Are Coursera Classes Worth it?
So you’ve been looking at those Coursera courses for a while now, wondering if they’re really worth your time and money. Truth is, taking an online course could be a game-changer if you choose the right one. These classes let you learn skills or expand your knowledge from the comfort of your couch. But not every Coursera course is created equal. Before you signing up, ask yourself what you hope to gain.
Want to explore a new hobby, add an impressive certification to your resume, or finally master a topic you’ve always wanted to learn? Once you identify your goals, zero in on the classes that make the most sense. With thousands of courses in topics ranging from coding to creative writing, Coursera really offers something for everyone. In this blog post, we’re discussing the pros and cons so you can decide if these online classes are worth it for you.
Pros of Taking Coursera Courses
Coursera offers a bunch of benefits to those looking to advance their careers.
Free Learning.
Coursera partners with prestigious universities and organizations to offer courses online for free. That’s right, a library of 1,200 courses at Coursera cost nothing. And you have unlimited access to it! All you need is an internet connection to access video lectures, assignments, and other course materials. If you’re wanting extras such as graded assignments or a Coursera certificate, switch into their paid version. Even that offers a 7-Day Free Trial.
Valuable skills.
Whether you want to learn a new programming language, study business analytics, or pursue a hobby, Coursera has a course for you. They offer courses in everything from Python and Java to photography and learning how to play the guitar. You can build hard skills that are useful for your career or just expand your knowledge in an area you’re passionate about.
Certificate Earning.
Many Coursera classes offer a course certificate of completion, and some even provide credentials and degrees. If you take a series of courses in a Specialization, you can earn a Coursera Specializations certificate to show your proficiency.
Learn on your own schedule.
The best part about Coursera is that you can learn at your own pace. Courses have start and end dates, but all content remains available after the course ends. You can study according to your own schedule and workload. Whether you prefer to binge-learn or take it slow, you’re in control of your learning.
Coursera gives you the opportunity to learn valuable skills for your career, pursue your passions, and continue learning throughout your life—all on your own terms. The breadth of courses means there’s something for every interest, and the flexibility allows you to integrate learning into your busy schedule. So are Coursera courses and Coursera certificates worth it? Let’s discuss their cons.
Cons to Consider About Coursera Classes
While Coursera offers many benefits, there are some downsides to be aware of before diving into their courses.
- One of the biggest drawbacks is the lack of direct support from teachers. Since classes are mostly self-paced, you won’t have the same level of guidance as a traditional college course. If you get stuck or have questions, you’ll have to rely on the course forums and discussion boards to get help from other students or teaching assistants. For some, this lack of direct support can make the courses feel isolating or less engaging.
- Another potential disadvantage is the varying type of courses. Because Coursera works with many different universities and professors, the courses can be hit or miss. Some are extremely well-designed and taught, while others may lack depth or be poorly organized. It’s best to read reviews from other students to determine the if it’s worth it before enrolling in a free course.
- Additionally, if you’re hoping to earn a college credit or degree, most Coursera courses won’t actually provide that option. While you can earn Coursera certificates of completion and specializations for some courses, these are not officially recognized as professional certificates. Coursera’s online degrees and professional certificate programs are still limited.
- Finally, Coursera classes demand a time commitment to complete. Most of Coursera’s courses go 6 to 10 weeks and require 5 to 10 hours a week. While the courses are self-paced, if you’re starting to fall behind, it could be difficult to catch up. The time required for some specializations and degrees may also be unrealistic for those with full-time jobs or other life commitments.
Getting The Most Out of Your Coursera Experience
To make the most of your Coursera courses, keep these tips in mind:
- Do the readings and assignments on time. Staying on schedule will help you gain the most from the course material and interact with other learners.
- Watch the video lectures. While the readings provide the foundational knowledge, the video lectures bring the topics to life through explanations and examples from the instructors. Take notes as you watch to retain the information.
- Participate in the discussion forums. Ask questions, provide input on discussion prompts, and engage with other students. Discussing the course topics is a great way to strengthen your understanding and connect with like-minded learners from around the world.
- Complete all the assignments. The quizzes and hands-on assignments reinforce what you’ve learned and prepare you to apply your new skills. Strive for full marks on the quizzes and put in your best effort on the assignments.
- Review and practice after the course. To truly master the material, continue reviewing your notes, readings and projects even after the course has finished. Look for opportunities to apply what you’ve learned to situations in your daily life or job. Staying engaged with the topics will make you a subject matter expert in no time!
Other Online Learning Platforms to Choose From
Coursera is not the only place to find free online courses. Many other major course providers offer alternatives with a wide range of topics. Such as:
edX Nonprofit
edX is a nonprofit site founded by Harvard as well as MIT. It features courses from some amazing universities such as Cornell, Dartmouth, and Boston University. edX covers a lot of the same topics as Coursera, such as data science, computer science, business, or technology. The courses are basically self-paced and most don’t have strict dates or anything like that.
Udemy
Udemy is one of the largest course marketplaces with over 100,000 video courses. While many are paid, Udemy does offer some free courses. The topics are very broad, covering personal development, design, marketing, and more. The courses are made by individual instructors, so quality can vary. But with so many options, you’re likely to find something useful.
Khan Academy
Khan Academy focuses on short lessons to build skills in math, science, economics and finance, arts and humanities, and computing. Lessons include videos, examples, and interactive exercises. It’s a great resource for learning or brushing up on foundations. The content is high-quality and aimed at all ages.
FutureLearn
FutureLearn is a UK-based site partnering with prestigious British and international universities to offer free online courses. You’re going to find a wide range of subjects, especially focused on life sciences, business, and socials. The courses have a strong social element with discussions and peer review activities. Many also provide statements of participation or digital badges upon completion.
Whether you want to advance your career or just learn, online learning unlocked a world of possibilities.
Is the EASY Wireless FREE Phone Plan Worth it? Of Course!
If you’re reading this blog, you’re likely trying to find a suitable course platform. But to actually find and take courses, you’re going to need a couple things:
- A phone
- Wifi connection
Well luckily — Partnering with programs such as Lifeline & ACP, we’re offering FREE phones with data to eligible individuals just like yourself. Whether you need to keep in touch with friends & family or you want to just save money on your current plan, here’s what we’re offering:
EASY Wireless Unlimited Plan
- FREE Unlimited Data
- FREE Unlimited Talk
- FREE Unlimited Text
- FREE SIM Card Kit and Activation
- Choose to Keep Your Number or Get a New One
To start with EASY Wireless, apply online by filling out the form below and clicking “Enroll Now”.
Or you can come to one of our EASY Wireless retail stores, where our customer service agent will help you apply for your benefits.
