In today’s competitive world, it’s extremely important to set yourself apart from the crowd and gain skills that will benefit you in your career, and in life. But sometimes, you’re not quite sure where to find affordable (or free) courses – luckily we did the heavy lifting for you! We compiled a list of 5 free courses that will help you gain a better understanding of coding, programming and data science.
1. Introduction to Data Analysis
Institute: Udacity
Time to complete: 6 weeks
Udacity’s “Introduction to Data Analysis” covers the data science process clearly and co-hesively using Python. The videos are well-produced, and lots of programming quizzes enforce the concepts learned in the videos. Students will leave the course confident in their new and/or improved NumPy and Panda skills (these are popular Python libraries). You will also learn how to organise your data into a format you can use and how to fix any problems within the dataset. Furthermore, you’ll learn to find patterns in it, draw conclusions, and make predictions.
2. Introduction to HTML
Institute: Codecademy
Time to complete: 4 hours
Codecademy is a great place to learn the fundamentals behind programming and coding. You will come out with comprehensive, practical skills on how to code – whether it be in HTML, Python, Javascript or C++, they have it all! Codecademy encourages the use of practical learning from the get go, which means you’ll be experiencing a completely hands-on approach to learning how to code – the best way to learn this advantageous skill! Codecademy offers a number of free courses, but they also offer paid courses in certain disciplines of data science and coding.
3. Introduction to Linux
Institute: edX
Time to complete: 14 weeks
edX provides a number of free courses for people wanting to up-skill and set themselves apart in their career. A great course to take on edX is their “Introduction to Linux.” Not sure exactly what Linux is? Linux powers 100% of the world’s supercomputers, most of the servers powering the Internet, the majority of financial trades worldwide and over two billion Android devices. In short, Linux is everywhere.
Looking to gain a prestigious certificate and stand out from the crowd? Why not take the free course “Introduction to Computer Science” from Harvard University (yes, you read that right).
4. Understanding the Basics of Machine Learning
Institute: Google Digital Skills for Africa
Time to complete: 1 hour
Whether it’s recommending movies or helping scientists find breakthrough cures, machine learning is a powerful new tool with untold potential. In the “Understanding the Basics of Machine Learning” course videos, students will explore what these technologies are and how they can be applied in real life to help businesses grow. Use this course to gain a good foundational understanding of machine learning, and then why not enrol in a free machine learning course on edX?
5. iPhone App Development
Institute: Alison
Time to complete: 15 hours
Think you may have the solution to some of the world’s pressing issues and can solve it through an app, but you have no idea where to start? No need to worry, Alison’s “iPhone App Development” course will provide you with all the help you need.
