Why Take Online Courses? Know The Value of MOOCs

In India and around the globe, skilled workforce populations are on the rise, and MOOCs (Massive Open Online Courses) and other online courses can offer a necessary competitive edge in any market

By Malavikka

In India and around the globe, skilled workforce populations are on the rise, and MOOCs (Massive Open Online Courses) and other online courses can offer a necessary competitive edge in any market. Amit Goyal, Country Head of India, edX gives a clear picture of why to take up online courses and how it helps students to excel in their career.

 
Why Take Online Courses? Know The Value of MOOCs

How does a certificate program or MOOCs help in securing a job?

One way employers measure the potential value of a candidate is, of course, their educational background. Education and self-development have been promoted in our society as the key to a better job and while the lifecycle of learning ideally culminates in a job, learning is and should be a continuous process; it does not need to stop once a student is gainfully employed or has graduated.

Additionally, skills needed for employment are changing faster today than ever before. The jobs people will have five years from now, may not even exist today, which is why continuous education is exceptionally important in today's job market.

A degree is only one component of a portfolio of credentials. Moreover, edX and other MOOC providers are working with industry and university leaders to ensure that standards of quality and rigour are attached to any certification. MOOCs are already reshaping how employers evaluate candidates, and how people prepare for employment: With the increasing specificity around job requirements, an increase in learning platforms, improved online assessments, and portfolio and recommendation systems, we will see more consumption of free or affordable skills training as people opt-in for unbundled educational credentials.

What is the minimum age to start taking up certificate courses and why?

There is no minimum age and the certificate courses are open to everyone and have no requirements for eligibility. Courses range from high school level to university introductory level to more advanced topics. Courses in MicroMasters programs are graduate-level courses for example. Some courses might have prerequisite knowledge, and if a course has suggested prerequisites, they will be listed on the enrollment page for that course.

What are the top universities that offer MOOC?

Some of the top universities that offer MOOCs in collaboration with edX include MIT, Harvard University, University of California, Berkeley, IIMB, IIT Bombay, Boston University, Arizona State University, The University of Texas System, The University of Adelaide and many others.

What is the average duration of MOOC courses?

With edX courses, anyone can enrol and complete them at their own time. Some courses are self-paced whereas some need to be completed within a fixed duration. The time duration of every course is mentioned alongside its description. Courses generally range from 4 to 12 weeks.

How can taking courses on edX help to advance your career?

Whether you're looking to change careers or want to advance in your current role, edX courses can help you gain the skills to succeed and Verified Certificates can help you showcase your knowledge. Adding qualifications in the most in-demand fields like computer science, languages, data science and programming to your resume can help you to stand out to employers, making you a more attractive candidate for a promotion or even giving you the opportunity to expand your horizons and switch careers entirely.

What are the popular subjects that are taken up for MOOC in edX?

India makes up 11% of edX's global learner base and has consistently been the second largest population of learners behind the United States. There are 1.1 million edX learners in India. Some of the most popular courses for Indian learners are

  • Analysing and Visualising Data with Excel - Microsoft
  • Introduction to Python for Data Science - Microsoft
  • Introduction to Computer Science - HarvardX
  • Introduction to Computer Science and Programming Using Python - MITx
  • TOEFL® Test Preparation: The Insider's Guide - ETSx
  • Introduction to R for Data Science - Microsoft
  • English Grammar and Style - UQx
  • Introduction to HTML and Javascript - Microsoft
  • Learn to Program Using Python - UTArlingtonX
  • Introduction to C++ - Microsoft

Also Read: Distance BBA- Your Stepping Stone to Success

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