.
Yet, online learning has many advantages - it enables you to learn whatever you want from the comfort of your home; to decide how long you wish to take the course and often gives lifelong access to content; no time and cost involved for commuting; it is self-paced, and most importantly – at a fraction of the cost. In fact, many online courses are FREE! If ever there was a time to implement Dr. Stephen Covey’s 7th principle – sharpen the saw – it is now!
There are hundreds of options and many universities (including Harvard) have their own LMS, but I have listed out some which are unique or cheap or discounted, easy, convenient and versatile. I have also given a brief summary and included a direct link to their website. Many of them have apps (Android, Apple) which can be downloaded, so you can even learn as you commute in public transport.
Carpe Diem! Sharpen the Saw! Most importantly – signing up to the online portals costs nothing. Click on them and register now (it is free) to keep yourself updated. You can always come back at a future date and select the courses you wish to enrol for after you browse the sites at leisure.
Udacity is credited with creating the Nanodegree. It focuses on IT and technology, is recognized by Google, Amazon, Vive, Mercedes-Benz, FCA, amongst others and its most popular courses are Digital Marketing, Machine Learning, Data Science, Artificial Intelligence, Mobile & Web development, Virtual Reality and Autonomous Systems.
Edureka has the world’s highest completion rate, which speaks about the quality of its course content. The top categories are blockchain, big data, cloud computing, DevOps, Business Intelligence & Visualization and Robotic Process Automation. It offers both certification and Masters programs.
BlockChain Council - You would have read the previous article on this blog that blockchain is one of those subjects which has a huge potential even as disruptive digital technologies are going to change the very nature of jobs. Block is one of those that every management graduate must focus - it has a wide range of applications, especially in supply chain, operations and finance. There are very few who offer degrees in this subject - here is one of them.
FutureLearn offers and array of online study options - from short courses to postgraduate degrees - which enable people to develop their professional skills or enrich their lives. Every course is created by a leading university or specialist organisation.
Magoosh -
Byju's is one of those you must register now (registration is free). It covers the curriculum for all students from Class IV - Class XII and all major competitive examinations, viz., CAT, IAS, GMAT, GRE, IIT-JEE, BITSAT, etc. Learn with engaging Videos from India’s best teachers. Practice to perfection with chapter-wise tests with feedback and analysis. Master concepts through customized adaptive learning modules which will make you even better. Challenge your peers over Quizzo (India's Largest Math & Science Quiz App). Compete nationally with the National School Challenge. Analyze with real time progress updates, in-depth solutions, feedback & recommendations. In the words of TV Mohandas Pai, Chairman of Manipal Global Education -
Sharpen the Saw – Learning never ends!