The COVID-19 pandemic significantly disrupted education, impacting nearly 70% of students globally. Colleges and universities faced closures, leaving millions uncertain about their academic future and career prospects. Coursera responded by offering free access to its platform for higher education students, providing a way to continue learning off-campus. This included access to courses, Specializations, and Guided Projects. But, Are Guided Projects Free In Coursera? Let’s explore the details.
Coursera’s Initiative for University Students
Recognizing the challenges faced by students, Coursera launched an initiative to provide free access to its learning resources. This offer was available to current undergraduate, graduate, and recently graduated students with a verified school email address. By signing up, students gained access to over 3,800 courses, 150 Guided Projects, 400 Specializations, and 11 Professional Certificates.
Coursera's logo against a backdrop of diverse faces
The initial offer allowed free enrollment in programs until September 30, 2020, without requiring a credit card. Students who enrolled by this date had at least two months to complete the courses. This initiative aimed to provide high-quality learning opportunities from top universities and industry educators.
Guided Projects: A Hands-On Learning Experience
Guided Projects are designed to provide a hands-on learning experience, enabling students to develop job-relevant skills in a short amount of time. These projects offer step-by-step guidance from subject matter experts, allowing learners to acquire new skills in about two hours.
Examples of Guided Projects include:
- Data analysis with Plotly and Python
- App development in Android Studio with Java
- Social media marketing with Canva
The Availability of Free Guided Projects
After September 30, 2020, the initial offer of free access to all Guided Projects expired. However, Coursera continued to provide a selection of Guided Projects for free to eligible students. This means that while not all Guided Projects are free, there are still opportunities to access valuable hands-on learning experiences without cost.
To determine which Guided Projects are currently free, students need to check the Coursera platform. Look for projects that are specifically marked as “free” or included in a free learning path.
How to Find Free Guided Projects on Coursera
To find free Guided Projects on Coursera, follow these steps:
- Visit Coursera’s Website: Go to the Coursera platform and log in to your account.
- Search for Guided Projects: Use the search bar to look for “Guided Projects.”
- Filter by Price: Apply a filter to show only “Free” options.
- Browse Available Projects: Review the list of free Guided Projects and choose one that aligns with your interests and career goals.
- Enroll and Start Learning: Enroll in the project and begin the hands-on learning experience.
Benefits of Guided Projects
Guided Projects offer several benefits for learners:
- Hands-On Experience: Develop practical skills by working on real-world projects.
- Job-Relevant Skills: Acquire skills that are in demand in the job market.
- Time-Efficient Learning: Learn a new skill in a short amount of time (approximately two hours).
- Expert Guidance: Receive step-by-step guidance from subject matter experts.
Conclusion
While the initial offer of free access to all Coursera resources, including Guided Projects, was time-limited, Coursera continues to provide a selection of free Guided Projects. These projects offer valuable hands-on learning experiences that can help students develop job-relevant skills. By following the steps outlined above, students can easily find and enroll in free Guided Projects on Coursera, continuing their learning journey off-campus. Explore the Coursera platform to discover the available free Guided Projects and take advantage of these learning opportunities.
