7 skills employers of the future will be looking for

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June 16, 2020

Predict Sales Revenue with scikit-learn

How Ken’s using Guided Projects to continue building in-demand career skills

Meet Ken, a workforce management specialist and instructor who’s learning on Coursera while living in Ireland. In a recent interview, he spoke with us about how he’s using Guided Projects—Coursera’s new short, hands-on learning experiences—to continue building relevant career skills.

Ken, thank you for taking the chance to talk with us! Can you start by sharing with our readers a little bit about your learning philosophy, and about your commitment to lifelong learning?

With the technological age we now live in, lifelong learning is not just an aspiration but a realistic way of life. Give your mind a treat in the form of new knowledge, you won’t regret it.

That’s great advice, thank you for sharing that! Can you tell us about how Guided Projects fit into your approach, and why you might recommend them to other learners?

I can definitely recommend Guided Projects, and I can do so from three different perspectives:

As a student that has completed 60+ courses on Coursera, the projects are an excellent addition to the platform, and the Guided Project format is a great new tool for learners. They can serve as a supplementary learning and practice resource in combination with the longer-form courses, as a bridge between courses of Specializations, or as a refresher of rusty skills.

As an analytics professional, the prospect of having access to a repository of specific use-case notebooks—with videos containing detailed explanations of the methodology, from the author of the notebook, that you can turn to when you hit a wall trying to implement a work task—is tantalizing.

As a management accounts person, I would be happy with employees in my company having access to Coursera as a learning resource. You get a return on investment from the platform in the very short term (literally one day) from the projects, as well as in the medium-to-long-term from the upskilling that is possible through courses and Specializations.

You have an interesting background in both the B2B and adult education space—can you tell us a bit more?

A former boss used to describe me as “a generalist in diverse specialist areas,” which I’ve always felt was as good a way as any to categorize my broad skill set. For the past four-plus years, I have predominantly been working as an instructor in classroom-based courses (co-funded by the Irish government and the EU). I help groups of unemployed individuals learn technical skills that will assist them in gaining employment in the tech sector, from software development to network engineering and everything in between (depending on the specific course). However, my core area of expertise is as a workforce management (WFM) specialist in contact centers. My background also includes roles in customer service, and management accounts in the aviation industry. Being very adaptable, and having the ability to understand and learn new technical things relatively quickly, is an essential trait in my work, as is being able to explain and apply those things clearly for any audience.

What were some of your goals as you started to do Guided Projects on Coursera?

With some of the projects, where I had exposure to the skills previously, I was just looking to brush the dust off some shelves in my brain, as I had not practiced the skills recently. For others, I was hoping to learn to utilize a new methodology (or library) for implementing something I had done at previous stages in my career, or which I’d studied in longer-form Coursera courses I’d previously taken.

What are some of the Guided Projects you’ve completed?

Here’s a list:

Basic Image Classification with TensorFlow

Build Data Analysis tools using R and DPLYR

Predicting House Prices with Regression using TensorFlow

Multiple Linear Regression with scikit-learn

How would you describe the learning experience in a Guided Project?

I would describe it as a focused, instructor-led learning and tutoring session in a virtual environment.

Can you tell us a bit about why you like that kind of experience?

I am quite a visual learner, and am generally very happy when deconstructing and reverse engineering things as a method of learning, so this type of learning resource is fantastic for me. I’ve tried my own DIY version of this in the past with longer-form Coursera courses by logging into my account on two different screens and having videos running on one screen while I had the notebook / IDE open on the other screen, so when I experienced the project format for the first time, I was delighted. This delight was there in equal measure on the fifth project.

That’s really great to hear. Learner feedback was a big part of our process as we created Guided Projects, and it’s really gratifying to know that you’re benefiting from the experience. So, what’s next for you? Do you have some new personal and career goals in place?

On a personal level, I want to continue growing on a daily basis. As to my professional goals, in an ideal world, I’d like to find a role that utilizes as much of my skill set as possible, while simultaneously requiring me to add to my knowledge. My overriding goal, both personally and professionally, is to keep learning.

Wonderful! One last question, unrelated to Guided Projects—what’s a fun fact about you?

I have lived and worked (unpaid) in a biological station (without electricity) in a rainforest collecting biodiversity data for use by the Costa Rican government, and I have also worked pruning grapevines (paid) in Australia!

It sounds like we’ll need to have another interview soon, to learn more about those amazing stories!

~

All of us at Coursera would like to congratulate Ken on his learning accomplishments and to thank him for being so generous with his time and insights. Lifelong learners like Ken are proof positive that learning truly is a source of human progress.

Ken, we can’t wait to hear about what you learn next!

“Life Got In the Way”: How this University of North Texas Alum Earned Her Bachelor’s Degree Nearly Two Decades Later

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June 16, 2020

“Life Got In the Way”: How this University of North Texas Alum Earned Her Bachelor’s Degree Nearly Two Decades Later

Now an advisor at UNT herself, Dana Mordecai shares how earning her B.A.A.S. led to a career she loves

Early in her undergraduate studies, Dana Mordecai discovered that she didn’t want to be a lawyer. That was the path her parents had set her on, and leaving it behind led to what she describes as an “identity crisis.” Her grades began to suffer, and eventually, she moved back home to Denton, Texas, with a set of political science credits towards a degree path she no longer wanted.Then, she says, “life happened.” While taking occasional classes at the University of North Texas, she met her future-husband, got married, had children, and eventually started a corporate job.

When the manufacturing company she worked for filed for Chapter 11, they fired all of management — including Mordecai. Three weeks before Christmas, with two children under the age of 4, she had no job prospects.

She started talking with an advisor at the University of North Texas who told her about the Bachelor’s of Applied Arts and Sciences (B.A.A.S.) degree. The B.A.A.S. was designed for people such as Mordecai who had some college or military credit and were looking to complete their bachelor’s degree.

Before meeting with her advisor, she said she had lost track of all of her credits. “I knew I was close, but I didn’t know how close I was,” she said. She had kept “dipping her toe in” without knowing whether she would ever actually finish and earn her degree.

The advisor evaluated her credits and helped her come up with a plan. She had accumulated enough credits that she only had 30 hours of an undergraduate degree left. If she went to school full time, she could have her degree within a year.

She started the degree three weeks after meeting with the B.A.A.S. advisor, and, 18 years from when she started her freshman year, she graduated.

After graduation, Mordecai wanted to give back by helping other students who are figuring out their own paths. She’s been an advisor for graduate school applicants at the university for the last 15 years. “I realized that higher education really did mean something to me and I wanted to be able to share that with other people,” she said.

Mordecai gained many skills while earning her degree — perhaps the most important of all, was confidence.

She said the B.A.A.S. degree has helped her shake off the pressure of other people’s expectations and pursue something that genuinely makes her happy and give back to others. As an advisor, she has even stopped asking students “what do you want to be when you grow up?” and instead asks “how do you want to change the world?” She said she believes she is herself changing the world by helping other students navigate higher education — all because of UNT and her BAAS degree.

Learn more about the University of North Texas’ Bachelor of Applied Arts and Sciences and get started on your application today.

Alison: third busiest Irish website worldwide

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June 16, 2020

Alison: third busiest Irish website worldwide

According to the Alexa web traffic rankings for May 2020, Alison is the third busiest Irish website worldwide.

Alison has seen a huge increase in traffic since the coronavirus lockdown, with unprecedented numbers of 6,000 Learners graduating from our certified courses every day. Whether it’s been upskilling in app development, getting around to brushing up your French or finally starting yoga, Alison has provided hundreds of thousands of Learners with the means to make the most of their time in isolation.

“It’s clear that people everywhere, both those who were already Alison Learners and those new to online learning, have decided to put their time in lockdown to good use,” says Alison CEO Mike Feerick. “What the current situation has proven beyond a doubt is that education is no longer the hostage of bricks and mortar institutions. Anyone, anywhere, with an internet connection now has access to a high quality education. And as the Alexa Rankings show, there’s clearly a desire to learn this way.”

The other reason for Alison’s extraordinary popularity in recent months has been the publishing of the Coronavirus – What you need to know course. In February, Alison launched the course to help the world combat the Covid-19 pandemic by informing people about the virus and teaching them how to best protect themselves. The course has proven extremely popular as people the world over have tried to get to grips with coronavirus. Nearly a quarter of a million people have taken the English language version alone, and the course is now available in over 60 languages, with more on the way.

Talking With Relatives Across the Political Divide

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June 14, 2020

Talking With Relatives Across the Political Divide

Peter Coleman, a professor of psychology and education at Columbia University and the director of the Morton Deutsch International Center for Cooperation and Conflict Resolution, says it’s also necessary to set the ground rules for what types of conversations you want to partake in with loved ones. He explains there is an important distinction between a debate and a dialogue.

“A debate is a closed process of persuading the other that you’re right,” Dr. Coleman said. “A dialogue is a process of discovery, a process of learning.” If the objective is to have a more nuanced understanding of what’s important to the other person, then Dr. Coleman suggests being an engaged listener to open up the conversation.

Practice active listening.

Active listening is an important ingredient in any difficult dialogue. Dr. Israel explains that this type of communication involves “listening to understand instead of listening to respond.” She suggests that we repeat family and friends’ responses back to them.

Coming from a place of curiosity can also be helpful during dialogues, she said. This doesn’t mean compromising your own views, but being interested in someone else’s experiences. For example, she suggested a conservative person might initiate a conversation with a more liberal relative by saying, “I saw you post something on Facebook about defunding the police. I’m not sure I agree with that, but I wanted to hear more about what that means to you.”

Take a break if you need one.

Elizabeth McCorvey, a licensed clinical social worker based in Asheville, N.C., who was one of the developers of a curriculum designed to help therapists working with clients of color, says discussions are more productive when participants feel less emotionally charged. She advises taking deep breaths before speaking, and using coping mechanisms while the conversation takes place, such as drinking a glass of water or drawing, which may calm your nervous system and help you handle stress. “The less agitated you are, then the less agitated the other person might be,” she said. If the conversation becomes too emotionally distressing, she suggests taking a break and returning to it later.

Set boundaries.

Grace Aheron, the communications director for Showing Up for Racial Justice, a national network of groups that organize white communities to turn out for anti-racist action, says there are basic principles that should be respected in any conversation about police brutality and protesting.

“That black people’s lives matter is not something that’s up for debate right now,” she said. “There’s a sanctity of human life.” Her organization developed a tool kit to help people engage with specific arguments related to the protests and police violence.

What is data analytics and why is it so important to business?

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June 14, 2020

Find out more about this microcredential

What is data analytics and why is it so important to business?

Data analytics brings together the fields of information technology, statistics, and business strategy, with the ultimate goal of making more informed business decisions.

The sector is experiencing rapid growth — the data analytics market as a whole is expected to be worth over $500billion by 2026.

We’ve created a microcredential course to teach you how to become a data analyst. The course will provide you with data analytic and data modelling skills, along with the ability to communicate your insights through Tableau data visualisations.

What is data analytics?

Leveraging and analysing data to find trends, solve problems, and reveal key metrics that might otherwise be lost, is a broad definition of data analytics.

Data analysis techniques utilise machine learning and algorithms to break down big data into information that can be used in a variety of ways that bring strategic value.

This ability to optimise efficiency from analysing data is valuable across many different industries.

In the financial sector, data analytics are used to decipher market trends, create credit scores and reduce risk for financial institutions. In healthcare, data analysis is in constant use to help predict patient outcomes, improve diagnostic methods, and aid new drug discoveries.

The applications of data analytics are present in almost every industry and the opportunities to apply data analytics for business even further are growing year on year. As you would expect, those people who have the skills to deliver these data-driven insights are increasingly in high demand.

According to a recent survey from LinkedIn, analytical reasoning was the third most sought after hard skill in 2019.

Data Analytics for Business with Tableau

To give you a platform to take advantage of this booming industry, we’ve created a data analytics for business microcredential, accredited by Coventry University, that focuses on using Tableau, a market-leading data visualisation tool.

The microcredential will teach you fundamental statistical techniques and how to use them to tackle business-specific problems. You’ll build core quantitative data analysis skills, study big data analytics, and learn how to analyse complex data sets in Excel and SQL.

You’ll also gain analytical modelling skills that will enable you to make business recommendations, whichever industry you’re in.

In addition to developing your core modelling and analytical skill sets, you’ll also learn how to use Tableau to visualise your findings. Over the last five years, job postings requesting data visualisation skills have grown by 540%, so being equipped to use software like Tableau will give you an advantage.

What is Tableau and why do you need it?

Tableau specialises in analysing and translating huge volumes of data into business-focused, easily understandable and actionable information.

Forbes has listed Tableau as one the best data analytics tools available on the market, and demand for Tableau skills in the workplace is growing rapidly, with a 1,165% increase in job postings requesting experience in the software.

For data analysts or business analysts, Tableau is an incredibly effective tool because it streamlines the process of presenting complex data in an engaging way.

By learning how to use Tableau, you’ll build your confidence in data visualisation techniques, which will enable you to bring more strategic value to your organisation.

What data analysis skills will you learn?

The microcredential will help you develop the analytical, modelling, and visualisation skills needed to thrive in the world of data analytics.

You’ll learn how to use Excel and SQL, gain a better understanding of forecasting and models and explore dashboard design and descriptive statistics. You’ll also receive a grounding in issues like data ethics and data wrangling.

You’ll explore the latest data visualisation tools on Tableau and how to communicate your findings to colleagues in a way that leads to strategic action.

This course has been created in collaboration with Tableau and is facilitated by expert practitioners in their fields.

What qualifications will you receive?

You’ll earn 15 UK academic credits at Postgraduate level from Coventry University, along with an official certification of completion from FutureLearn. You can learn more about how credits work in our FAQs. You’ll also receive an electronic transcript from Coventry University.

Our microcredentials are designed to provide you with the skills to advance in rapidly growing industries, and can be used as a stand-alone credential or you can use the academic credit earned to put towards further education.

What jobs and industries is this course useful for?

The skills you’ll learn on this course will be useful in almost any sector and to any organisation looking to make better data-driven decisions, such as business analysts, product managers, or HR managers.

Whether you’re an early-stage data professional or an experienced analyst looking to transition into a Tableau focused role, you’ll find this course useful. This course has also been designed to benefit graduates looking to develop skills like data analysis for their first professional role.

We’ve put together a selection of some of the roles that would benefit from this course below.

Business Analyst

What is a business analyst?

Business analysts use data to help companies make better decisions. Through their in-depth understanding of data analytics, and an ability to communicate clearly, they help bridge the gap between information technology and strategic decisions.

Data visualisation tools like Tableau are a crucial part of business analytics because they allow analysts to present data in diverse and accessible ways.

How much does a business analyst earn?

£42,000 / $53,000 / AUD 77,000

Data Analyst

What is a data analyst?

In smaller organisations, the role of data and business analysts are often interchangeable due to their similar nature. Larger organisations, however, will usually employ people for each role, as they can perform unique functions.

Although both roles work with large data sets, a data analyst is primarily focused on capturing and analysing the data, whereas a business analyst is solely interested in how to use the data to make decisions.

How much does a data analyst earn?

£40,000 / $50,000 / AUD 72,000

Marketing Manager

What is a marketing manager?

A marketing manager is responsible for the way a brand is presented to the world. This can range from brand identity, to sales strategies and how an organisation communicates with its customers.

Marketing managers rely on data analytics to help them better understand their customer base, which in turn allows them to create marketing strategies that they know will be effective.

How much does a marketing manager earn?

£45,000 / $57,000 / AUD 82,000

Product Manager

What is a product manager?

A product manager’s primary responsibility is making sure their product works as effectively as possible. This could relate to technical products, like apps or software, or financial products like mortgages and insurance.

A product manager might be required to conduct substantial research around the requirements for their product, and an understanding of data analytics is vital in order to do that.

How much does a product manager earn?

£53,000 / $66,000 / AUD 96,000

How to make data-driven financial decisions using Xero and Tableau

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June 14, 2020

Find out more about this microcredential

How to make data-driven financial decisions using Xero and Tableau

The goal of modern financial analysis is to provide organisations with data-driven insights so that they can make better, more informed business decisions. By taking financial data and turning it into valuable metrics, a business can use data to shape its future strategy.

Understanding how to take raw financial data, analyse it, and communicate your findings is an integral part of a financial analyst’s skill set.

These are also skills that are in increasingly high demand. In the US financial sector, job postings that requested data skills increased by almost 60% in the 12-month period ending in July, according to Bloomberg, referencing data from LinkedIn. It’s a similar story in the UK, with both the UK finance and insurance sectors reporting a skills shortage in 2019.

That’s why we’ve created a Financial Analysis and Decision Making microcredential, accredited by Coventry University, that will provide you with the analytical skills to turn financial data into business action.

You’ll discover Xero, a world-leading accounting platform, and learn how to use it to conduct a variety of financial tasks, from analysing performance to budgeting and forecasting.

You’ll also explore data visualisation techniques, and learn how to use one of the leading business intelligence tools, Tableau. Job postings in the data visualisation market have grown by 540% over the last five years, as industries, including the financial sector, increasingly look for those with the skills to analyse and evaluate big data.

What is Xero?

To conduct rigorous financial analysis you need an in-depth understanding of the fundamentals of accounting. Enter Xero, a cloud-based software, and one the best accounting softwares for financial analysis on the market.

Xero accounting comes with a variety of financial reporting tools that allow you to make better decisions with the numbers at your disposal. You can construct balance sheets and cash flow statements, measure specific KPIs, and publish reports among many other business optimising processes.

Xero allows you to drill down into your numbers and carry out insightful financial analysis that can be vital to your organisation. Already in use by over 2 million customers, and 16,000 accountancy firms, Xero is one of the fastest-growing accounting platforms in the world and understanding its capabilities is a valuable asset for any financial analyst.

As part of our financial analysis microcredential, you’ll learn how to use Xero and explore its financial reporting features.

What is Tableau?

Recently cited by Forbes as one of the best data visualisation tools, demand for Tableau skills is soaring, with a 1,165% increase in job postings looking for expertise in the software.

For financial analysts specifically, Tableau is an effective tool in areas such as profitability and growth analysis, cash flow management, efficiency reporting and revenue forecasting.

However, Tableau’s biggest strength lies in its graphical representations of data. It provides financial analysts with easy-to-use tools to extricate and present data in ways that are easy for everyone in the team to understand.

By learning how to use Tableau, you’ll build your confidence in visualising financial data which will increase your ability to add strategic value to your organisation.

What financial analysis skills will you learn?

The microcredential is designed to increase your ability to engage strategically with financial data and gain an understanding of two world-leading softwares, Xero and Tableau.

To succeed in the fast-paced and constantly evolving world of financial analytics, you need to possess a combination of abilities, from detailed analytical skills to clear communication.

The microcredential will teach you how to apply the fundamentals of financial accounting techniques, from constructing balance sheets and income statements, to learning how to plan a budget and how to forecast. You’ll discover the latest data visualisation techniques and how to present your work in a way that leads to strategic action.

You’ll also learn to solve complex problems and communicate your findings using Xero and Tableau.

What qualifications will you receive?

You’ll earn 15 UK academic credits at Postgraduate level from Coventry University, along with official certification of completion from FutureLearn. You can learn more about how credits work in our FAQs. You’ll also receive an electronic transcript from Coventry University.

Our microcredentials are designed to provide you with the skills to advance in rapidly growing industries and can be used as stand-alone credentials, or the credits earned can be put towards further education.

What jobs and industries is this course useful for?

The skills you’ll learn on this course are most common to the financial sector, but will also be of value to anyone looking to make better data-driven decisions, such as marketing managers, business analysts and product managers.

It will be of particular value to junior finance professionals looking to grow their skills and advance their careers, business owners who want to better understand fundamental accounting techniques like forecasting and P&L performance, and established finance professionals looking to sharpen their analytical skills and discover new software.

We’ve put together a selection of some of the roles that would benefit from this course.

Financial analyst

What is a financial analyst?

A financial analyst helps their organisation make sense of financial data. They work through the raw numbers and uncover insights that offer real strategic value.

They are an integral part of any finance team because their work helps an organisation to better under their financial position and make smarter, data-driven decisions.

How much does a finance analyst earn?

£41,000 / $51,000 / AUD 75,000

Product manager

What is a product manager?

A product manager’s primary responsibility is making sure their product is produced and works as effectively as possible. This could relate to technical products, like apps or software, or financial products like mortgages and insurance.

A product manager might be required to conduct a profit and loss (P&L) analysis or forecast potential costs on a specific product, so an understanding of financial analysis is a valuable asset.

How much does a product manager earn?

£53,000 / $66,000 / AUD 96,000

Business analyst

What is a business analyst?

Business analysts use data to help companies make better decisions. They help bridge the gap between complex computing and management through a deep understanding of data analysis and an ability to communicate this clearly.

Data visualisation tools like Tableau are incredibly valuable to business analysts because they enable them to present data in diverse and accessible ways to the rest of their teams.

How much does a business analyst earn?

£42,000 / $53,000 / AUD 77,000

Financial controller

What is a financial controller?

A financial controller is responsible for the effective running of an organisation’s accounting team. They produce financial reports, set budgets and targets, and ensure that an organisation’s finances are healthy.

This pivotal role involves substantial financial analysis and decision-making with the wider leadership team.

How much does a financial controller earn?

£64,000 / $80,000 / AUD 116,000

Top 25 online courses in Bangladesh – June 2020

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June 14, 2020

Top 25 online courses in Bangladesh – June 2020

The government of Bangladesh has big plans for digital and e-learning. It’s going to form a central part of the education system for years to come.

What’s more, it’s already a popular way of learning in the country. Taking an online course can help develop skills and knowledge that can benefit your personal and professional life. With that in mind, here are the top 25 online courses in Bangladesh at the moment.

1. COVID-19: Tackling the Novel Coronavirus

This is a course that consistently ranks among the most popular since it launched back in March. It’s not hard to imagine why. The COVID-19 pandemic has changed the lives of people across the world. Our course on tackling the novel coronavirus looks at how the virus emerged, how it spreads, and how we can address it going forward.

2. Understanding IELTS

The IELTS exam is one of the most popular assessments for English in the world. Around 5 million learners across 140 different countries take it each year, and it’s the leading test for those looking to work or study abroad. With this program of courses, both students and teachers can learn about the ins and outs of how each element works.

3. Understanding IELTS: Reading

The reading section of the IELTS exam is one of four key test areas. It consists of three segments of 40 questions, taking 60 minutes to complete. Within each segment, you’ll be faced with one long test, usually taken from a book, newspaper, journal or magazine. This course explores the format of the reading test and helps you create strategies to improve your test performance.

4. Understanding IELTS: Speaking

The IELTS speaking test draws on your English listening and comprehension skills, as well as your ability to speak the language. It takes between 11 and 14 minutes to complete and consists of a discussion with an examiner. You’ll have to speak about yourself and your family, as well about a topic. By taking this course, you can prepare yourself for how the test is structured and develop techniques to maximise your performance.

5. Understanding IELTS: Writing

The 60-minute IELTS Academic writing test contains two sections. In the first, you have to explain a graph or chart. In the second, you’ll have to write an essay in response to a point of view. With practice and understanding, you can take the writing test with confidence. This course gives you all the tools you need to do exactly that.

6. Driving Value from Data

Businesses of all kinds use data to make decisions. As such, people who understand how to drive value from data are in high demand. With this course, you’ll explore how organisations use data, and how to identify opportunities within your own organisation. It’s the ideal first step for those looking to set up their own data capabilities.

7. Understanding IELTS: Listening

There are four sections to the IELTS listening exam, consisting of conversations and monologues. It takes around 30 minutes to complete, and there are a series of questions to test your understanding. By taking our course on understanding the IELTS listening exam, you’ll learn more about each of the tasks and what to expect on the day of the test. You’ll also look at how to develop strategies to improve your performance.

8. English for the Workplace

English is a widely spoken and understood language in Bangladesh. It’s also one of the most commonly spoken languages in the world. As such, having a working knowledge brings many benefits, both personally and professionally. Our English for the Workplace course helps develop English skills for workplace and employability contexts. It’s created by the British Council and has a 4.8 out of 5-star rating.

9. Introduction to Business Management

Business managers require an array of different skills to be successful. Many of these skills can also be applied to other professional and personal settings. Learners who take this course will learn some of the key concepts surrounding managing money, people, and information. You’ll also learn to apply a variety of business concepts and tools to common situations.

10. Basic English 1: Elementary

English language skills are useful across Bangladesh as well as in many other countries. By taking this course, you’ll learn some of the basics of the language, helping you develop your listening and speaking skills. It’s the perfect first step on your journey to mastering the English language, and it can give you the confidence to use it in everyday situations.

11. Communication and Interpersonal Skills at Work

In both your personal and professional life, communication and interpersonal skills are important. They help with relationship building and networking and can help in the smooth delivery of projects. In the modern workplace, there are all kinds of mediums for communication. This course focuses on identifying your own communication style, as well as some of the platforms you might encounter as you work. It will help you develop your digital skills and apply them in a professional setting.

12. Computer Programming for Everyone

As is the case across the world, computer programming is becoming an essential skill in Bangladesh. It’s a knowledge base that can be applied in many different settings and one that’s highly sought-after by employers. With this course from the University of Leeds, you’ll learn about the different types of coding languages and what they can be used for. You’ll also make your very own computer program by the end.

13. Exploring English: Language and Culture

It’s always fascinating to learn about other cultures, particularly if you’re studying the language. This online English course looks at British life and culture. Across a series of videos about life in the UK, you’ll be able to develop your listening and comprehension skills. The videos feature authentic native English speakers, as well as relevant cultural themes and topics.

14. Introduction to Nursing: The Role of Nurses Around the World

There is a critical shortage of nurses in Bangladesh. Thankfully, a variety of charities and organisations are helping people move into the profession. For those who are hoping to one day study in nursing or healthcare, this course can provide an excellent introduction to the subject. It examines the role of nurses in healthcare systems across the world.

15. Exploring English: Shakespeare

William Shakespeare is perhaps the most famous playwright of all time. His impact on the English language was significant, and his works form part of the British curriculum to this day. This course allows learners to explore the English language through the works of Shakespeare. You’ll look at five of his most famous works, as well as some of the words and expressions he introduced to the language.

16. How To Teach Online: Providing Continuity for Students

As a result of the coronavirus pandemic, over a billion children have had to study from home. Although a useful solution to the problem, remote teaching and learning have their challenges. With this course, teachers can learn about how to provide online teaching and student support. It can help adapt your practice for the virtual classroom and identify techniques to keep students engaged.

17. Create a Social Media Marketing Campaign

Social media marketing is becoming increasingly popular in Bangladesh. It’s allowing businesses in the country and across the world to connect with customers. As such, the ability to run a successful social media marketing campaign is a desirable skill. This course can help you learn how to create and measure the success of such a campaign, improving your employability and developing several skills.

18. Managing COVID-19 in Primary Care

Healthcare systems around the world are fighting on the front lines against COVID-19. For those professionals who are facing the virus every day, it’s essential to know how to stay safe and respond effectively. This course was created by St George’s University of London with the aim of examining the signs, symptoms and epidemiology of the virus. It also follows how the situation is unfolding in the UK.

19. Basic English 2: Pre-Intermediate

For those learners who already have the basics of the English language mastered, this intermediate course is the ideal next step. It gives you the chance to further develop your skills, exploring English used in everyday situations. By the time you’re done, you’ll have more confidence in your speaking and comprehension skills. The course has a 4.8-out-of-5 rating from over 450 learners.

20. COVID-19 Critical Care: Understanding and Application

The coronavirus pandemic continues to impact countries across the world. In Bangladesh, there have already been over 70,000 recorded cases. For healthcare practitioners, it’s essential to know how to care for those who are critically ill with COVID-19. This course examines the daily practices of frontline staff. It covers topics such as how to apply ventilation, as well as what PPE is required.

21. Health Systems Strengthening

Healthcare systems across the world have been under scrutiny during the COVID-19 pandemic. As such, there’s never been a better time to look at how to build better health systems. With this course, you’ll look at some major health system frameworks, examining their positives and negatives. This covers areas such as policy, financing and human resources. The course is developed by UNICEF and has a 4.9-star rating.

22. English for Healthcare

The language used in healthcare systems is often quite unique and complex. For those wanting to work in English-speaking countries, it’s important to learn the vocabulary and develop skills in this area. Our English for Healthcare course was developed by King’s College London as part of the PADILEIA project. It looks at some of the language used in English language healthcare settings.

23. Ideas for a Better World: Leading Change Through Policymaking

Changing policies can affect people across the country and beyond. To transform and enhance our societies, we need positive and progressive policymakers who can enact change. In this course, you’ll examine what policy is and who makes changes. You’ll also hear from experts and leaders who have contributed towards positive change in the world.

24. Bacterial Genomes: Disease Outbreaks and Antimicrobial Resistance

As our attention is drawn to the threat of the COVID-19 pandemic, it’s worth exploring other dangers related to healthcare. Antibiotic resistance is a global problem, but there are frontiers of science that are helping in the battle. Genome research is allowing researchers to discover outbreaks and prevent ‘superbugs’.

25. People Management Skills

Having a management title doesn’t always mean a person has learned the skills needed to manage people. However, it’s a highly valued skillset to have. With this course, you’ll learn about how to become a confident line manager. You’ll look at different approaches to management, as well as how to develop individuals and teams. It will also give you the chance to reflect on and improve your own management style.

Top 25 online courses in Hong Kong – June 2020

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June 14, 2020

Top 25 online courses in Hong Kong – June 2020

For the past 10 years, e-learning in Hong Kong has been gaining popularity. Many higher education institutions have been using technology for internet-based learning for some time. It gives learners the chance to study remotely, as well as explore their interests and progress their skills in many different areas.

We’ve outlined the 25 most popular online courses among FutureLearn learners from Hong Kong.

1. COVID-19: Tackling the Novel Coronavirus

Since the first cases were reported in December 2019, the novel coronavirus pandemic has changed the lives of people across the world. This course looks at how COVID-10 emerged and how it spreads, as well as the measures countries have taken to combat it. As one of our most popular courses in Hong Kong and other countries, the course has received a rating of 4.8 out of 5 stars from our learners.

2. MedTech: Trends and Product Design

Technology is helping to drive innovation in the healthcare industry, and Hong Kong is one of the countries at the cutting edge of medtech devices. This course, accredited by the CPD Certification Service, looks at the present and future of medical technologies. It explores how these devices are developed, as well as some of the challenges and opportunities in this field.

3. Understanding IELTS

The IELTS is one of the most widely-recognised English-language exams. Around 5 million people across 140 countries take the IELTS each year, testing their reading, writing, speaking and listening abilities. With our Understanding IELTS program, you’ll get a detailed view on how each test is structured. You’ll also learn strategies to deal with each element, which can help give you the confidence to perform to your potential.

4. Preparing for University

Although university places in Hong Kong are limited, many students decide to study abroad. It’s therefore no surprise that this course on preparing for university is so popular. It outlines some of the essential skills every student needs, including critical thinking and analysis. It helps students understand the skills and knowledge they’ll need to cope with the university learning environment.

5. Teaching English Online

If the last few months have taught us anything, it’s that there is a definite need for competent online teachers. For those who teach English, taking your classes online can bring many benefits. It means you’ll find work in many places around the world and engage with your students in an online environment. This course helps teachers transfer their existing skills to the virtual classroom.

6. Creating a Great User Experience for Mobile Apps

Mobile apps are pretty ubiquitous these days. Just about every company with an online presence also has a mobile app. Most people don’t realise how easy-to-use these programs are – they seem intuitive and straightforward. But each app is designed with the user experience (UX) in mind, and it takes a lot of planning and effort. This course delves into the basics of mobile app UX, covering how to design and test an app.

7. How to Teach Online: Providing Continuity for Students

There has been a huge shift towards online learning since the outbreak of COVID-19. At one point, 1.2 billion children were out of school. For teachers and educators, this means having to adapt to a new way of engaging with students. On this course, you’ll learn to reflect on your existing teaching style and how to adapt it to a virtual classroom.

8. Understanding IELTS: Writing

In the writing section of the IELTS exam, students are given 60 minutes to complete two essays. The first section focuses on the interpretation of data, while the second requires an essay that argues a point. In this course, you’ll learn techniques that can help you approach these essays in a structured and calm way. You’ll also explore how your answers will be assessed and how you can succeed in this section of the test.

9. Teaching for Success: Lessons and Teaching

English language teachers around the world can benefit from this course from the British Council. It’s focused on your continuing professional development and looks at a variety of skills you can use in your career. As well as how to manage resources and take responsibility for your own development, you’ll also learn how to plan and manage classroom lessons.

10. Understanding Fashion: From Business to Culture

Hong Kong’s fashion industry has long been one of its strongest manufacturing sectors. The city-state acts as a global hub for production and clothing sourcing. This course examines both the cultural and corporate side of fashion. It gives learners the opportunity to gain insight from industry professionals, as well as study a variety of skills needed in the world of fashion.

11. Understanding IELTS: Speaking

Although the speaking session of the IELTS is the shortest at around 14 minutes long, it’s often one of the more challenging ones. This course from the British Council can help prepare those taking the test for what will be expected of them. It also contains tips and techniques to build confidence in your English speaking.

12. Becoming a Better Music Teacher

Music teachers are tasked with nurturing their students’ talents and abilities. They also have to keep students engaged in lessons and give them the confidence to show creativity. This course allows you to reflect on your current teaching methods and instrumental technique. It gives you the tools to design lesson plans and individual learning goals, while helping you focus on your own development.

13. English for the Workplace

Hong Kong is a multicultural place where many different languages are spoken. Many tech and finance businesses require a level of English language ability, which is why this course is so popular. Created by the British Council, it helps learners work on their comprehension skills as well as their workplace vocabulary. You’ll also get the chance to improve your English language performance related to applications and interviews.

14. Start Programming with Python

The ability to write code and computer programs are skills that are futureproof. They can be applied to many personal and professional settings and are sought-after by employers. Python is a programming language that forms an excellent base for your knowledge. This three-part program introduces key programming concepts and allows you to create your own Python programs.

15. Genomic Medicine: Transforming Patient Care in Diabetes

Genomics is a field of biology that focuses on the function, evolution and editing of genomes. It’s an area that has rapidly developed over the last few years, bringing exciting advancements in the field of medicine. This course introduces some of the central topics related to genomics. It also explores how genetic diagnosis can help patients with diabetes.

16. Exploring English: Shakespeare

The works of William Shakespeare still resonate today as much as they did 400 years ago. The famous playwright changed the English language, and his plays have been enjoyed and adapted for generations. This course examines why Shakespeare had such an impact. It covers five of his most well-known plays, looking at some of the language he introduced.

17. Forensic Archaeology and Anthropology

Forensics and archaeology are two fascinating subjects in their own right. Forensic archaeology, the science behind the exhumation and identification of skeletal remains, is equally captivating. This course teaches the basics of how various scientific techniques are used to locate, recover and analyse remains. You’ll follow a variety of case studies as you explore the fundamentals of forensics.

18. How to Create Great Online Content

Most of us create and consume online content on a daily basis. Whether it’s reading the news, watching videos, or creating social media posts, there is a lot of content out there. For businesses, content creation and marketing is an essential tool. But how do you create effective messages that engage with your audience? This course can teach you why it’s so important to keep the customer in mind and how you can structure and plan your content.

19. Understanding IELTS: Reading

The IELTS reading test takes 60 minutes to complete and consists of 40 questions. It tests a wide range of skills, such as your comprehension, attention to detail, and ability to follow an argument. This course from the British Council helps learners to develop strategies to cope with the test. It’ll also give you the skills you need to approach different kinds of texts and understand them.

20. Young People and Their Mental Health

A person’s mental health is just as important as their physical health. For many young people, mental health problems emerge during their teenage years. But unlike with physical issues, it can be hard to recognise and identify when someone is struggling with their mental health. This course is designed for young people to help them identify why it’s an important topic and how they can improve their own mental health.

21. Introduction to Critical Care Medicine

Critical care is a subject that has been in the news a lot since the COVID-19 outbreak. It’s a rapidly developing area of medicine that can save the lives of those who are seriously ill. This course from the University of Glasgow is aimed at health professionals and students who want to learn more about critical care. It covers topics such as pneumonia, multi-organ failure, and sepsis.

22. Introduction to Dutch

Learning a new language is always a worthwhile pastime. Whether you’re planning on travelling to the Netherlands or simply have an interest in its culture, this course can teach you some of the basics. Over the span of three weeks, you’ll learn how to introduce yourself and meet others, as well as how to talk about the important things in your life. You’ll also get a glimpse into Dutch culture and experience life in the Netherlands.

23. Exploring English: Language and Culture

Hong Kong and the UK have a long history. They also share a common language. This course gives learners the chance to learn more about life and culture in the UK while improving their skills and knowledge in the English language. Videos from native speakers explore a range of cultural topics, giving an insight into topics such as British music, the different parts of the UK and British literature.

24. Food and Mood: Improving Mental Health Through Diet and Nutrition

Diet and mental health are two topics that are closely linked. Deakin University created this course to explore the relationship between food and mood. It examines how and why our daily diets can impact our brain and mental health. It covers topics such as our immune system, gut microbiome, and principles of dietary change.

25. Introduction to Psychology: The History and Science of Psychology

Psychology is a fascinating subject with a long and varied history. Although it’s a fairly well-established field today, it’s taken many years of developing theory and philosophy to shape it. This course looks at how the discipline emerged and some of the key individuals who influenced it. It also explores particular fields of psychology, such as cognitive and clinical psychology.

5 Podcasts at the Intersection of Pride Month and the Black Lives Matter Movement

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June 13, 2020