Coursera Explained: Utilizing it for Education - Tricks and Strategies
Coursera, a massive open online course (MOOC) provider, was founded in 2012 by Stanford University computer science professors Andrew Ng and Daphne Koller. This platform offers a diverse range of courses, certificates, and even degrees, partnering with over 275 universities and companies worldwide, including Imperial College London, Yale University, University of Illinois, Google, Amazon, and Meta.
For individuals seeking to test their interest in continuing education, Coursera can be a valuable resource. It offers a variety of courses on subjects ranging from art to computer science, providing an opportunity to build a deeper knowledge of certain subjects outside of class. Coursera can also be recommended to students for supplementing their formal education.
One of the platform's unique features is Coursera Plus, a subscription service that grants access to over 90% of Coursera's courses for $59 per month. This subscription model offers a cost-effective way to explore multiple subjects.
Educators can also benefit from Coursera, as it provides courses on leadership, classroom management, and instructional design. These courses can help educators develop specific skills to enhance their teaching capabilities.
Coursera courses are designed to be consumed in small increments and are built with current educational best practices in mind. They typically consist of short, 5-10 minute lectures from the course instructor, alongside readings and interactive quizzes. However, it's important to note that listening to Coursera audio-only may not be ideal due to the presence of quizzes and visual examples.
While the quality of courses on Coursera varies significantly, the platform prides itself on offering high-quality content. Some videos are professionally shot, while others may be of the one-take-on-a-webcam variety. Despite this, Coursera courses may not replace in-person lectures but could potentially be more effective for some learning styles.
Many courses on Coursera are available for free in audit mode, but to receive a specific course certificate, a per-course fee is required. Coursera courses can be taken individually or as part of a certificate program, such as the MasterTrack® Certificate, which can count toward a full master's at the university from which it is issued.
In conclusion, Coursera is a versatile and accessible online learning platform that caters to a wide range of learners, from students seeking to supplement their formal education to educators looking to develop specific skills. With its diverse course offerings, flexible subscription options, and partnerships with top universities and companies, Coursera is an excellent resource for lifelong learning.
