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Up skill for free on these 10 platforms

Business has moved online and this new virtual reality is here to stay. The good news is that there are multiple ways to leverage the online world to build your skills and meet the future’s challenges head-on.

 

Do you want to add a new skill to your resume? Are you unsure about the new virtual business world and there are gaps in your experience? Do you have some time on your hands and it’s causing you anxiety? MOOCs, or Massive Open Online Courses, have been available for a few years, and most are free. Now is a great time to start investigating what’s available so that you can upgrade your skills to support online business development. Here are ten online training platforms offering affordable – or free – e-learning.

 

  1. Standard Bank Digital Literacy Online Course Initiative

 Standard Bank has partnered with Pioneering Solutions Studio to offer the Microsoft Digital Literacy course. If you’re looking to increase your digital literacy skills to meet the needs of a more virtual world, this is the perfect place to start. It’s free for all South African citizens and will give you a working knowledge of how to use the Internet, a computer and Microsoft Word, Excel and PowerPoint.

 

  1. Alison

Alison is one of the world’s largest free learning platforms. Learners can access courses in technology, science, languages, financial literacy, entrepreneurship and personal and soft skills – to name only a few. The courses are free and you can take or retake any assessments on the platform, but you can only pass with a score of 80% or more, and if you require a physical certificate or diploma you will need to pay a small fee. https://alison.com/

 

  1. Coursera

Coursera offers more than 3 300 online courses from top universities, including Princeton, John Hopkins and Stanford and leading international companies. Fields range from professional development to psychology, and learners can access their courses through a computer or mobile app. It’s free for individuals, although there is a business package for enterprises. https://www.coursera.org/

 

  1. Class Central

Class Central is a platform that lists and reviews online courses from other platforms. You can compare courses, see which courses are free, when you need to purchase a certificate or if there is a cost. You can also read student reviews. https://www.classcentral.com/collection/top-free-online-courses

 

 

  1. EdX

EdX offers more than 2 500 online courses from 140 top institutions, from the University of Cape Town to Harvard and Berkeley. It was founded by Harvard and MIT and has supported more than 20 million learners. All courses are free and designed to remove the barriers of cost, location and access for learners around the world.https://www.edx.org/

 

  1. McGraw-Hill Education

McGraw-Hill Education is focused on career development. Courses and learning material available on the site focus on HR, business, project management, IT and security.

Content on the site is not free, but it has been developed specifically for professionals to upskill their careers. https://www.mheducation.com/

 

  1. LinkedIn Learning

Premium LinkedIn members have access to over 14 000 online courses taught by real-world professionals in their areas of expertise. Courses range from software development to leadership and data science. A premium membership is $29.99 per month, although your first month is free and you can cancel your membership at any time.

 

  1. SkillShare

SkillShare is designed for busy professionals who need bite-sized classes that they can focus on for only 15 minutes a day. There are 500 free classes and thousands of premium classes to choose from in design, business, and more. The premium package is $15 per month, and the first two months are free. This is an ideal platform for anyone who wants to start a side hustle but needs to upskill before they can. https://www.skillshare.com/

 

  1. Udacity

Udacity’s courses range from digital marketing to programming, data science and artificial intelligence. About 200 courses are completely free, although these do not come with a certificate. The rest are available at a fraction of the normal cost of professional programmes and are recognised by top companies across the globe.

 

https://www.udacity.com/

 

  1. Udemy

Udemy courses are all taught by experts, professors, entrepreneurs, and professionals. They range from completely free to paid-for. Paid for courses can start at $9 and run to $300, but there are frequent (and large) discounts and class specials on offer.

https://www.udemy.com/

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Comments
Klais
New Contributor

Indeed, any area can now be improved and automated considerably. However, more and more new business solutions must be introduced for this purpose. There's just no way without it. This is why I can say from myself that you certainly should now look at and know how the salesforce implementation partners works, that it will help you understand the principles underpinning the market. I myself develop enterprise solutions and I know what and what. I hope somebody else can help!

runducoff
New Member

Indeed, the shift towards conducting business online has been accelerated by recent global events and is likely to continue shaping the future of work. Embracing this new virtual reality presents numerous opportunities to develop skills and thrive in the digital era. Here are some ways to leverage the online world and meet future challenges:

  1. Online Learning and Skill Development: Take advantage of the plethora of online courses, tutorials, and resources available to enhance your skills. Platforms like Coursera, Udemy, and LinkedIn Learning offer a wide range of courses covering various industries and disciplines. Acquiring new skills or refining existing ones will make you more adaptable and competitive in the digital landscape.

  2. Virtual Networking: Build and expand your professional network through virtual platforms. Participate in industry-specific online forums, join LinkedIn groups, and engage in virtual conferences and events. Utilize social media platforms like Twitter and LinkedIn to connect with experts, thought leaders, and potential collaborators. Virtual networking helps you stay informed, develop partnerships, and explore new opportunities.

  3. Remote Collaboration: Remote work has become the norm for many businesses, leading to increased collaboration through virtual tools. Familiarize yourself with collaboration platforms like Slack, Microsoft Teams, and https://goit.global/ph/. Develop effective communication and collaboration skills in virtual settings, such as video conferencing, shared documents, and project management tools. Being adept at remote collaboration will enable you to work seamlessly with colleagues and clients from different locations.

  4. Online Entrepreneurship: Leverage the online world to start or expand your own business. E-commerce platforms like Shopify and Etsy allow you to set up online stores and reach customers worldwide. Create a compelling online presence through social media, blogs, and websites. Develop digital marketing skills to promote your products or services effectively. Embracing online entrepreneurship empowers you to tap into a global market and adapt to changing consumer behaviors.

  5. Virtual Reality and Augmented Reality: As virtual reality (VR) and augmented reality (AR) technologies evolve, they offer new avenues for immersive experiences and innovative business applications. Stay informed about the latest developments in VR/AR and explore ways to incorporate them into your work. For example, VR can be used for virtual training programs, virtual tours, or creating virtual showrooms. AR can enhance customer experiences through interactive product displays or virtual try-on capabilities.

  6. Online Branding and Personal Branding: Establishing a strong online presence is crucial in the digital era. Utilize social media platforms, personal websites, and blogs to showcase your expertise, share valuable insights, and engage with your audience. Build your personal brand by consistently delivering quality content and actively participating in relevant online communities. A well-crafted online brand enhances your professional reputation and opens doors to new opportunities.

Remember, the online world is constantly evolving, so it's important to stay curious, adaptable, and proactive in exploring new technologies and strategies. By embracing the virtual reality and leveraging the online world, you can equip yourself with the skills and knowledge necessary to meet future challenges head-on.