Tell us a story, real or made up, that is inspired by this image.
Word of the Day: animatronics
This word has appeared in three articles on NYTimes.com in the past year. Can you use it in a sentence?
Coursera scaled its GenAI catalog with a new course daily in 2024
By Marni Baker Stein
For the second consecutive year, GenAI is the fastest-growing skill on Coursera. To support learners at every level, from beginners to experts, our partners published over 450 courses in 2024, expanding our catalog by 6x.
Since the launch of ChatGPT, these courses have amassed over 4 million enrollments.
Below is a snapshot of the latest GenAI content launched by leading partners over the past three months.
New GenAI content from leading universities
Professor Jules White of Vanderbilt University, who’s taught over 500,000 learners across 30+ courses, introduced innovative content on harnessing GenAI to automate tasks like meal planning and project management. As another leader in the space, the University of Michigan — Coursera’s first partner to launch a GenAI course — is expanding its offerings with new courses on deploying GenAI across industries, from law to creative fields. Complementing these efforts, the University of Glasgow debuted role-specific content, building on its offerings for students and educators.
Vanderbilt University
* = content taught by Professor Jules White
University of Michigan
University of Glasgow
New GenAI content from leading companies
Top instructors are debuting new GenAI courses on Coursera, starting with Andrew Ng’s AI Python for Beginners, which teaches anyone, regardless of prior experience, how to code with LLMs. Dr. Barb Oakley, the legendary instructor of Learning How to Learn, has released her first GenAI courses. Meanwhile, Google Cloud, the partner with most GenAI courses on Coursera (178), continues expanding its catalog with new content on AI app development, translated versions of popular courses, and more. Finally, IBM is supporting learners’ career growth by launching a new entry-level Generative AI Engineering Professional Certificate and updating its advanced engineering certificate to help established engineers enhance GenAI skills.
IBM
Google Cloud
DeepLearning.AI
Deep Teaching Solutions
* = content taught by Professor Jules White
How Do You Feel About Winter?
This season can be difficult, but experts share how to make it more bearable. What can you find to love about winter?
2024 in Pictures
Which of the images in this Times collection best capture how you’ll remember this year?
Word of the Day: combustion
This word has appeared in 97 articles on NYTimes.com in the past year. Can you use it in a sentence?
35 Easy Resolutions to Kickstart Your Coding in 2025
It’s that time of year again — the time for making New Year’s resolutions! It can be tempting to set big, life-changing goals. But the loftiest resolutions are usually the first to be abandoned. This year, let’s resolve to make resolutions we can keep.
Every major accomplishment requires a smaller first step. You can’t run a marathon before you can run the first mile, and the same goes for learning how to code. Before you can code a website, you need to learn to write your first “Hello, World!” Before you can become a Data Scientist, you need to learn how to acquire data. Resolving to take the first step is the easiest way to ensure you get started down the road to success this year.
Learn something new for free
Starting small: Inspiration for your 2025 resolutions
To help you start 2025 on an inspired and motivated note, Codecademy Curriculum Developers shared some ideas for bite-sized goals you can set for yourself this year. We’ve broken them out into a few categories — goals for getting started, building your portfolio, becoming an active community member, tracking your progress, and more.
Resolve to get started with coding
Brand new to coding? The best way to get started is to just dive in. So make a resolution to take the first step in the beginning of 2025. Here are a few ideas for resolutions you can choose to get started with coding this year:
- I’m going to write my first program that prints “Hello, World!” This is one of the first things you’ll learn in our Code Foundations Path.
- I’m going to learn how to install a language on my computer.
- I’m going to learn how to use a text editor on my computer. We recommend Visual Studio Code (VSCode) if you’re not sure where to get started.
- I’m going to create a GitHub account and create a repository to share my code. Learn more about getting set up with Git and GitHub and making your first pull request.
- I’m going to start collecting a data set about myself. This can be a fun one if you’re interested in data science. It could be anything from how many steps you take each day to what time you wake up.
Resolve to tie your learning to something you enjoy
When you’re just getting started, you’ll be spending time learning the fundamentals and building simple projects. Learning new things is always rewarding, but when you find that first project that really inspires you, you’ll really start having fun! Here are a few resolutions to get you working on something you enjoy:
Being a part of a community is a great way to keep yourself accountable to your goals and to make your learning journey more enjoyable. You’ll be able to find help when you need it, share your experiences, learn from the experiences of others, and make new friends. Here are a few ideas for becoming a more active community member in 2025:
- I’m going to attend a local hackathon and try to help out on a project. Looking for local hackathons? Check out Major League Hacking or Eventbrite.
- I’m going to participate in a local coding club in my town. Check out our City Clubs to connect with learners in your area.
- I’m going to collaborate with someone in the Codecademy community. In the Collaboration Corner of our community platform, you can connect with other learners who are looking for support and collaboration.
- I’m going to attend a programming-related meetup or conference. Why not start with one of our virtual community events? Check out the calendar of events here.
- I’m going to follow 10 developers on X.
- I’m going to submit my first post on Stack Overflow.
Resolve to make progress on your portfolio
If your end goal is a career in web development or data science then you’ll ultimately need to build a portfolio. Resolve to make progress on your portfolio in 2025 with one of the following ideas:
- I’m going to build a simple portfolio website and host it.
- I’m going to make a website version of my resume.
- I’m going to build one project for my portfolio. Our Career Paths include portfolio-ready projects that you can use when you begin your job search.
- I’m going to send my portfolio to one of my peers to get their feedback.
If you need help building a portfolio, watch the video below for a step-by-step breakdown.
For an added challenge, try adding JavaScript to make it interactive.
Resolve to make progress on career goals
Whether you’ve been toying with the idea of changing careers, are already in the process, or are interested in learning technical skills to advance in your current job, the New Year is a good time to set some goals to help you make progress. Check out the following goals for inspiration:
- I’m going to search for jobs and look over their requirements. Give our job-readiness checker a spin when you find a position you’re interested in.
- I’m going to complete the first module of a Career Path. We currently offer Career Paths in Data Science, Front-End, Back-End, and Full-Stack Web Development. Consider joining our Full-Stack Chapter to connect with other people on the same journey as you.
- I’m going to speak with someone that works in a field I’m interested in.
- I’m going to put my technical resume together.
- I’m going to improve my soft skills. Take one of our professional skills courses to work on transferable non-technical skills like communication, collaboration, and problem solving.
Resolve to hone your coding skills
Here are a few ideas for goals that’ll help you become a better and more efficient programmer in 2025:
- I’m going to Google my error and read documentation instead of clicking “Get a solution” right away. To get started, check out Codecademy Docs.
- I’m going to complete a series of code challenges.
- I’m going to contribute to my first open-sourced project on GitHub.
- I’m going to learn to use AI tools like GitHub Copilot to streamline my workflow. We offer a beginner-friendly Intro to GitHub Copilot course that teaches you how to use the AI coding assistant.
Resolve to track your progress
This last batch of ideas is all about tracking your progress. Sometimes tracking and sharing your progress is just the boost you need to keep on going — plus you can look back and see how far you’ve come!
- I’m going to earn XP in key skills. Skill XP is a new way you can measure your progress as you complete items in courses and paths.
- I’m going to create my own coding journey notebook.
- I’m going to write a blog post about something I’ve learned. Read this story about a learner who started a coding blog that got the attention of an engineering hiring manager and helped her land a job.
- I’m going to set a weekly target and stick to it. Check out our article on tips for staying accountable to your goals to learn more about weekly targets, streaks, and more.
We hope this list has helped you come up with a few bite-sized goals to start the year out on the right foot. Sign up for Codecademy Pro now to get access to our Skill Paths, Career Paths, Code Challenges, and everything else you’ll need to achieve your 2025 goals. Then, share your resolutions with us on social media!
This post was originally published in December 2020, and has been updated with additional relevant goals.
Embracing Lifelong Learning: Steve’s Journey Leads to the University of Illinois
How taking one course paved the path toward a master’s degree
In today’s ever-changing world, the pursuit of knowledge is a lifelong journey, and Steve Reeves’ educational path is proof. At 67 years old, Steve is an inspiration, showing that age is no barrier to learning. His story that culminates with the University of Illinois Gies College of Business highlights the transformative power of education and its profound impact on personal and professional growth.
Steve’s educational journey began decades ago at the University of Cincinnati, where he was just four classes shy of completing his degree. Life, however, had other plans, and it wasn’t until many years later that he decided to return to academia. “I regretted every single day. I was mad at myself,” Steve recalls, reflecting on the years he spent without a degree. Despite a successful career, the desire to complete his education lingered.
The turning point came when Steve discovered the flexibility of online learning through Coursera. “I got my bachelor’s degree through Coursera, and it was the coolest thing ever,” he shares. The ability to work around his schedule and the acceptance of his previous credits made the process seamless. With this flexibility, Steve could continue his education without sacrificing his professional responsibilities.
Steve’s path didn’t stop at a bachelor’s degree. He was inspired to pursue further education. “I started taking classes from the University of Illinois, and I was working toward my Graduate Certificate in Strategic Leadership and Management,” he explains. To Steve’s surprise, his work in the Certificate program could count as progress toward Illinois’ online master’s degrees in business. He decided to stack his credits into the Master of Science in Management and went on to graduate in May 2024. Thanks to the online format, he was able to balance his studies while working full-time as a Director of IT, a position he has held for 19 years.
The impact Steve has made on his career with his education has been significant. “I use what I learned almost every day in my work,” he states. Through courses in finance, marketing, and strategic leadership, Steve broadened his understanding and equipped himself with new skills. “I never took an accounting class. I never took a finance class. I never took a marketing class,” he admits, highlighting the gaps that he’s now filled. Today, he finds himself contributing to discussions and decisions in areas of his company where he once felt unqualified to participate.
Steve’s story is not just about personal achievement—it’s about inspiring others. He has become an ambassador for lifelong learning, encouraging colleagues and even his daughter to pursue their educational goals. “I help people,” he says simply, embodying a spirit of mentorship and support.
“You’re never too old to learn, and never stop learning,” he advises. After all, Steve’s experience with the University of Illinois on Coursera shows that with determination and the right resources, anyone can achieve their dreams.
Coursera Coach: Providing Essential Learner Support
By Mashrur Khan and Alexandra Urban
Coursera is dedicated to providing an exceptional online learning experience tailored to the individual needs of our learners. With this goal in mind, we created Coursera Coach, our AI-powered learning assistant rooted in pedagogical and tutoring best practices.
Coursera Coach offers interactive guidance to help learners master course concepts more effectively, test their skills, and receive real-time feedback. In fact, Coursera Coach has already helped more than one million learners stay on track and progress in their courses. Plus, recent data highlights how Coursera Coach is enhancing learning for groups that online platforms have traditionally underserved.
Our initial research has uncovered exciting trends for which groups of learners are engaging most with Coursera Coach. In particular, women demonstrated a statistically significant 11.1% higher likelihood of interacting with Coursera Coach, even after accounting for factors like education level and previous platform engagement.
This finding likely relates to how women face a higher level of unpaid responsibilities like home, family, and childcare, resulting in less time for learning (Allione & Stein, 2016; Perez, 2019; Urban, 2023). Coursera Coach allows for self-paced, on-demand interactions and helps learners, on average, to complete 11.6% more items per hour, making it a powerful tool to counteract time constraints.
In addition, our analysis found that learners who reported they are starting their career or in the midst of switching careers were significantly more likely to engage with Coursera Coach compared to learners with other goals. For instance, learners just starting their career were 39.8% more likely to send Coursera Coach a message than learners trying to advance their career.
Increased difficulty level due to gaps in prerequisite knowledge can hinder the persistence of women and learners new to the topic area (Grella & Meinel, 2016). Coursera Coach can help learners to identify and fill such content gaps through tailored explanations and examples.
For individuals brave enough to pursue a new professional path, Coursera Coach can be an invaluable asset — connecting course concepts to real-world job applications and offering personalized guidance through unfamiliar material. Having an AI tutor can boost confidence and persistence for those embarking on a new career journey.
Similarly, learners without a college degree or only a high school education were 10.8% more likely to use Coursera Coach after controlling for other demographic factors and the course subject. While striving to make online learning more accessible and empowering, we at Coursera need to better support this group of learners. Coursera Coach can provide supplemental academic support filling in gaps in prerequisite knowledge for those without higher education experience.
Plus, consistently lower confidence (Lambert, 2020), self-efficacy (Handoko et al., 2019), science identity, and sense of belonging (Walton et al., 2015) can all deter women or those with less formal education experience to continue in their learning. Coursera Coach’s interactive practice can boost confidence by allowing risk-free questions, feedback, and reattempts, which may be especially beneficial to these learner groups.
The insights from this experiment underscore Coursera’s commitment to delivering an inclusive and tailored online learning experience. As we continue evolving Coursera Coach’s capabilities, we will leverage these findings to enhance how we serve different groups of learners to meet their unique needs and backgrounds.
Targeted support could mean more earned course certificates and more successful career transformations. Now everyone can have a personal tutor, just one click away.
We’re already starting to see the positive impact of Coursera Coach driving more equitable engagement in online courses. This increased learning has a cascading effect, benefiting not only the individuals themselves but also their families and local communities.
Citations
Allione, G., & Stein, R. M. (2016). Mass attrition: An analysis of drop out from principles of microeconomics MOOC. Journal of Economic Education, 47(2), 174–186. https://doi.org/10.1080/00220485.2016.1146096
Grella, C., & Meinel, C. (2016). MOOCs as a promoter of gender diversity in STEM? The International Scientific Conference ELearning and Software for Education, 2(1), 516–521. https://doi.org/10.12753/2066-026X-16-164
Handoko, E., Gronseth, S. L., Mcneil, S. G., Bonk, C. J., & Robin, B. R. (2019). Goal setting and MOOC completion: A study on the role of self-regulated learning in student performance in massive open online courses. International Review of Research in Open and Distributed Learning, 20(3), 39–58. https://doi.org/10.19173/irrodl.v20i4.4270
Lambert, S. R. (2020). Do MOOCs contribute to student equity and social inclusion? A systematic review 2014–18. Computers and Education, 145, 1–17. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.compedu.2019.103693
Perez, C. C. (2019). Invisible women: Data bias in a world designed for men. Abrams.
Urban, A.D. (2023). Closing the gender gap in STEM MOOCs through brief, novel interventions. In D. Guralnick, M.E. Auer, & A. Poce (Eds.), Creative approaches to technology-enhanced learning for the workplace and higher education. TLIC 2023 (pp. 589-605). Springer. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-031-41637-8_48
Walton, G. M., Logel, C., Peach, J. M., Spencer, S. J., & Zanna, M. P. (2015). Two brief interventions to mitigate a “chilly climate” transform women’s experience, relationships, and achievement in engineering. Journal of Educational Psychology, 107(2), 468–485. https://doi.org/10.1037/a0037461
Should Schools Spy on Student Devices to Prevent Self-Harm?
New technology alerts schools when students type words related to suicide. Should all schools use it? Or is it an invasion of privacy?
