Finding the right online course can be a game-changer for your education. In 2018, the internet was bursting with options that catered to every student’s needs, from coding enthusiasts to budding entrepreneurs. With so many choices, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed.
Don’t worry, though. We’ve sifted through the noise to bring you the top 3 online courses that stood out in 2018. Whether you’re looking to boost your resume, learn a new skill, or just satisfy your curiosity, these courses have got you covered. Let’s dive in and discover what made these courses the best of the best.
Key Takeaways
- Top Online Courses: The article highlights the top 3 online courses for students in 2018—Coursera’s Specialization in Digital Marketing, Udemy’s Complete Web Developer Bootcamp, and edX’s MicroMasters Program in Business Management.
- Educational Trends: In 2018, online education saw a rise in customizable and flexible courses, emphasizing practical, real-world applications suitable for entrepreneurs and business enthusiasts.
- Interactive Learning: The courses featured interactive and practical learning modules, including hands-on projects and case studies, ensuring the material was applicable to real business scenarios.
- Accessibility and Affordability: Online platforms offered affordable, high-quality education with financial aid options, making advanced learning accessible to a broader audience.
- Community and Networking: Many courses included social features and community forums, allowing students to network with peers and industry professionals, fostering collaboration and support.
- Evaluation Criteria: Key criteria for selecting top online courses included content quality, user engagement, and the accessibility and support provided by the platforms.
Overview of Online Education Trends in 2018
In 2018, online education exploded with opportunities tailored to business enthusiasts and entrepreneurs like yourself. Platforms like Coursera, Udemy, and edX showed a significant rise in diverse courses that offered practical skills and knowledge applicable to startups and side-hustles.
- Customization and Flexibility
Many online courses provided flexible schedules and customizable learning paths. This allowed you to juggle multiple ventures while upgrading your skills. Courses like “The Complete Digital Marketing Course” on Udemy let you learn at your pace, integrating easily into your busy life. - Interactive and Practical Learning
Education in 2018 moved towards interactive content. Courses emphasized real-world applications, making it easier to implement what you learned. For example, edX’s “Entrepreneurship in Emerging Economies” offered case studies and practical projects, bridging the gap between theory and your real-world business strategies. - Microlearning and Short Courses
Microlearning became popular, focusing on short, concise modules that fed directly into your need for quick, actionable insights. Platforms provided bite-sized lessons perfect for fitting into your demanding schedule. Courses like LinkedIn Learning’s short modules on social media marketing catered to specific aspects of running a successful online business. - Community and Networking Opportunities
Many platforms introduced forums and social features, allowing you to connect with other learners and professionals. This network was invaluable for exchanging ideas, gaining feedback, and finding potential business partners. For example, Coursera’s Business Foundations Specialization included networking components that let you interact with peers from around the globe. - Affordable and Accessible Education
Affordability was a key trend in 2018. Subscriptions and financial aids made high-quality education accessible, letting you invest in learning without breaking the bank. Udacity’s Nanodegree programs offered payment plans, making it easier to access valuable startup knowledge on a budget.
These trends highlighted how online education adapted to meet the needs of modern entrepreneurs. By leveraging these courses, you could gain crucial insights and skills to drive your business forward, even amidst a tight schedule.
Top 3 Online Courses for Students in 2018
As a business enthusiast and entrepreneur, you know the importance of continuous learning. Whether you’re enhancing your resume or acquiring new skills, the right online courses can make all the difference.
Course 1: Features and Benefits
Coursera Specialization in Digital Marketing
This course offers you comprehensive coverage of digital marketing concepts. You get to learn SEO, SEM, social media marketing, and content strategy from top industry experts. It’s practical with real-world projects provided by leading companies such as Google and Facebook.
Key Features:
- Expert-Led Instruction: Courses taught by marketing professionals.
- Hands-On Projects: Real-world projects that build practical skills.
- Flexible Learning: Self-paced learning to fit your schedule.
Benefits:
- Professional Growth: Enhance your marketing skills to drive traffic and engagement.
- Business Impact: Apply strategies directly to your side-hustles or startups.
- Certification: Earn a shareable certificate that boosts your resume.
Course 2: Features and Benefits
Udemy’s Complete Web Developer Bootcamp
Ideal for those aiming to jump into web development, this bootcamp equips you with essential programming skills. You learn HTML, CSS, JavaScript, Node.js, and more. By the end of the course, you’ll have a full-stack web application built from scratch.
Key Features:
- Comprehensive Curriculum: Coverage of front-end and back-end development.
- Instructor Support: Direct support and Q&A sessions with expert instructors.
- Lifetime Access: Access course content anytime, enabling continuous learning.
Benefits:
- Skill Diversification: Expand into new technical skill sets beneficial for online businesses.
- Career Opportunities: Potential to pivot or enhance your career in tech.
- Project Portfolio: Build a diverse portfolio showcasing your development skills.
Course 3: Features and Benefits
edX’s MicroMasters Program in Business Management
Perfect for aspiring entrepreneurs, this program covers essential business management topics, including finance, marketing, and strategy. Offered by institutions like MIT and Harvard, it provides a strong foundation for running a successful business.
Key Features:
- Top-Tier Instructors: Courses taught by professors from prestigious universities.
- Advanced Learning: In-depth modules in various aspects of business.
- Accredited Program: Recognized MicroMasters credentials for further education.
- Strategic Insight: Gain deeper understanding of business operations.
- Competitive Edge: Stand out in the market with advanced business knowledge.
- Scalable Learning: Credits may count towards a full master’s degree.
These courses represent some of the best online learning opportunities available in 2018. They offer you the skills and credentials needed to advance your career and business ventures.
Evaluation Criteria for Selecting Top Courses
Evaluating online courses requires a set of robust criteria. As an entrepreneur or business enthusiast, ensure the courses you select align with your ambitious goals and high standards. Understanding the parameters of selection can lead to informed decisions and tangible benefits.
Content Quality
Assess course content based on its depth and relevance. Quality courses include up-to-date information, practical applications, and expert insights. Coursera’s Specialization in Digital Marketing, for example, offers modules on SEO, social media marketing, and data analytics from industry experts. Look for these attributes to ensure the material is both educational and actionable for your business.
User Engagement
Measure courses by how they engage users. Interactive elements like quizzes, discussion forums, and hands-on projects maintain interest and reinforce learning. Udemy’s Complete Web Developer Bootcamp features coding challenges and real-world projects to keep you engaged. Engaging content helps in retaining information and applying it effectively in your ventures.
Accessibility and Support
Evaluate the accessibility of courses. Courses must be easily accessible on various devices and offer strong support systems. edX’s MicroMasters Program in Business Management provides mobile access and responsive support teams to assist with any queries. Ensure the courses you pick have these features so you can learn anytime, anywhere, without hassle.
Use these evaluation criteria to select top online courses that align with your entrepreneurial objectives and drive your business success.
Impact of These Courses on Student Learning
Students taking online courses in 2018 saw tremendous benefits. Coursera’s Specialization in Digital Marketing helped entrepreneurs build robust marketing strategies. Learning about keyword research, SEO, and social media advertising enhanced your business’s online presence. Practical projects allowed you to apply these skills immediately, making your marketing efforts more effective.
Udemy’s Complete Web Developer Bootcamp transformed how students approached web development. You learned core skills like HTML, CSS, and JavaScript, enabling you to build professional websites. Side-hustles benefited too, as you could offer web development services, adding another revenue stream.
edX’s MicroMasters Program in Business Management provided in-depth knowledge of business fundamentals. Management theories, financial analysis, and strategic planning courses gave you the tools to make better business decisions. The program’s comprehensive structure ensured you gained a well-rounded education that supported long-term entrepreneurial success.
By engaging with these courses, you built networks with like-minded individuals through community forums and collaborative projects. Networking opportunities enabled the sharing of resources and knowledge, fostering an environment of continuous learning. Moreover, the accessibility of these courses allowed students from diverse backgrounds to enhance their skills without geographical constraints.
The flexible learning paths offered by these platforms accommodated your busy schedules, making it easier to balance studies with running a startup. You could integrate learning into daily routines, ensuring consistent progress without sacrificing other commitments.
Conclusion
Exploring the top online courses of 2018 can truly enrich your learning experience. Whether you’re looking to boost your resume or acquire new skills for entrepreneurship these platforms have you covered.
With the flexibility and customization offered by Coursera Udemy and edX you can easily fit learning into your busy schedule. Plus the interactive content and community networking opportunities make the journey even more engaging.
So why wait? Dive into these courses and take a step towards achieving your educational and professional goals.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the top online courses of 2018 as discussed in the article?
The article highlights Coursera’s Specialization in Digital Marketing, Udemy’s Complete Web Developer Bootcamp, and edX’s MicroMasters Program in Business Management as the top online courses of 2018.
Which online education platforms were emphasized in 2018 trends?
The article emphasizes platforms like Coursera, Udemy, and edX, which offered practical skills, interactive content, and community networking opportunities to meet the needs of modern entrepreneurs.
How did online education evolve in 2018?
Online education in 2018 evolved with trends like customization and flexibility in learning paths, interactive learning, microlearning with short courses, and affordable options, catering to modern entrepreneurial needs.
What benefits do Coursera’s Specialization in Digital Marketing offer?
Coursera’s Digital Marketing Specialization enhances marketing strategies through expert-led instruction and hands-on projects, providing students with in-depth and practical marketing knowledge.
What impact did Udemy’s Complete Web Developer Bootcamp have on students?
Udemy’s Complete Web Developer Bootcamp transformed web development approaches by offering a comprehensive curriculum and hands-on projects, enabling students to become proficient web developers.
How does edX’s MicroMasters Program in Business Management benefit learners?
edX’s MicroMasters Program in Business Management provides in-depth business knowledge through expert instruction and comprehensive courses, helping students gain valuable insights into business management.
What role do networking opportunities play in these online courses?
The platforms discussed in the article offer community networking opportunities, allowing students to connect with peers and professionals, enhancing their learning experience and professional network.
How do these online courses accommodate students with busy schedules?
These online courses provide flexible learning paths and accessibility, enabling students to balance their education with other commitments effectively while enhancing their skills and knowledge.