Has anyone used 'Coursera' on active duty or post military to achieve educational certifications?

Capt Brandon Charters — Sat, 13 Dec 2014 20:26:28 -0500

A close USAF friend of mine just recommended the platform and I have to say it looks very interesting and helpful for those looking to take a few classes of interest or earn a needed certification that applies to your career. I'm seeing many major universities offering hundreds of different courses. Also seeing a very easy to use app in the iStore. Has anyone had success using Coursera? Thanks in advance for your input.

Coursera - Free Online Courses From Top Universities

Take free online classes from 120+ top universities and educational organizations. We partner with schools like Stanford, Yale, Princeton, and others to offer courses in dozens of topics, from computer science to teaching and beyond. Whether you are pursuing a passion or looking to advance your career, Coursera provides open, free education for everyone.

Response by LTC Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 13 at 2014 9:05 PM

LTC Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 13 Dec 2014 21:05:39 -0500

No. I had utilized a company that while I was taking the class the DoD cancelled their contract with. I got to keep the laptop, so hey I won!

Response by COL Vincent Stoneking made Dec 14 at 2014 3:59 PM

COL Vincent Stoneking — Sun, 14 Dec 2014 15:59:28 -0500

I have taken coursera courses, but have honestly not completed any. For whatever reason, I didn't find them terribly engaging. Mind you, I was just taking them for fun & general interest (yes, I'm that guy), so they were the easiest juggling ball to drop.

They do issue some sort of "certificate of completion/performance" - for a fee. I have no idea of its value.

Response by SSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 14 at 2014 4:44 PM

SSgt Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 14 Dec 2014 16:44:57 -0500

I too, like COL Vincent Stoneking feel the same way. If money is tight and it is, I just couldn't commit. The general knowledge is the upshot and if in the future I have expendable cash, I might do it. Been registered for months but there are free courses (Meteorology) and the NWS that I partake of. Good stuff!

Response by Maj Walter Kilar made Jan 18 at 2015 3:56 PM

Maj Walter Kilar — Sun, 18 Jan 2015 15:56:11 -0500

I have taken a few classes just to keep my skills fresh. As I get ready to transition out of the military, I plan on paying for a few certificates.

Response by Capt Richard I P. made Jan 18 at 2015 4:52 PM

Capt Richard I P. — Sun, 18 Jan 2015 16:52:10 -0500

I'm a huge fan of Khan Academy. https://www.khanacademy.org/

Khan Academy

Learn for free about math, art, computer programming, economics, physics, chemistry, biology, medicine, finance, history, and more. Khan Academy is a nonprofit with the mission of providing a free, world-class education for anyone, anywhere.

Response by SGM Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 30 at 2015 12:47 PM

SGM Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 30 Mar 2015 12:47:42 -0400

I have taken coursera classes, although not for certification. I took one in Python, a programming language, and it was enough to bring me up to speed on a new language, although I already have a programming background, in other languages.

Given the cost (free) I don't see how anyone could possibly complain. Like most things, what you get out of it is proportional to what you put in.

Response by A1C Keenan Smith made Apr 18 at 2018 2:43 AM

A1C Keenan Smith — Wed, 18 Apr 2018 02:43:41 -0400

What would actually help is if people said they got a job as a result of getting the course certificate rather than all these hypotheticals that really don't help anyone at all looking at this. Seriously, no value was added here. Just say what you were able to gain from it asides the education to which is obvious.