MOOCs: How To Find Your Qualification and Passion

MOOCs (Massive Open Online Courses) offer learners an excellent opportunity to gain qualifications and knowledge in their chosen field. But how do you make sure your MOOC experience helps you find your passion? In this article, we’ll provide a detailed guide on finding your qualification and passion with MOOCs, so you can #KeepClimbing on the path to success.

What are MOOCs?: Find Your Passion. Find Your Qualification.

Answer: A MOOC is a Massive Open Online Course.

MOOCs are free online courses that are open to everyone. MOOCs are a great way to learn new skills or brush up on existing ones. They can also be a great way to find your ideal qualification and a career you’ll be passionate about.

How MOOCs Work

MOOCs typically last 4-6 weeks, with each week having its own lecture or activity. You can usually access the lectures and materials at any time, so you can fit them around your other commitments.

At the end of a MOOC, you will often receive a certificate of completion. This can be useful if you are looking for a job or trying to impress potential employers.

There are many different places you can take MOOCs. Some popular providers include Coursera, Udacity and edX. See our list below:

Benefits of MOOCs for Job Seekers and School Leavers

The job market is becoming increasingly competitive, especially with the rise of remote working. It is now more important than ever to stand out from the crowd. However, for many young adults, the search for a fulfilling career can be daunting and challenging.

The world of work is ever-changing, and it can be difficult to keep up with the latest trends and technologies. MOOCs (massive open online courses) offer an affordable and flexible way to upskill and reskill, so you can stay ahead of the curve in your career.

Whether you’re looking to change careers or boost your employability, MOOCs can help you gain the skills and knowledge you need. They’re also a great option for school leavers who want to get a head start on their tertiary education.

More reasons to love MOOCs:

You can study at your own pace and schedule.
You can try out different courses to see what interests you before committing to a full degree program.
MOOCs are usually more affordable than traditional courses.
You can learn from anywhere in the world, at any time of day or night.
The best MOOCs are taught by top academics and industry experts from leading institutions.
You’ll have access to high-quality learning materials, including videos, readings, and quizzes.
Most MOOCs offer certification upon completion, which can help you stand out when applying for jobs or further study programs

Different Types of MOOCs

There are a variety of Massive Open Online Courses (MOOCs) available, each with their own admissions requirements, content, and learning outcomes.

Here is a brief overview of some of the most popular types of MOOCs:

Open Online Courses: These courses are open to anyone with an internet connection and do not require any prerequisites or application process. They are typically shorter in duration than other types of MOOCs and often have more flexible start and end dates.
Signature Track Courses: These courses require participants to verify their identity through a webcam or other means in order to receive a certificate of completion. They may also require a nominal fee in order to cover the costs of verifying participants’ identities.
University MOOCs: These courses are created by universities and colleges in partnership with online education providers. They often follow a traditional semester schedule and include lecture videos, readings, quizzes, and exams. Many university MOOCs are also Signature Track courses.
Corporate MOOCs: These courses are created by businesses and organizations for employees or customers. They may be used for training, onboarding new hires, or continuing education credits. Like other MOOCs, they can vary widely in terms of length, format, and learning outcomes.

Resources to Help You Find the Right Course for You

When it comes to finding the right course for you, there are a number of resources available that can help. Here are just a few:

The Open University offers an online tool called the Course Finder, which allows you to search for courses by keyword, subject area, or level.
Another great resource is Class Central, which aggregates courses from different providers and makes it easy to compare and contrast different options.
If you know what university you want to attend, their website should have a section dedicated to MOOCs that they offer. For example, Harvard offers a variety of courses on edX.
Finally, don’t forget to check out our very own blog posts on finding the right career action plans for you!

Tips for Making the Most Out of Your MOOC Experience

Make a study schedule and stick to it
Take advantage of all the resources available to you
Engage with other students on the course
Don’t be afraid to ask for help
Keep going even if you find the going tough – it will be worth it in the end!

Alternatives to MOOCs

There are a number of alternative ways to gain the skills and qualifications you need to pursue your chosen career path. Here are some alternatives to MOOCs:

Apprenticeships, Learnerships and Internships: These occupational programmes offer on-the-job training in a specific trade or profession, while also allowing you to earn a wage or stipend. In many cases, apprenticeships and learnerships can lead to full-time employment after completion.
Vocational training: Vocational training programs offer hands-on training in a specific trade or profession. These programs typically last one to two years and can lead to full-time employment upon completion.
Traditional education: If you’re looking for a more traditional educational route, there are plenty of options available. You can pursue a degree at a brick-and-mortar college or university, or take online courses from accredited institutions.
Self-study: Finally, if you’re motivated and self-disciplined enough, you can always teach yourself the skills you need through self-study. This option requires no financial investment and allows you to learn at your own pace. If you’re entrepreneurial and not dead set on a job anyway, this option might work best for you.

Before we go…

Free Job Training Funded by SETAs

Learnerships and apprenticeships offer unemployed and unqualified youth a great way into the labour market. Check out these occupational qualifications, research them and see if any fit into your career plans. If they do, qualifications will lead you to providers:

149 Learnership qualifications

NQF L1-2 Occupational Certificates

NQF L3 Occupational Certificates

Amazing NQF L4 Occupational Certificates

NQF L5 Occupational Certificates

Exciting NQF L6 Occupational Certificates

Conclusion

MOOCs have opened up a world of possibilities for job seekers and school leavers to find their qualifications and passions.

With the range of courses offered, from language learning to coding and data science, there are endless opportunities for anyone looking to further themselves in their career. Whether you’re just starting out or taking a break from studying, MOOCs can be an invaluable resource in helping you make informed decisions about your future.