What do you think this image is saying? How does it relate to or comment on society or current events? Can you relate to it personally? What is your opinion of its message?
Students 13 and older in the United States and Britain, and 16 and older elsewhere, are invited to comment. All comments are moderated by the Learning Network staff, but please keep in mind that once your comment is accepted, it will be made public and may appear in print.
Autistic people tend to be bottom-up thinkers, meaning we often see details before the big picture. I observe and try to find a way to creatively approach people. I also like to capture emotionally charged moments, along with smiles, as that’s a truer experience of the day.
My photos tend to be more intimate and joyful because I do most weddings solo, and because I build rapport beforehand so we are not strangers that day. I’m good at getting people to be themselves.
Daily Word Challenge
Can you correctly use the word rapport in a sentence?
Based on the definition and example provided, write a sentence using today’s Word of the Day and share it as a comment on this article. It is most important that your sentence makes sense and demonstrates that you understand the word’s definition, but we also encourage you to be creative and have fun.
If you want a better idea of how rapport can be used in a sentence, read these usage examples on Vocabulary.com. You can also visit this guide to learn how to use IPA symbols to show how different words are pronounced.
Students ages 13 and older in the United States and the United Kingdom, and 16 and older elsewhere, can comment. All comments are moderated by the Learning Network staff.
Obsessed with Taylor’s new album, “The Tortured Poets Department”? Get ready to bring those melancholic vibes to your screens! We’ve created a free downloadable wallpaper inspired by the album’s muted browns, creams, and beiges, complete with a quote to fuel your inner poet all month long.
Each wallpaper download from May 2024 includes the following:
Desktop wallpaper x3 (plain, with the calendar, and with a quote)
Phone wallpaper x3 (plain, with the calendar and with a quote)
Tablet wallpaper
Instagram ready quote
Decorate your social feed with a touch of Taylor’s latest!
The quote featured on the wallpaper, “All’s fair in love and poetry,” is a playful nod to the album’s title and the passionate themes explored within. Whether you’re a hopeless romantic or simply appreciate the beauty of words, this quote is sure to resonate. It hints at the intensity and creativity that flow through love and the written word, perfectly encapsulating the spirit of “The Tortured Poets Department.”
All’s fair in love and poetry
P.S the square image is also included as a larger file in the download package below! Feel free to post it on your Instagram.
You can get three different desktop options with the free download – one with a calendar, one without the calendar, and another with a quote. Additionally, there’s a wallpaper available for tablets and three phone options too. You’ll also find an Instagram-ready square that features the weekly quote.
FOR PERSONAL USE ONLY.
NOTE: This wallpaper is available as a free download through May 31, 2024 only. After that, a $5 download fee applies.
Looking for more?
Browse all wallpapers from this series.
Loving your new wallpaper! It really sets the tone, right?
Speaking of setting the tone, have you considered giving your website or blog a makeover too? A visually appealing design can grab attention and keep visitors engaged, just like a killer wallpaper. Check the designs below and find the perfect fit to elevate your online presence!
Blogger templates
WordPress Themes
Your voice matters!
If you have your favorite quotes or lyrics and would like them to appear on the next free wallpaper, make sure to post them in the comments below or send us your ideas via email.
For eight years, we at The Learning Network have been publishing short, accessible, image-driven prompts that invite students to do a variety of kinds of writing via our Picture Prompts column.
Each week, at least one of those prompts asks students: Use your imagination to write the opening of a short story or poem inspired by this image — or, tell us about a memory from your own life that it makes you think of.
Now we’re rounding up years of these storytelling prompts all in one place. Below you’ll find 125 photos, illustrations and GIFs from across The New York Times that you can use for both creative and personal writing. We have organized them by genre, but many overlap and intersect, so know that you can use them in any way you like.
Choose an image, write a story, and then follow the link in the caption to the original prompt to post your response or read what other students had to say. Many are still open for comment for teenagers 13 and up. And each links to a free Times article too.
We can’t wait to read the tales you spin! Don’t forget that you can respond to all of our Picture Prompts, as they publish, here.
Everyday Life
On the Subway
Horror
Reaching Through the Wall
Phone Booth in the Wilderness
Science Fiction
The Red Planet
Sledding in the Mountains
Travel & Adventure
Passport
Unusual & Unexpected
Climbing a Ladder
Students 13 and older in the United States and Britain, and 16 and older elsewhere, are invited to comment. All comments are moderated by the Learning Network staff, but please keep in mind that once your comment is accepted, it will be made public and may appear in print.
If you didn’t know anything about cloud computing, the job title “Cloud Architect” would sound like a total oxymoron: how do you design something amorphous? In tech, of course, the cloud is not nebulous at all — it’s made up of complex services that are conducted over the internet.
Much like an Architect who designs a building, Cloud Architects use their expertise to design an organization’s cloud system and oversee its implementation. This mid- to senior-level role requires a combination of technical expertise and strong soft skills like leadership and communication. As remote work becomes the norm across all industries, and businesses make use of new technologies like generative AI, Cloud Architects have very valuable and in-demand expertise to provide.
Learn cloud computing for free
If you’re working towards a cloud career like Cloud Architect, or you’re just curious how this technology works, you can get started learning cloud computing skills with our new free cloud courses. These courses help you build a foundation in key cloud computing skills, so you can test the waters before you committing to cloud certification training. Even if certification isn’t your ultimate goal, gaining a solid grasp of this sought-after domain helps make you a well-rounded developer.
We spoke with Michael Shannon, Senior Analyst in Tech and Dev at Skillsoft, the cloud expert who helped make these courses, about what a Cloud Architect does. Read on to learn about the day-to-day responsibilities of a Cloud Architect, the certifications and cloud services to know, and how to break into the field without a college degree.
What is a Cloud Architect?
Cloud Architects oversee planning, designing, building, and maintaining an organization’s entire cloud infrastructure. While Cloud Engineers focus on building and deploying specific applications, “it takes a different kind of person, a Cloud Architect, who’s really a leader who can pull the trigger on decisions,” Michael says.
Cloud Architects are often tasked with pretty significant projects (think: migrating the entire org’s applications and data from on-premise servers to a cloud platform or coming up with a cloud-based disaster recovery protocol), so the role requires strong organizational and leadership skills. You’re often balancing the needs of lots of different stakeholders and business needs, so communication is key. On top of that, Cloud Architects have to be knowledgeable about lots of different cloud technologies as well as security and compliance concerns.
The scope of a Cloud Architect’s work can vary depending on the size of a company. A large organization is more likely to have a separate Cloud Architect who’s solely responsible for the cloud strategy, whereas a smaller org might have one person who acts as both the Cloud Engineer and the Cloud Architect, Michael says. It’s also common for newer startups to hire Cloud Architects who can make decisions about which database platforms and SaaS tools the organization will use.
What does a Cloud Architect do all day?
A day in the life of a Cloud Architect typically involves a mix of strategic planning, design work, and oversight of cloud implementations. For example, a Cloud Architect might be tasked with analyzing an org’s current cloud architecture and identifying any areas for improvement or optimization. The first step would be meeting with various teams to understand their objectives and how they fit into the business needs. Cloud Architects are also responsible for interfacing with steering committees and CIOs to determine budgets and savings, Michael says.
Designing the overall cloud architecture is another core responsibility of a Cloud Architect. This could involve sketching out diagrams, creating documentation, and (once again!) collaborating with other stakeholders. Cloud Architects have to carefully consider lots of factors like scalability, security, and compliance in addition to the business requirements.
Cloud Architects may also be managing ongoing cloud projects, providing guidance to development teams, and troubleshooting any issues that arise. This comes with more meetings to discuss progress updates, review designs, or address concerns from other departments.
How do you become a Cloud Architect?
There’s no one roadmap to becoming a Cloud Architect, but it tends to be a mid- to senior-level IT role. Many Cloud Architects have advanced degrees in cybersecurity in addition to high-end cloud certifications. For context, Cloud Architects hold nine certifications on average, according to the latest Skillsoft IT Skills and Salary Report. That said, it’s possible to have a career in cloud without a college degree.
The major cloud providers (Amazon Web Services, Google Cloud, and Azure) have beginner-friendly certifications that can help you land an entry-level role as a Cloud Administrator Associate. Once you build foundational knowledge in the key areas of cloud computing — compute, storage, database, networking, and machine learning/AI — you can specialize in one or many cloud services. Our free, video-based cloud courses are an awesome way to start learning essential cloud skills in Azure, AWS, Google Cloud, and CompTIA Cloud Essentials+.
Cloud Architects usually aren’t necessarily writing code or building applications, but they still need technical skills in primary operating systems, programming languages, networking technologies (like TCP/IP and HTTP), and security principles. “You’ve got to have some coding — the more the better, regardless of what you’re doing,” Michael says. Languages like Python, JSON, Ruby, and Golang are good ones to start with if you want to get into cloud, he says. You can start learning these languages with a free Codecademy account while you work through our new cloud courses.
Aspiring Cloud Engineers and Architects should not only focus on cloud-specific skills but also develop a deep understanding of the underlying technologies and vendors that support cloud infrastructure, Michael suggests. Having knowledge of Cisco data centers is essential for Cloud Architects, as well as hypervisor technologies such as VMware, Citrix Xen, and Linux KVM.
What’s a Cloud Architect salary like?
The average annual salary for a Cloud Architect is $135,881, according to data from the most recent Skillsoft IT Skills and Salary report. The types of certifications you have in cloud technologies can influence your earning potential as a Cloud Architect. For example, people with Google Cloud’s Professional Cloud Architect certification earn an average salary of $200,960, the report found. (You can learn more about the highest-paying cloud certifications from this year.)
Our new cloud courses prepare you for a certification program. These free courses are an awesome way to see if you actually like the cloud space before you commit to certification training. And even if you don’t go on to become a certified cloud expert, having a strong foundation in this in-demand and lucrative area of tech can propel your career.
As AI finds its way into so many aspects of our lives, it’s even more important to understand the infrastructure that powers this valuable tool. That includes the cloud, which is a big part of how AI apps are deployed and scaled.
Cloud computing basically refers to internet-delivered services like servers, storage, databases, networks, software, and analytics. The cloud provides computational power and ample data storage that’s needed to train, develop, and deploy cutting-edge AI models.
If you’re looking for a way to get started with cloud technology, we recently launched a collection of free cloud courses. These courses provide you with foundational knowledge in core cloud providers including Microsoft Azure, Amazon Web Services, Google Cloud, and CompTIA Cloud Essentials+. With these cloud courses, you have the option to dive in and explore for free before committing to a cloud certification program. They’re also an excellent way to complement the in-demand AI and coding skills that you’re already learning.
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Ahead, we’ll break down the relationship between cloud computing and AI with insight from Michael Shannon, a Senior Analyst in Tech and Dev at Skillsoft, who developed the curriculum for many of our cloud courses.
Why is the cloud relevant for the AI industry?
The cloud has always been an integral part of advancing machine learning and AI, because it provides accessible and cost-effective computational resources to train and run AI systems, Michael says. At its core, AI involves solving math problems and continuously refining its processes. While it might seem like ChatGPT just magically churns out responses to your prompts out of thin air, it requires an enormous amount computational power to perform millions of calculations per second and store all this data.
“Early on, cloud was an enabler for using machine learning and AI,” Michael says. If you wanted to build a deep learning engine that could replicate the speed of human thought, you needed high-end servers and computing hardware to pull it off. “It was really cost prohibitive to have high-performance computing hardware in data centers,” he says. The cloud offered a solution: Allow users to rent computing power and storage on-demand from platforms like Amazon Web Services and Microsoft Azure. This not only made advanced hardware resources accessible to a wider audience but also reduced the need for physical on-premises data centers.
Initially, AI was a niche tool focused on business analytics and forecasting. But now, AI is bigger, better, and laced into practically everything that we do. Most recently, the generative AI boom has changed the game for businesses and people in exciting and sometimes unsettling ways. Companies are eager to seek managed services from cloud providers (more on that in the next section), who offer powerful infrastructure for machine learning and AI projects, Michael says. And individuals are leveraging AI tools like ChatGPT to streamline everything from their day-to-day work responsibilities to their home life.
To be clear, it still takes a huge amount of computing power and energy to build, train, and use AI systems, particularly large language models, even when they run on a cloud server. A 2023 study found that generating one image with AI takes as much energy as fully charging your smartphone. Developers who rely on these AI tools need to be aware of the environmental costs and push for more efficient and sustainable solutions.
What is AI as a service or AIaaS?
AI as a service (AIaaS) is basically like Software as a Service (SaaS) but it focuses on providing AI capabilities over the internet. Instead of creating and maintaining AI systems in-house, companies can leverage advanced AI tools and resources from third-party providers like Amazon Web Services, Microsoft Azure, and Google Cloud Platform. Choosing the right cloud service model depends on several factors, and organizations typically utilize a combination of these models to meet their diverse needs.
Chatbots are a common example of an AIaaS offering you might come across. Imagine that you have an ecommerce business, and you want to add a customer service chatbot that can simulate human conversations and answer real-time questions for shoppers. Rather than building a chatbot from scratch (which you can learn to do in Build Chatbots with Python), you could use an API to connect AI services like natural language processing, speech, and emotion detection. If you want to get started working with generative AI APIs, check out our free course Intro to OpenAI API.
Which cloud providers should you learn for AI development?
All the major cloud service providers offer their own suite of AI services, from computer vision to natural language processing and data analysis APIs. Here are just a few examples of AI offerings from different cloud service providers that you may have heard of:
Choosing which cloud provider to learn depends on your individual goals. You can start improving your knowledge of essential cloud services and concepts for free with our new video-based cloud courses. These courses provide a high-level overview of different platforms like Azure, AWS, Google Cloud, and CompTIA Cloud Essentials+, so you can understand the value that they provide and make informed cloud service decisions.
If your end goal is to pursue cloud certifications and a career in the field, these courses are a great way to get introduced to the breadth of cloud services out there and what they can do. You can also take these courses to better understand how these cloud service providers fit into the overall software development ecosystem. All you need is a free Codecademy membership to get started learning about the cloud.
The cool part about our courses and paths is that you get real-world experience working with AI while you learn these in-demand technical skills. With interactive features like AI-powered code explanation and prompt engineering built into select courses, you can witness firsthand how AI can improve and redefine your work as a developer. And when it comes time to take your cloud skills to the job market, don’t forget to use our tools like the Interview Simulator and job-readiness checker to get in the door and crush your next job interview.
So, you want to work in cloud computing. Good call! The cloud field is growing, and an estimated 70% of enterprises will use cloud platforms by 2027. You can start honing your cloud skills now so you can stand out in the job market and go after rewarding and lucrative cloud roles like Cloud Engineer.
With so many cloud certification programs out there, it’s tough to know where to start and what’s worth your time (and money). Our new free cloud courses are designed to give you the foundational skills you need to pursue popular cloud certifications. These video-based courses will improve your knowledge of essential cloud services — like Azure, AWS, Google Cloud, and CompTIA Cloud Essentials+ — so you can make an informed decision about where to take your career.
Curious what sort of opportunities you can have as a Cloud Engineer? We asked Egor Semeniak, Codecademy’s Senior Cloud Security Engineer, what it takes to become a Cloud Engineer and how you can get started today.
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What is cloud engineering?
Cloud computing (or engineering) is an umbrella term for providing businesses with essential IT services over the internet that eliminate the need for on-site infrastructure management. Businesses turn to cloud computing because it’s a cost-efficient and scalable solution that enables rapid development, data analysis, media streaming, software deployment, and data storage solutions.
A Cloud Engineer is a Software Engineer who specializes in building and maintaining cloud applications. The average annual salary of a Cloud Engineer is $96,655, according to the latest Skillsoft IT Skills and Salary Report.
What is a Cloud Security Engineer?
A Cloud Security Engineer is a type of Cloud Engineer that bridges the gap between the security and compliance team and the DevOps team. The DevOps team handles the technical aspects of the cloud infrastructure (like deploying servers and containers), while the security and compliance team focuses on legal requirements and regulations. “I’m the piece that connects those two teams,” Egor says. “While being technical, I also need to have knowledge of different regulations and laws in order to make sure that we comply with them.”
To use a non-technical analogy: Think of the cloud like a house where you store your valuable belongings. Just like in a house, you want to ensure that your data is safe and secure. The role of a Cloud Security Engineer is to safeguard this “house” and its contents and ensure that your data remains private and protected.
Cloud Security Engineers have to stay vigilant for suspicious activity. “The most important thing about security is knowing what is out there and what you need to secure — because you’re not able to secure things that you don’t know are there,” Egor says. Being able to respond swiftly and reinforce security measures helps guarantee a secure environment for both users and developers.
What does a Cloud Security Engineer do?
A typical day in the life of a Cloud Security Engineer includes responsibilities like:
Checking emails and alerts for any security issues that happened overnight
Attending various meetings with different teams to discuss security, processes, and goals
Investigating alerts
Monitoring security tools and systems for potential threats or issues
Working to develop new security automation code and features
3 steps to become a Cloud Security Engineer
Learn the technical skills and concepts
When it comes to programming languages to learn for Cloud Security Engineer roles, Egor recommends Python for tasks like processing data, deploying things, and interacting with APIs. “I use Python for 99% of my daily tasks that require coding,” he says. Not only is Python easy to pick up, but there are also tons of Python libraries that are useful for handling data. Check out our Python courses and paths to get started, or explore this list of other programming languages for Cloud Engineers.
Bash scripting also comes in handy because it allows you to do almost anything you want inside of your other virtual machines. You can use bash for automating tasks and configuring infrastructure like firewalls, permissions, and storage within virtual machines. The intermediate course Learn Bash Scripting will show you how you can save time by writing bash scripts.
Cloud Security Engineers should also learn how to administer and properly configure a server, acquire a solid understanding of Linux (or any other Unix-based system), and become proficient in using the terminal. Get familiar with command line tasks like creating files, navigating directories, and executing commands. “That knowledge is very essential, but it is very hard to teach someone how to use it unless you actually have hands-on knowledge,” Egor says. You can start getting practical experience with our course Learn the Command Line.
There are a couple other practices that are a big part of streamlining a Cloud Security Engineer’s workflow. The continuous integration continuous development (CI/CD) pipelines automate tasks like testing and deployment, so code changes are systematically verified and implemented. A Cloud Security Engineer makes sure that compliance and security measures are met in the CI/CD process. Another concept is infrastructure as code (IaC), which involves using syntax (like JSON or YAML) within templates to define resources, configurations, and policies for deployment in the cloud. You can start learning about these DevOps techniques in our course Introduction to DevOps.
Work on your soft and business skills
“Once you are comfortable doing things with the cloud, the hard part is the soft skills,” Egor says. Cloud Security Engineers work cross-functionally with lots of teams and stakeholders, so they need to deeply understand the product and how they fit into the business. Egor estimates that he spends about 40-60% of his day in meetings, which might sound like a drag, but it’s vital. “It is important to communicate and to have this one ecosystem where we all work together in order to achieve our goals,” he says.
Cloud Security Engineers often interface with different segments of the business that have different priorities. You need to be able to tailor your style of communication depending on the person or circumstances. A good Cloud Security Engineer knows how to identify issues and propose solutions collaboratively, rather than simply pointing out faults, Egor says. Not to mention, Cloud Security Engineers need to know how to stay organized and prioritize tasks in critical or urgent situations.
Bottom line: Don’t discount the importance of soft skills in tech. Even if you’re the most skilled security person in the world, you won’t be able to contribute productively unless you learn to adapt your expertise to the business environment. A strong rapport with your team ensures that your technical input will be valued and fosters a culture where your suggestions are seriously considered.
Build your network
You can expand your network and meet like-minded people by going to events, conferences, and activities like Capture the Flag (CTF) and hackathons. Attending events is a great way to break into the field, because it allows others to see your work ethic, behavior under pressure, and how you collaborate with peers. In niche fields like cybersecurity, personal connections matter greatly. “It is very easy to teach someone to be a good Angular developer — it is much harder to teach someone to be a good person,” Egor says.
Start working towards a Cloud Security Engineer career
In the cloud and cybersecurity fields, it’s challenging to demonstrate and validate your experience and expertise. That’s why many companies rely on certifications and evaluation processes to verify an individual’s skills and knowledge. Our free cloud courses are a great way to prepare for these official cloud certification programs, or just see if you find the work rewarding and interesting.
If you’re looking for a tech job, having some cloud computing skills under your belt will help you stand out. In Skillsoft’s 2023 IT Skills & Salary Report, 82% of IT decision-makers said that their organization’s demand for cloud computing skills is increasing, and it’s the second most important investment focus behind AI and machine learning.
Curious what types of careers you can have in cloud technology? Ahead we’ll break down some common jobs, their responsibilities, and the typical roadmap people follow. Keep in mind that lots of cloud careers require additional certifications that prove you’ve mastered concepts for certain cloud providers.
Learn cloud computing for free
If you’re not sure if you want to pursue cloud certifications, check out our new video-based cloud courses. These courses are free and beginner-friendly, so whether you’re actively working towards a cloud career or just want to round out your skills as a developer, you can build foundational knowledge.
Cloud Administrator
A Cloud Administrator is responsible for establishing and overseeing the cloud services utilized by a business. They’re kind of like a cloud super user who provides guidance and assistance to other teams that are working with cloud services. This role is less technical than a Cloud Developer, but Cloud Administrator Associate is a great entry-level job title to look for if you want to work in cloud computing.
Cloud Administrators primarily concentrate on configuring and maintaining the cloud services, so they might have basic programming skills and experience with auditing and monitoring. The specific services and technologies that Cloud Administrators use are contingent upon the company’s requirements and preferences. The average salary of someone who’s a Microsoft Certified: Azure Administrator Associate, which is the most popular cloud certification worldwide, is $74,146, according to the IT Skills & Salary report.
Computer Systems Analyst
Computer Systems Analysts (aka Systems Architects) evaluate an organization’s existing computer systems and procedures and suggest solutions that improve operational efficiency. Often this involves researching cloud systems and weighing the costs and benefits of adopting them.
Computer and Information Systems Managers is a broad job title for cloud professionals who coordinate and oversee computer-related activities within organizations. This could include IT tasks like analyzing computing needs and recommend upgrades, as well as project management skills like planning and supervising system installations and maintenance. The median salary for a Computer and Information Systems Manager is $169,510 per year, according to the BLS.
Cloud Developer
A Cloud Developer (or Cloud Engineer) leverages cloud-based technologies to achieve specific business objectives. They develop functionalities by integrating various cloud services into applications. For example, a Cloud Developer might use a cloud-provided API to retrieve data from a database or implement auto-scaling configurations using cloud services. Typically, Cloud Developers are proficient in programming languages like Python and Go. A Cloud Developer salary can vary depending on the certifications someone holds, but the average annual salary of a Cloud Engineer is $96,655, according to the 2023 Skillsoft IT Skills and Salary report.
Cloud Security Engineer
Cloud professionals often specialize in certain aspects of the cloud. Cloud Security Engineers (or SecOps Engineers) are dedicated to safeguarding an organization’s cloud infrastructure against various types of misuse, spanning from inadvertent errors to deliberate malicious actions by external entities. They also regulate access to cloud services and manage access roles across teams.
You need an extensive understanding of networking principles, data confidentiality measures, and industry-standard security protocols to become a Cloud Security Engineer. Check out our interview with Codecademy’s Senior Cloud Security Engineer to learn more about their day-to-day responsibilities.
Cloud Architect
Cloud Architects handle an organization’s overall cloud infrastructure and technical strategy. People in this mid- to senior-level role are in charge of making high-level decisions about which cloud services to use and how to connect them. The average annual salary for a Cloud Architect is $135,881, according to data from the most recent Skillsoft IT Skills and Salary report. Being an effective Cloud Architect requires soft skills like leadership, communication, and collaboration.
Cloud Architects typically have many different cloud certifications as well as solid technical experience with primary operating systems, programming languages, networking technologies, and security principles.
Anyone who’s interested in having a cloud career should understand cloud offerings and services. If you’re a beginner, you should have a grasp on the five core cloud services: compute, storage, databases, networking, and machine learning/AI. From there you can decide what part of cloud computing you’d like to specialize in or work towards one of these specific careers.
Ready to get started? Head to our course catalog to take our new video-based cloud courses. There are over 60 courses that cover key cloud providers like Azure, AWS, Google Cloud, CompTIA Cloud Essentials+, and more.
In lieu of an application, any bachelor’s degree holder who earns a B average in two introductory Clemson courses on Coursera is automatically accepted with 20% of the degree already completed. To broaden opportunities for all learners, the tuition is $20,280, which is 35% less than the comparable hybrid program.
Accessible pathways to job-relevant degrees can open doors to fast-growing careers, such as software development, information security analysis, and computer research. In the Carolinas and Georgia, this degree prepares students for nearly 200,000 open jobs with an average salary of $114,600. Of those, jobs that prefer or require a master’s degree pay 12% more**.
“This Master of Science in Computer Science program is timely, industry-relevant, and thoughtfully designed to be approachable to learners from many backgrounds, for example those looking for opportunities for mid-career advancement. The modern and cutting-edge curriculum ensures that learners can succeed, whether they hold a formal computer science background or whether their computing background comes from prior real-world experience. We are excited to be able to partner with Coursera to offer this program at Clemson University,” said Brian Dean, Professor and C. Tycho Howle Director of the Clemson School of Computing.
The MSCS, which can be completed in 20-36 months, empowers working adults by blending flexibility with real-time collaboration. Students can watch lecture videos at any time while engaging with peers and tenure-track faculty in live course sessions and office hours.
This 10-course program features a:
New AI-first curriculum. Leading faculty at this R1 research institution designed the MSCS to contain five AI courses, responding to the growing demand for AI skills.
Strong emphasis on ethics. To ensure humans positively harness the power of AI, the program teaches students how to examine the implications of each AI system before exploring it further.
Robust theoretical foundation and real-world skills. Students learn core software engineering principles needed to build reliable, scalable software systems before diving into advanced topics, including deep learning, data science, and data mining.
Hands-on approach to learning. By completing complex projects in real-world computing environments, students actively apply their knowledge and build a substantial portfolio.
We’re honored to partner with Clemson on this affordable, accessible, and incredibly relevant degree. Together, we’ll educate future technical leaders, who will thoughtfully use AI to solve society’s most pressing challenges and create a positive impact.
Maybe you achieved a new level on a video game, nailed your jump shot, helped a friend in need or improved your grade — even just a little bit — in a class that you’ve been struggling in.
How often do you take stock of tiny achievements like these?
In “Feeling Overwhelmed? Try Tallying Your Tiny Wins,” Jancee Dunn writes about why, according to experts, reflecting on your small successes can boost your motivation and morale. She starts by explaining the “penny method,” a strategy she learned from a colleague when she was feeling overwhelmed at a new job:
He told me to imagine a jar and suggested that I add a metaphorical penny to it every time I achieved something — even a task as small as finding my way back to my desk.
Over time, he said, you will fill up the jar. You will see that you are moving forward, even when you don’t feel that you are, he added.
I still think about that jar, especially when I’m having a rough time. I still deposit “pennies.”
Tallying up victories, even little ones, can be motivating, said B.J. Fogg, the founder of the Behavioral Design Lab at Stanford University and the author of “Tiny Habits: The Small Changes That Change Everything.”
In his two decades of research for his book, Dr. Fogg found that adults had many ways to say “I did a bad job,” and very few ways of saying “I did a good job.” But tracking your wins by using something like the penny method is effective for morale and motivation, he said.
“You’re deliberately causing yourself to feel successful in the moment,” Dr. Fogg said. And it adds up, “so you can reflect back and go, ‘Oh my gosh, I have made progress.’”
Big achievements, like completing an important project, do have more motivational power, said Teresa Amabile, a professor of business administration at Harvard Business School and an author of “The Progress Principle: Using Small Wins to Ignite Joy, Engagement and Creativity at Work.” But major accomplishments are rare, she added, “which means we can’t count on them to keep people motivated day to day.”
Dr. Amabile said her research suggested that most people have “experienced a kind of outsized enjoyment” from small wins at work. She explained how one subject, for example, fixed a bug in his office’s computer system, and that made him feel “happy and motivated for days.”
Students, read the entire article and then tell us:
What did you learn? What, if anything, surprised you? Is “tallying your tiny wins” a strategy you could see yourself using in your day-to-day life? Why or why not?
What are some small victories that you’ve had recently? Maybe they’re related to a sport you play, school, your friendships or just life in general. What have you succeeded at lately?
How does taking stock of these achievements make you feel? Does it make you realize that you’re further along on something than you thought? Does it motivate you to keep going on a project? Does it make you feel better about yourself overall? Something else?
Dr. Fogg, one of the experts interviewed for this article, found in his research that people had many ways to say “I did a bad job,” and very few ways of saying “I did a good job.” Is that true of you? Do you tend to focus more on the ways you’ve failed than the ways you’ve succeeded? How do you think that affects you?
What other strategies do you use to motivate or lift yourself up when you’re feeling down, defeated or overwhelmed? How do they help you? Do you think they could help others?
Students 13 and older in the United States and Britain, and 16 and older elsewhere, are invited to comment. All comments are moderated by the Learning Network staff, but please keep in mind that once your comment is accepted, it will be made public and may appear in print.
