At Alison, we’re proud to work with a diverse range of course creators who bring unique perspectives and expertise to our learners. One such educator is Kelvin Kobina Fosu, a humanitarian passionate about merging art and technology to make education more accessible. With a Bachelor’s Degree in Fine Arts and certifications in computer science and business strategies, Kelvin has developed content now used in over 170 countries. In this interview, Kelvin shares his journey, philosophy on education, and valuable insights for learners looking to develop new skills.
Alison: You have a rich educational background, including a Bachelor’s Degree in Fine Arts and certifications in computer science and business strategies. How has this diverse education equipped you to create the wide range of courses you offer on Alison?
Kelvin: I believe in arts, science, technology, and humanitarian activities because they are the building blocks of every nation. My curiosity about understanding how things work and our purpose on earth has driven me to learn anything that challenges my thoughts. Having diverse knowledge through research and experimentation in arts, computer science, and business (for a better world) makes me versatile in creating courses on topics that are relevant to learners. Most of the courses help learners acquire a concept, idea, or skill they need to accomplish something.
Additionally, participating in international hackathons allows me to learn new things from teams, judges, and the overall experience, which influences the content I create. Lifelong learning is key, and I find myself helping people with projects even beyond my expertise—delivering results that go beyond expectations.
Alison: You believe in putting people and the planet over profit. How does this belief influence the courses you create, and why is it important for learners to consider this in their own education?
Kelvin: As a child, I always had philanthropy at the core of my aspirations, whether it was dreaming of being an astronaut, a doctor, or a cartoonist. I’ve realised that society is built on caring for one another, whether it’s humans, plants, animals, or the environment. Learners should understand that their education isn’t just for personal gain but also for the benefit of their community, country, and the world.
When I create courses, I think about the ripple effect they might have on learners and their communities. Ultimately, we learn to make a difference in our lives and society.
Alison: Your courses are used in over 170 countries. How do you ensure that your content, like “Master the Pandas Library in Python Programming,” is accessible and valuable to learners from different backgrounds?
Kelvin: The concept that drives my courses is called AnyBodyCanDevelop (ABCD), which was inspired by my experience teaching kids through the Girls Education Initiative of Ghana (GEIG). This approach ensures inclusivity by making the foundations of lessons relatable to learners from all backgrounds. I focus on building blocks and ideas that people can easily connect with from fields such as arts, science, history, and technology, making the content relevant and applicable in everyday life.
Alison: Many learners struggle with starting something new, especially in fields like programming or digital illustration. What advice would you give to those who feel intimidated by these subjects?
Kelvin: Struggling is part of the process of understanding things, and in many cases, those struggles reveal new ways of solving problems if you’re determined to push through. I’ve faced my own struggles, but my curiosity to know how things work drives me to find solutions.
For learners, my advice is: don’t force yourself to learn something you’re not passionate about. Focus on your natural abilities, improve on them, and excel.
Alison: Among the courses you’ve created, such as Fundamental Illustrations in Adobe Illustrator and Understanding Python Sentiment Analysis Methodology, which one are you most proud of, and why?
Kelvin: While I love both, I’m particularly proud of Understanding Python Sentiment Analysis Methodology. It’s fascinating to learn how computers predict, autocorrect, and even translate text using Natural Language Processing. Working on this course gave me insight into how artificial intelligence operates, and seeing the results in practice through Python was incredibly satisfying.
Alison: Can you share an example of how learners have applied the skills from your courses in real life, particularly in ways that surprised or inspired you?
Kelvin: I have three learners in Ghana who I often collaborate with in hackathons. Two of them work at the Ghana-India Kofi Annan Centre of Excellence in ICT as IT instructors, and one is a UX engineer at Hubtel. They’ve proven their skills time and again, helping us win several international hackathons. Seeing their growth and success has been truly inspiring.
Alison: You’ve worked with initiatives like the Girls Education Initiative of Ghana. What lessons from these experiences do you incorporate into your online courses?
Kelvin: At GEIG, I was given the freedom to experiment with teaching methods, which helped us develop many courses. We encouraged kids to explore different programs on laptops and Kindle devices. One key lesson I took from this experience is to design courses that are experimental but ensure that the basics are easy to understand without compromising inclusivity.
Alison: Learning online can be challenging for many. How do you stay motivated when facing difficult topics, and what tips can you share to help learners stay on track?
Kelvin: Self-motivation is key. Many learners don’t complete courses because they treat them like “popcorn courses”—something to consume casually, like Netflix. But if you stay motivated by the desire to truly understand the material, not just for certificates or badges, it will pay off in your work environment. My motivation comes from the “aha moment” when things click, and I achieve the results I’m aiming for.
Alison: As someone deeply involved in both technology and education, what exciting trends or tools do you see on the horizon that could benefit Alison learners?
Kelvin: AI tools like ChatGPT, Copilot, and code chats are exciting trends that can make coding easier and more accessible. For content creation, tools like InVideo AI and Uizard offer endless possibilities. The future looks promising with these technologies.
Alison: Finally, what advice would you give to Alison learners who are just starting their educational journey, especially those looking to develop new skills or switch careers?
Kelvin: Find your natural abilities and focus on improving them. Don’t force yourself into areas that don’t come naturally. If you’re switching careers, be open to adapting and evolving with the change. It might be difficult, but staying relevant is worth the effort.
Kelvin Kobina Fosu’s passion for education, coupled with his diverse expertise, makes him a unique and inspiring figure in the world of online learning. His commitment to creating accessible, impactful content is clear, and his insights offer valuable lessons for learners everywhere. Whether you’re looking to dive into digital illustration, Python programming, or explore the fascinating world of artificial intelligence, Kelvin’s courses are designed to help you succeed.
Ready to start your learning journey? Enrol in one of Kelvin’s courses today and take the next step towards gaining practical skills that can open doors in your career and personal growth. Explore his courses on Adobe Illustrator, Python Programming, and more.
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