Education, it has been said, is the key to success. One easy to access education tool are online courses. Online courses are available for nearly every topic.
In a similar fashion, there is no doubt that knowledge is power. Indeed, education is a sure way for individuals to achieve their personal dreams and aspirations. At the same time, it is one of the critical ways through which countries can individually and collectively attain their set development goals. Africa, and especially Sub-Sahara Africa, is home to some of the fastest growing economies in the world. The continent boasts a large youthful population, which is a key ingredient for economic takeoff. There is also an increase in the use of mobile phones across the continent, with a good number of both urban and rural populations enjoying related services. What holds even greater promise for Sub-Sahara Africa is the fast growing rate of internet access as well as the proliferation of smartphones.
However, for Africa to reach its growth point, it is imperative that the young population is equipped with education and the skills necessary to run a complex and modern economy. It is only in this way that the continent’s potential will be harnessed.
E-learning, a concept that came into being with the advent of technology and the internet, is one of the ways through which access to education has been enhanced over recent years. E-learning, which means learning through electronic media, has greatly reduced hurdles associated with accessing education. Moreover, the development of edtech has seen many people on the continent access online courses from the comfort of their homes and offices.
E-learning is one of the relatively new applications which use the new internet and mobile phone based technologies to improve the access to some basic needs or skills, such as mhealth, or app based language learning.
The need for online courses
There are two major ways in which students can take online courses through e-learning. This can either be achieved in situations where distance education is offered to support or reinforce programs that are already being offered at established educational institutions. Alternatively, students across Sub-Sahara Africa have the option of pursuing online courses for example, an online MBA, that are offered independent of educational institutions. For instance, MOOC are online courses that can be accessed on a free basis by prospective students in Sub-Sahara Africa. MOOC stands for “massive open online course”. These distance education programs are offered by top universities and colleges across the world.
E-learning is usually associated with numerous advantages. For a start, enrolling in an online college enables one to cut down on costs related to studying in traditional educational institutions. At the same time, those who wish to advance their professional careers can opt to take an online MBA program or online Master programs without having to take a study leave.
Third, students who wish to join universities located in countries far from those in which they reside can conveniently do so through e-learning platforms. This has proven to be helpful to those keen on buying online undergraduate degrees, professionals who wish to further their studies through online master programs as well as employees interested in using an online MBA to enhance their leadership skills.
E-learning also enables students to access a wide variety of online courses. Indeed, any online college that offers higher education program gives prospective students great choice from certificate courses to doctorate programs.
Lastly, online courses offer students greater convenience and flexibility. By using the internet for e-learning, students can plan their study time around their daily activities as opposed to the other way around. In fact, it is also possible to transfer academic credits when taking online courses or when enrolled in an online college.
Most popular online courses topics
MOOC (massive open online course) platforms, as well as other distance education tools, have made it possible for the young population in Sub-Saharan Africa to pursue online courses that are relevant to their specific situation. In this regard, and in line with the demands of the job market, some of the most popular online courses topics have emerged.
1. Social media
E-learning has made it possible for people to buy online courses that offer basic skills in this revolutionary field. While the main social media platforms such as Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn and WhatsApp are predominantly used for private communication, they are increasingly gaining traction in the corporate scene. Therefore, anyone who wishes to acquire the relevant set of skills can consider e-learning as a reliable way of doing so through credible educational institutions.
2. Coding/ Programming
The world of technology and innovation has become a major driver of change. This is not only true for Sub-Saharan Africa but also for the world at large. Practical solutions to some of the stubbornest problems in different parts of the world have been found through innovation. Coding and computer programming have been at the very heart of promoting this kind of innovation. Indeed, it is the same kind of innovation that Africa needs to propel itself to the next level of development.
3. Leadership
No organisation or nation in the world can get ahead without having properly focused and inspired leadership. Indeed, the role of leadership as a tool for greater progress cannot be gainsaid. Edtech, through MOOC sites and other related platforms, has made it possible for leadership courses to be integrated into mainstream undergraduate courses. With the kinds of opportunities that distance learning presents, there is no doubt why leadership has quickly become one of the most popular online courses topics.
4. Communication skills
Communication skills courses can easily be accessed through different e-learning sites. For a start, MOOC can be a great way of improving communication skills. Although most undergraduate programs offer these skills during the curriculum, it is important that people perfect their communication skills. Online undergraduate programs in communication, as well as online master programs in communication, would be a credible way to acquire better communication skills for those who wish to pursue this field.
5. Microsoft Office tools
Some of the most basic Microsoft Office tools are Microsoft Access, Microsoft Excel, Microsoft OneNote, Microsoft Outlook, Microsoft PowerPoint and Microsoft Word. Distance education, which leverages technology to offer online courses through e-learning, is a great way to becoming Microsoft Office tools proficient.
6. Nursing
Healthcare plays an important role in the social and economic development of any nation. As much as a country or continent can have a youthful population, it is important for the population to be healthy so as to be economically productive. This is one of the major reasons why nursing is one of the most prominent online courses topics.
Just like nursing, the role of medical and premedical courses in promoting healthy populations cannot be gainsaid. E-learning has broken the barriers traditionally associated with acquiring the best education in the medical profession.
8. Sciences (From Universities)
This is one of the primary areas through which e-learning and MOOC programs have reinforced programs offered by educational institutions. Apart from pure sciences, other scientific fields are usually in constant evolution. With this in mind, it is critically important that science students to interact with different environments so as to widen their scope and deepen their understanding of different subjects. Since most top universities are usually heavy on scientific research, having an online college to offer this kind of programs is of strategic value.
9. Personal hobbies like photographing, cooking, etc
Online courses exist for all kind of topics, such as cooking courses or photographing. Why not start an online course for a personal hobby.
10. Languages
Online media and apps offer a new but perfect chance to learn a foreign language or to improve language skills.
When looking to pursue e-learning or wishing to enroll for MOOC program courses, it is important for one to have sufficient knowledge on the same. There are a number of sites that offer great insights into online courses. Apps for learning is a leader and a reliable tool for those seeking to gain higher education credentials through e-learning. The e-learning site offers a comprehensive guide to the best providers of online courses.
Whether it is an online MBA program, an online MBA with a supplementary course, online undergraduate degrees or online master program, this is the site to visit. There is a wide array of both MOOC, offered on a free basis as well as affordable online courses that are available through e-learning.
There are also a number of global providers of information on e-learning. When combines with our e-learning website, students will have adequate information to make informed choices.
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Accessing quality online education is rarely a walk in the park. In fact, it is advisable that prospective students carry out adequate research before taking any online course. At the same time, education experts advise that online education is not intended to replace conventional education at educational institutions. In any case, it is meant to play a complementary role of reinforcing conventional education. Therefore, every prospective student must identify their individual goals and dreams before choosing their preferred provider of online education. It is only after identifying such goals that one can settle on a provider that best matches their needs.
www.apps-for-learning.com offers a convenient way of arriving at this kind of decisions. As such, any student who wishes to pursue an online MBA program, online undergraduate degrees, online master programs or any distance learning should visit the site to learn more.
Online courses – Boost your skills now!
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