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These Are the Top Coding Courses of 2023

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These Are the Top Coding Courses of 2023

2023 was a pivotal year for the tech industry (and for us). AI tools and systems have quickly surged into the mainstream, revolutionizing the way that we work, live, and code. People spanning diverse careers and industries have found new and innovative ways to integrate AI technologies into their daily workflows. 

We’ve stayed on top of these emerging trends, expanding our course offerings with new subjects and material throughout the year. From brand new AI courses to case studies that walk you through real-world coding scenarios, we want to make sure that learners like you aren’t just keeping up with the changing landscape, you’re helping shape it. 

Here are some of our community’s favorite courses from the past year, based on enrollments. Read on to see if your favorite course made the list, and be sure to check out the rest of Code Review 2023. 

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Intro to ChatGPT 

ChatGPT, OpenAI’s web-based chatbot that connects to a large language model, took the internet by storm this year. From blog posts and essays to functional code, ChatGPT wowed everyone with its capacity for generating text. In fact, ChatGPT is so impressive that the technology reignited concerns about AI replacing people’s jobs. But as we explain in our free course Intro to ChatGPT, generative AI has its limits, and ChatGPT is just another tool you can use to your advantage. 

This course is a good introduction if you’ve heard about ChatGPT but you’re still not sure what all the fuss is about, or if you want to learn how to harness the tool as a developer. We break down the model’s underlying technology and how it works, and we’ll take you through some real-world examples of how ChatGPT can be used in business and everyday life. 

Intro to Generative AI 

Generative AI is a subfield of AI that excels at creating new content, including text, images, video, and audio. The technology lies at the heart of many of the AI tools that have come about, like ChatGPT, DALL-E, and Stable Diffusion. In our free course Intro to Generative AI, you’ll learn how generative AI models are trained, their various uses, and the ethical concerns around the use of AI-generated content. 

Learn PowerShell 

PowerShell is a shell program and scripting language you can use to navigate effectively through your computer’s terminal and automate administrative tasks. In our free, beginner-friendly course Learn PowerShell, we’ll show you how to use it. 

Anyone who works with a computer’s operating system or terminal can benefit from learning how to use the command line, and PowerShell is one of the most popular command-line tools out there. In Stack Overflow’s 2023 Developer Survey, PowerShell ranked highly among most popular and top paying technologies. 

Learn Python for Data Science 

Data science skills are in high demand, and Python is one of the easiest programming languages for newbies to learn because of its relatively simplistic rules and syntax. Even if you’ve never written a line of code before, our Learn Python for Data Science skill path provides a beginner-friendly entry point into the field. This skill path teaches you how to use Python, along with data science tools like pandas and Jupyter Notebook, to organize, analyze, and summarize data. By the end of the path, you’ll use your new skills to create a data science project you can include in your technical portfolio. 

Analyze Data with Python 

Analyze Data with Python is a skill path for more experienced programmers. If you already know some Python and want to learn how to use it for data analytics, this is the course for you. We take a deeper dive into data analytics, and you’ll use the Python libraries Matplotlib, NumPy, and SciPy to analyze and visualize data. You’ll also learn how to use statistical methods to perform hypothesis and A/B tests. 

Learn React 

React is a JavaScript library that enables you to create user interfaces for web apps for desktops or mobile devices. It was the second most popular web development framework in Stack Overflow’s Developer Survey. People appreciate React’s flexibility, especially when it comes to structure and feature functionalities. If you’re a front-end or full-stack developer and you’re looking for ways to improve or advance in your career, our free course Learn React is a great next step. 

Prompt Engineering for Marketing 

AI is already making waves in fields outside of tech, like marketing. From generating copy and media assets to creating a channel strategy, there are tons of ways marketing professionals can use tools like ChatGPT to streamline and expedite campaigns.  

But first you’ll need to learn prompt engineering, the art of writing clear instructions that give AI systems the context and detail needed to produce the desired output. In our free course Prompt Engineering for Marketing, you’ll learn how to write effective prompts, which details to include, and just as importantly, what to leave out. 

Prompt Engineering for Software Engineers 

Aside from generating code, devs can use generative AI to write technical documentation, analyze and summarize user research and data, and debug existing codebases. If you want to learn how to use AI to become a better programmer, check out Prompt Engineering for Software Engineers. In the free course, we’ll show you how to use different prompts to accomplish programming tasks like writing bash commands, testing and refactoring code, and debugging issues. 

Debug Python Code with ChatGPT Case Study 

Spending hours on a project just to be confronted with an error due to a single line of code can send even experienced developers into a tailspin. Instead of manually reviewing each line, why not have AI save you some time? In our free case study Debug Python Code with ChatGPT, you’ll get to practice using ChatGPT (and other generative AI tools) to find and resolve bugs and errors in your code. 

Intro to Flutter 

Flutter is an open-source framework used for cross-platform development, meaning you can use it to create apps that can run on mobile, desktop, or the web. Aspiring mobile developers should definitely learn Flutter, because you can use it to make apps that run on both iOS and Android devices. The free course Intro to Flutter shows you how to use the framework for basic development and customization, and by the time you’re done, you’ll have created your own Flutter app you can share with the world.  

Build your skills in 2024 

If you’re thinking about learning to code, sign up now to start building your skills. Look through our course catalog for more coding courses and paths that interest you — we’re always adding new material. And if you’re looking for professional opportunities in the near year, sign up for Codecademy Pro to get access to our interview prep courses, job-readiness checker, professional certifications, and other helpful resources you can find in our Career Center.  

Code Review: Look Back on What We Learned in 2023

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Code Review: Look Back on What We Learned in 2023

Data has the power to tell an impactful story. Sometimes data sheds light on an important but ignored phenomenon, while other times the data dazzles with its sheer impressiveness. Take this year, for example — the movie Barbie broke box office records, ChatGPT reached 100 million weekly users, and the escalating global temperatures marked 2023 as virtually the hottest year in recorded history.

Before the year wraps up, we wanted to look back at some data from our courses and learners to reveal the defining trends in tech, the job market, and of course, AI. Welcome to Code Review 2023! Read on to see how many times people submitted code this year, the most popular time of day to code, the most-visited courses, minutes spent learning Python, and more.

We hope this entertaining exploration into Codecademy’s year in data makes you feel proud of everything you’ve accomplished and learned, plus energizes you to keep coding and set ambitious goals for 2024. Be sure to check out the rest of Code Review on the blog and follow us on social media as we unpack our findings.

Total code submits

Writing code and pressing “Run” is a thrilling feeling whether you’re taking your first JavaScript course or completing a project for your professional portfolio. Learners got to experience that code submit adrenaline rush 368,182,263 times in 2023. That’s about 16 times the number of views that Troye Sivan’s viral 2023 music video for the song “Rush” has on YouTube.

Never written a line of code? If you enroll in any of our courses and paths, you’ll get to start writing and running code right away. Take our programming personality quiz to discover which language or framework you should begin with based on your goals.

Longest daily streak

Back in 2015, astrophysicist and PhD candidate George Bell started learning to code with Codecademy. Every single morning since then, George has logged on to Codecademy to learn HTML/CSS, Python, SQL, and more. Today, he’s maintained the longest daily streak of 3,106 days. To put that in perspective, George has been learning with Codecademy every day for roughly 8 years straight! Read this blog to learn more about George’s journey, the tips that helped him turn learning into a habit, and how coding is used in astrophysics.

Consistency is key when you’re picking up programming concepts, and 131 of our learners have maintained a daily streak of 365 days or more. These learners haven’t missed a single day of logging on and learning something new, and we’re so impressed! Did you know you can adjust your weekly learning target to keep yourself accountable to your goals? A year from now, you might have a 365-day streak to show off, too.

Most active time of day

Hearing the creative ways that our learners find time in their busy lives to learn how to code is always motivating. This year, we found that Codecademy learners were the most active from 10am to 4pm. Productivity peaked right around lunchtime, with 2pm ringing in as the most active hour of the day. Not everyone is a daytime developer, though — 7% of our learners were the most active between 12am and 6am.

Our learners are proof that it doesn’t matter if you have 20 minutes on Sunday mornings or five hours a day to learn how to code. With our self-guided courses and paths, you can achieve your coding goals at a pace that works for you.

Most active day of week

There’s no universal schedule that works for everyone who’s learning to code (because, let’s face it, one size fits none). But when we cracked the code on your coding habits and looked at the days of the week when people tend to work on our courses and paths, some amusing trends and patterns emerged.

Turns out our learners were the most active on Tuesdays. That tracks with other surveys that suggest Tuesday tends to be the most productive day of the workweek, because Mondays we’re all playing catch-up from the weekend. Tuesdays also tend to be the most popular in-office day for employees who have hybrid offices and can choose their IRL days.

Are our learners using downtime at work to squeeze in a few lessons or plot a career change from their cubicle? We’d never tell! Although, if you are learning while on the clock so you can grow in your current role, you might want to consider asking your employer to pay for your courses. As for the day of the week when learners are the least active, it’s Saturdays. We respect the hustle and #NoDaysOff energy, but we equally endorse getting away from the computer screen to recharge and pursue hobbies that have nothing to do with code.

Favorite language

The core languages used in web development are HTML, CSS, and JavaScript. If you imagine that those three languages are the members of the musical group Destiny’s Child, JavaScript is essentially the Beyoncé of the trio. JavaScript helped architect the internet of the 90s and 00s, and it remains massively popular and well-respected in 2023. HTML and CSS are still relevant and integral to programming, even though they get less attention these days. (Some might say the same for the other two former members of Destiny’s Child.)

Anyways, learners spent the most time learning JavaScript, making it the favorite language of 2023. JavaScript’s popularity as a beginner programming language is due to its flexibility and power. Alongside HTML and CSS, JavaScript is a core component of web technology that makes web pages interactive and engaging. People who are just starting out with code often learn HTML/CSS and JavaScript first to master the basics of web development.

Take a look at our JavaScript course offerings, starting from free courses for absolute beginners to technical interview prep resources for aspiring JavaScript pros.

The Python hype remains strong. Learn Python 3 was our most popular course this year, meaning it’s the course that learners enrolled in and visited the most in our catalog. Learners searched for “Python” the most this year, as they discovered our 130-plus Python courses, Docs, and tutorials.  

So why is Python so iconic and beloved, year after year? Well, Python is a natural choice for beginners choosing a first programming language because it has a simple, easy-to-understand way of writing code that’s almost like typing in regular English.

Python is also extremely versatile — it’s not used for just one job. You can use Python for working with data, making smart machines, building websites, handling servers, and more. And with Python’s library of ready-to-use frameworks and third-party modules, you can write code and create programs much quicker than you could with other languages.

Time spent learning Python

Time flies when you’re programming with Python. Collectively, learners spent 146,391,401 minutes learning Python in 2023. That’s about as long as it’d take you to play through the game The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom a whopping 20,988 times.

In addition to our catalog of Python courses and paths for all levels, we have projects in Python that you can use for practice or your professional portfolio, as well as entertaining case studies that’ll introduce you to new ways to use this versatile language.

There’s no denying that it was a huge year for AI innovations. Over 730,000 people enrolled in our new AI courses to get acquainted with the technology, round out their skillset, and become more efficient developers.

Our most popular new course released in 2023 was Intro to ChatGPT, a beginner-friendly overview of ChatGPT, one of the most commonly used text-based generative AIs. The second most popular course was Intro to Generative AI, which covers different types of AI and how to ethically apply AI concepts to everyday life.

Ultimately, the generative AI boom taught us that AI tools can make us more productive and creative programmers and solidified the fact that even the most advanced AI systems can’t replace human developers. Whether you want to explore OpenAI’s API or enlist generative AI tools to optimize your code, we have courses, paths, and case studies that will teach you how to harness AI’s full potential.

Docs is our coding documentation hub that’s powered by our community of learners. This year, the Doc entry that learners visited the most was about markdown tables. Considering that markdown tables are used for everything from comparing datasets to formatting README files, it makes sense that our learners kept coming back to this Doc.

We have thousands of Docs on popular programming languages and frameworks that are always there for you to reference as you dive into new languages or tackle more complex projects throughout your coding journey.

Docs is open to anyone who wants to explore the entries, suggest an edit, or make a new entry. The Docs repo lives on GitHub, and for many learners, Docs serves as their gateway into the realm of open-source software. Want to get involved with Docs? Read this step-by-step guide to Docs contributions, and start building your own technical portfolio today.

What a year it’s been! As you reflect on your own personal growth, you should feel proud of all your achievements and newfound knowledge. Make sure to explore the remaining Code Review content on the blog and stay updated with us on social media as we share more insights.

I’ve Learned with Codecademy Every Single Day for 8 Years — Here’s How

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I’ve Learned with Codecademy Every Single Day for 8 Years — Here’s How

On June 8, 2015, George Bell signed up for Codecademy and started learning to code — and he hasn’t stopped since. George has maintained a 3,106-day learning streak, meaning he hasn’t taken a day off from racking up badges, working through courses, and writing code. George holds the record for the learner with the longest learning streak in Codecademy history.

You’re probably wondering : What’s his secret? If you ask George, there is no hack or trick to sustaining this level of commitment. “I think it’s an outgrowth of the natural curiosity that I’ve always tried to maintain,” he says.

George is a 28-year-old PhD candidate at University of Lincoln, UK, where he studies astrophysics. These days, a lot of astrophysics research is done through coding and computer simulation. “Broadly speaking, we use a computer to try and fill in some of our gaps of our knowledge of the universe — the things that we can’t necessarily see or test,” George says.

Popular programming languages and data science tools like Python, SQL, and Jupyter Notebook are used a lot in astrophysics, which is one reason why George enrolled in Codecademy courses. He’s also a Wikipedia editor, and wanted to learn HTML/CSS so he could update pages. “For me, the use of coding is a bit of a window onto the universe,” George says.

Learn something new for free

Currently, George is working on an astrophysics research project that requires using Python and IDL (short for Interactive Data Language), as well as other technologies. “I’m trying to work out the origin of the moon of Saturn in the outer solar system called Phoebe,” he says. “It’s an irregular moon that orbits the opposite way round than the others. So, the question is, how did it get like that?”

Even with the demanding schedule of a researcher, George still finds time to learn with Codecademy every single day. Learning to code is part of his morning routine, right before he completes the Microsoft Solitaire Daily Challenge. Read on to learn how George turned coding into a habit, how his curiosity drives his work, and his advice for learners who need help staying motivated.

Treat it like a brain teaser

“For me, [Codecademy] is just a kind of morning brain teaser. I don’t necessarily think about this. If I’m enjoying something, I’m quite happy to carry on with it. Codecademy just became part of my life. It’s part of my morning routine, that’s the answer.

I’ve got a complete set of Microsoft Solitaire Daily Challenges going back to 2017. I did Wordle for bit earlier on, but some things are grabby and some things are not. There’s a little bit of incentive and Codecademy offers a bit more variety. With things that are grabby, I can generally plow on through. I am that person who has watched every episode of Doctor Who that exists.”

Expect frustration

“One of the things that can happen, of course, is frustration. Imagine if instead of doing coding, I decided to do the Bob Ross thing and become an artist. I’d sit there painting my happy little trees with a one-inch brush. It’s like when Bob Ross says, ‘We don’t make mistakes, we make happy accidents,’ that’s easier on the canvas. Rather than coding, where it’s like, ‘Why is everything broken?’

That can be a potential obstacle where coding is concerned. There’s only so many times you can see the red letters trace back before that starts to pall. In some ways, I think AI might have some help here. But something like coding, which has to be very logical and rule-following, I quite like that you can enter [a prompt] in natural language, and it could tell you something that sort of works. I think that can go a lot of the way towards combating some of the frustration.”

We have lots of courses and case studies that teach you how to use ChatGPT and generative AI to write better code. Check out Pair Programming with ChatGPT, Optimizing Code with Generative AI, and Intro to GitHub Copilot to get started.

Learning is continuous

“The thing about research projects is that nobody ever finishes these things, and says, ‘That’s it! We’re done!’ Every paper simply seems to come up with more research. Or it might not resolve a problem, but it’ll suggest something to do or not to do. When you finish something, something else always comes along — that’s kind of the core logic of research. For me, I just roll on to other things, like I did with Codecademy.”

For me, the use of coding is a bit of a window onto the universe.

George Bell

PhD Candidate at University of Lincoln, UK

Follow your curiosity and goals

“For me, obviously I’m curious about all kinds of different things. I don’t necessarily do this stuff because I think it’ll be relevant to me; I do it because I find it interesting. I can perfectly understand somebody who is motivated to learn a specific thing, but that’s not necessarily been my experience. I’m just generally interested [in coding], and if it helps out with a specific thing, then I think I’ve added value from it. Maybe I’m a different kind of learner from the usual? It’s about you and your style more than anything.”

Want more inspiration?

We’re so impressed by George’s daily learning habit, and hopefully some of his insights can help motivate you to keep learning and coding. Reminder: You’re in charge of setting your weekly learning targets, and you can change them at any time. Whether you code once a week or every day for several years straight, you have the flexibility to meet your goals in a way that works for you.

Want to check out some more standout stats about learners’ habits? Read the rest of Code Review 2023 here, and be sure to read more stories about our diverse and talented learners on the blog.

7 Thoughtful Gifts You Can Code

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7 Thoughtful Gifts You Can Code

The best gifts are ones that are meaningfully personal, hold sentimental value, and are well-suited to the recipient’s needs. But let’s face it: Most of us don’t have the time or budget to DIY an elaborate gift for everyone on our list this holiday season. Why not code something instead?

Coding a bespoke application or program is a fun and easy way to put together a thoughtful and truly useful gift that’s technically “homemade.” Your loved ones will be blown away by your coding skills and touched that you made something just for them. (Who knows? You might inspire someone else to pick up coding, too!) And while you bask in their genuine reactions, keep in mind that working on projects is one of the best ways to improve your coding skills and gain programming experience.

You can whip these last-minute ideas up with some coding knowledge, a computer, and your imagination. To help you get to work on your holiday gifts, here are a few ideas for coded gifts you can build for your friends and family, as well as the courses and paths to take if you want to learn or get a refresh on the concepts.

Digital scrapbook website

Don’t let all of the photos and videos from your epic summer adventure just sit in your phone — make a custom website dedicated to your vacation travels instead. Create animated slideshows, write descriptions of the meals you ate, or include interactive maps to chart where you’ve been. You can send the link to the website to your fellow travelers who want to re-live the fun. They’ll get a kick out of this digital keepsake.

Learn the skills:

Recipe app

Nobody bakes snickerdoodle cookies quite like your aunt. Develop a mobile app that’s a digital cookbook that she can use to organize and edit your family’s recipes. Bonus: You can even make it password protected so there’s no risk of someone stealing her famous cookie recipe.

Learn the skills:

Smart home automation script

Your parents rely on their smart home devices to play their favorite tunes, make grocery lists, and check the weather. Surprise them by creating a custom automation script or program tailored to their routine and preferences. This could involve writing scripts to control devices, set up routines, or even integrate with external APIs to gather data or perform specific actions.

Learn the skills:

Code-generated art

Feeling artsy? If you know HTML, CSS, and JavaScript, try playing around with p5.js, an open-source library for creative coding. There are tons of one-of-a-kind creations that you can dream up with p5.js, like an audio visualization that syncs to your favorite song, interactive animations that can move and transform, or funky image filters.

Learn the skills:

Personalized game

The gamer in your life has beat every game from Zelda Tears of the Kingdom to Elden Ring multiple times. Give them a new challenge to conquer and develop an interactive game that incorporates personalized characters and stories from their own life. You can also take a game that you know they already love and create a parody of it based on their interests.

Learn the skills:

Inside joke chatbot

Your Slack convo with your work bestie is full of inside jokes and niche references that only you two understand. Take your AI skills to the next level and develop a chatbot that mimics your conversational style and niche sense of humor.

Learn the skills:

Long-distance weather dashboard

If you’re in a long-distance relationship or have far-flung family members, consider coding a weather dashboard that’ll fetch weather information for your specific locations and display it on an interface. Even though you’re not physically together, you can feel closer knowing what’s happening in their neck of the woods. There are a handful of weather APIs that you can choose from when building this app, like one from the National Weather Service and OpenWeather.

Learn the skills:

Need more festive ideas for the developers and code enthusiasts in your life? Check out these tech book recommendations, explore these gift suggestions from devs, and read this blog about how to use Raspberry Pi to program holiday lights.

What Do You Appreciate About Winter?

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What Do You Appreciate About Winter?

Winter is nearly here in the Northern Hemisphere. Is this a season you look forward to each year? Or do you dread the onset of these dark, cold months?

While winter can be a difficult time for many, The New York Times has reported on the ways people around the world embrace the season:

For example, in “Taking in the Light: Sweden’s Lucia Celebrations,” Ingrid K. Williams reports on a Swedish winter tradition:

Imagine the darkest time of year in Sweden, when the sun never climbs above the horizon in the northernmost part of the country, and in Stockholm, the capital, there’s a scant six hours of daylight. Every day is shorter and gloomier than the last until the nadir — the darkest day of the year — when a young woman appears dressed in a white gown with a blazing crown of candles on her head, singing a familiar song and spreading warmth and light on a frigid winter morning.

That’s the traditional Swedish tale of Lucia, or, as she is sometimes referred to, St. Lucia, a mythic figure who leads candlelit processions all over Sweden on Dec. 13. Luciadagen, or Lucia Day, is one of the most culturally significant holidays in Sweden.

In “Teetering Between Joy and Terror: Extreme Sledding in the Swiss Alps,” Elaine Glusac writes about an exhilarating activity that can only happen when there’s snow:

To reach the top of the Waldspritz sledding run above the village of Grindelwald in the Swiss Alps, I hiked 90 minutes into the backcountry, dragging a small runnered sled by a rope to roughly 7,400 feet.

Above the tree line, the snow — a brilliant fondant whiting out granite ledges and filling meadows — lay deep on either side of a four-foot-wide sledding path groomed in perfect corduroy. When I reached frozen Lake Bachalp, I turned around, straddled the sled and dug my heels into the unyielding snowpack to keep myself from ripping down the mountain. I took a last look at the panorama of milky blue glaciers clinging to skyscraping peaks, then braced myself for the more than six-mile descent. Releasing my heels, I immediately rocketed toward a blind turn and rolled my ride into the depths off-piste to keep from sailing off the mountain.

In “7 Brilliant Cookies to Keep Your Holidays Bright,” the Cooking section shares recipes to celebrate the season, such as this one for Mexican hot chocolate cookies:

These spiced and spicy cookies, chocolaty and brimming with molten marshmallow, are a terrific treat to keep you warm in the colder months. The dough itself is imbued with cinnamon and a bit of ground cayenne, a combination commonly found in Mexican hot chocolate that also gives these cookies a flavor reminiscent of the holidays — and a slight kick when you least expect it.

And in “Love Letter to a Season I Never Loved When I Was Young,” Margaret Renkl writes about the beauty that can be found in the winter months:

The autumnal tumult has gone quiet as the season of change settles into the season of rest. Nary a katydid or cricket sings in the night.

I miss the flying leaves, but I am grateful for this stillness and this quiet. I am so grateful for the birds. Though fewer in winter than in the other seasons, I can see them better now. Unhidden in the cold boughs, unmuted in the cold air, their echoing songs spill down from the bare branches.

Students, read at least one of the articles above, and then tell us what you appreciate most about winter. Here are some questions to consider:

  • What rituals or routines help you embrace the winter season?

  • What holiday festivities do you look forward to?

  • What do you like to eat, drink, cook or bake when it’s chilly outside?

  • What cold-weather activities do you enjoy, whether they involve going outside or staying in?

  • What do you find difficult about winter? What helps you cope?

  • What do you find beautiful about the season?

  • If you live in a place that is warm year-round, do you ever wish you got to experience the magic of winter? Why or why not?

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.

Find more Student Opinion questions here. Teachers, check out this guide to learn how you can incorporate these prompts into your classroom.

Word of the Day: surreptitiously

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Word of the Day: surreptitiously

The word surreptitiously has appeared in 67 articles on NYTimes.com in the past year, including on Oct. 23 in “How to Win Your Next UNO Game” by Deb Amlen:

The key to winning just about any multiplayer game is an artful combination of strategy, an ability to read your opponents’ minds and the luck of the draw.

Sometimes it is also about hoarding the action and wild cards so your opponents can’t have them, or surreptitiously sticking two or more cards together so that the other players think you are only putting down one. Not that I have ever tried anything like that, at least not when anyone was looking.

Fortunately, there are ways to increase your chances of winning at UNO, and not all of them involve subterfuge.

Can you correctly use the word surreptitiously 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.

Then, read some of the other sentences students have submitted and use the “Recommend” button to vote for two original sentences that stand out to you.

If you want a better idea of how surreptitiously can be used in a sentence, read these usage examples on Vocabulary.com.

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.

The Word of the Day is provided by Vocabulary.com. Learn more and see usage examples across a range of subjects in the Vocabulary.com Dictionary. See every Word of the Day in this column.

Digital Literacy Explained and 5 Reasons You Need It

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Digital Literacy Explained and 5 Reasons You Need It

It might sound as exciting as a trip to the dentist, but digital literacy is a fundamental skill if you want to get the most out of 21st-century living.

In our rapidly evolving times, the ability to use the internet is no longer a luxury but a necessity.

Whether you’re a student, professional, or simply trying to keep abreast of the modern world, here are five compelling reasons to raise your digital literacy skills:

1. Empowerment in the Digital Age

It seems incredible that just a few decades ago, you had to trawl newspaper archives or library shelves to find information. Today’s online world is a vast and dynamic space where information about everything under the sun (along with everything above it) is abundant, and opportunities are endless. As you will know from a glance at Alison’s free online courses, you can learn everything from dog grooming to engineering with just a few clicks. Enhance your digital literacy skills and your education, work and personal pursuits will be enriched.

2. Career Opportunities

In today’s job market, digital literacy is a highly sought-after skill. Employers across industries value individuals who can adapt to new technologies, communicate effectively through digital platforms, and leverage data for informed decision-making. By enhancing your digital literacy, you not only make yourself more marketable but also open doors to a wider range of career opportunities. Begin your journey to professional success with our comprehensive Career Guide.

3. Critical Thinking

The internet is a vast sea of information, but not all information is created equal. Developing digital literacy skills involves honing your critical thinking abilities so that you can assess whether the information you are reading is reliable and credible. In a world where misinformation and fake news abound, being able to discern fact from fiction is invaluable. Raise your digital literacy, and you can become a more informed and discerning consumer of information, contributing to a healthier online environment and making better-informed decisions in all aspects of your life.

4. Communication and Collaboration:

One of the greatest gifts the internet has brought the world is the ability to communicate and collaborate with people across the globe and in all sorts of contexts. From office administration to participation in virtual meetings, being digitally literate enhances your ability to connect with others in a globalised world. Social media, blogs, and other online platforms offer avenues for sharing ideas and collaborating with a diverse audience. As technology continues to connect people across borders, boost your ability to communicate digitally and foster meaningful connections and collaborations.

5. Digital Security and Privacy Awareness:

The digital world has brought untold benefits to society; however, it also brings new risks, and the importance of cybersecurity and privacy awareness cannot be overstated. Raising your digital literacy includes understanding the basics of online security, recognizing potential threats, and adopting good digital hygiene practices. This knowledge not only protects you from cyber threats but also contributes to a safer online environment for everyone else. Being aware of privacy settings, using strong passwords, and recognising phishing attempts are all part of the digital literacy toolkit that safeguards your online presence.

Alison’s Digital Literacy Hub will enhance your skills whether you want to keep in touch with family and friends, advocate for change in the community around you, or master data analytics. There are courses in the basics of using popular software programmes to create documents and Excel spreadsheets for collaborative working and much more. Enrol and begin your empowerment journey today!

Free online digital literacy skills

Understanding Syringomyelia: A Comprehensive Guide

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Understanding Syringomyelia: A Comprehensive Guide

Syringomyelia is a medical condition characterised by the development of a fluid-filled cyst, known as a syrinx, within the spinal cord. This complex disorder manifests through several distinct features:

  • Cavitation of the Spinal Cord: Predominantly occurring in the cervical (neck) region, this involves the formation of cavities within the spinal cord.
  • Sensory Loss: Individuals with syringomyelia often experience bilateral loss of pain and temperature sensations, usually starting at the level of the lesion.
  • Muscle Weakness and Paralysis: Progressive muscle weakness can lead to flaccid paralysis and muscle atrophy, particularly in the upper limbs, due to the destruction of ventral horn cells in the spinal cord.
  • The condition is often linked to developmental abnormalities in the formation of the spinal cord’s central canal. Syringomyelia primarily affects the brainstem (referred to as syringobulbia) and the cervical region of the spinal cord. The lesion’s presence leads to cavitation and gliosis, a form of scarring, in the central region of the spinal cord.

Signs and Symptoms of Syringomyelia

Syringomyelia presents a range of symptoms:

  1. Loss of Sensory Functions: Patients typically lose pain and temperature sensations in a shawl-like distribution across the body. This is due to the interruption of nerve tracts in the spinal cord.
  2. Preserved Sensations: Interestingly, vibratory sense, tactile discrimination, and proprioceptive sense remain normal, as the ascending tracts in the posterior column of the spinal cord are not affected.
  3. Motor Impairments: Bilateral spastic paralysis of the legs, exaggerated reflexes, and a positive Babinski sign are common. These occur when the lesion expands to affect the descending tracts.
  4. Hand Weakness: Often, there is lower motor neuron weakness in the small muscles of the hand, which can be bilateral or affect one hand more than the other.
  5. Additional Complications: Over time, joints in the elbow, wrist, and hand can become disorganised or dislocated due to a lack of sensation. Horner syndrome, characterised by drooping eyelids, pupil constriction, and lack of facial sweating, can also develop.

Syringomyelia is often associated with other neurological conditions like Hydrocephalus and Arnold-Chiari malformation. 

Expand Your Understanding with Our Online Course: Anatomy of the Spinal Cord

For those looking to deepen their knowledge about spinal cord injuries, including the types of lesions and typical syndromes, we have an excellent resource. Our free online course, Anatomy of the Spinal Cord, by Dr. Saqib Mansoor, offers comprehensive insight into this critical area of medicine.

This course meticulously covers various levels of the spine and motor neuron lesions, equipping learners with the skills to identify the extent and nature of spinal cord injuries accurately. One of the key highlights of the course is its detailed exploration of clinical features of the spinal cord. Here, students will gain an in-depth understanding of the causes behind critical spinal abnormalities and syndromes.

Designed to be both informative and accessible, this short course is a valuable tool for anyone working in medicine or the healthcare industry, from students to practising professionals. By the end of the course, participants will have a solid grasp of spinal cord anatomy and its implications in medical practice.

Whether you’re a healthcare professional looking to update your skills or a student embarking on a medical career, ‘Anatomy of the Spinal Cord’ is an indispensable addition to your educational journey. Enrol today and take a significant step towards mastering the complexities of spinal cord injuries and treatments.

Free online spinal cord course

What’s Going On in This Picture? | Dec. 11, 2023

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What’s Going On in This Picture? | Dec. 11, 2023

1. After looking closely at the image above (or at the full-size image), think about these three questions:

2. Next, join the conversation by clicking on the comment button and posting in the box that opens on the right. (Students 13 and older are invited to comment, although teachers of younger students are welcome to post what their students have to say.)

3. After you have posted, try reading back to see what others have said, then respond to someone else by posting another comment. Use the “Reply” button or the @ symbol to address that student directly.

Each Monday, our collaborator, Visual Thinking Strategies, will facilitate a discussion from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Eastern time by paraphrasing comments and linking to responses to help students’ understanding go deeper. You might use their responses as models for your own.

4. On Thursday afternoons, we will reveal at the bottom of this post more information about the photo. How does reading the caption and learning its back story help you see the image differently?

We’ll post more information here on Thursday afternoon. Stay tuned!

More?

• See all images in this series or slide shows of 40 of our favorite images — or 40 more.

• Learn more about this feature in this video, and discover how and why other teachers are using it in their classrooms in our on-demand webinar.

• Find out how teachers can be trained in the Visual Thinking Strategies facilitation method.

Students 13 and older in the United States and the 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.

Accelerating Change: COP28 and Coursera Collaborate to Expand Global Youth Access to Climate Literacy Education

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Accelerating Change: COP28 and Coursera Collaborate to Expand Global Youth Access to Climate Literacy Education

By Jeff Maggioncalda, CEO of Coursera

This month, the UNFCCC and COP Presidency is bringing together thousands of delegates, including world leaders and youth climate champions, to address urgent climate issues at the COP28 UAE Conference. As part of our participation at this year’s summit, we’re excited to announce that the COP28 Youth Climate Champion (YCC) has partnered with Coursera to offer 5,000 free licenses for a curated program of over 100 climate-focused online courses and credentials.

With a comprehensive scope covering crucial aspects of climate literacy such as mitigation, adaptation, finance, and loss and damage, this program is a significant step towards fostering global climate awareness. 

In alignment with COP28’s commitment to inclusion as the foundation of its Presidency, this partnership will empower young people through educational and capacity-building opportunities, enabling them to contribute meaningfully to climate decision-making processes.

The distribution of these licenses will be facilitated through UNFCCC constituencies, the University Climate Network, which encompasses 24 UAE-based universities and higher education institutions, as well as various youth activist groups.

“Young people have repeatedly raised that capacity building is a key priority for their meaningful participation during our global youth consultations. This partnership responds to that clearly identified need,” said Her Excellency Shamma Al Mazrui, COP28’s Youth Climate Champion. “COP28 and Coursera’s collaboration on climate education demonstrates our commitment to empower the younger generation and foster their active involvement in tackling the global climate crisis.”

Over 1,200 learners from 100+ countries have already embarked on their learning journey, totaling over 3,000 enrollments and surpassing 2,500 learning hours to date. This reflects a worldwide interest in climate education and a commitment to fighting climate change.

Coursera is honored to partner with COP28 in the fight against climate change. Through education, we aim to empower thousands of young people to learn about climate issues and play a role in shaping sustainable solutions. This partnership reflects our commitment to making climate literacy accessible to all and nurturing a generation that will lead us toward a sustainable future.

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