Technology

In honor of AI Appreciation Day, Coursera, a global online learning platform, has announced a series of initiatives aimed at equipping individuals and institutions with Generative AI (GenAI) skills. These initiatives include the introduction of new GenAI-focused courses, enhancements to the current Professional Certificate portfolio, and the expansion of Coursera’s GenAI Academy to support business teams.

The demand for GenAI courses has surged, with Coursera reporting an impressive rate of four enrollments per minute in 2024, compared to one enrollment per minute in 2023. More than half (52%) of these enrollments come from learners in emerging markets such as India, Egypt, Pakistan, and Brazil. Coursera’s efforts to bridge the opportunity gap include AI-powered translations for over 4,600 courses and 55 Professional Certificates in up to 21 languages, including Arabic, Hindi, and Spanish.

Jeff Maggioncalda, CEO of Coursera, stated, “As the GenAI revolution unfolds, it is leaving individuals anxious about job security and businesses struggling to adapt. White-collar workers, in particular, must stand out by proving their GenAI skills in order to secure jobs and advance in their careers. On AI Appreciation Day, we are reminded of our collective responsibility to harness the potential of GenAI, turning it into an engine of opportunity for everyone.”

New GenAI Courses and Credentials

Coursera’s new GenAI content includes:

• Generative AI for Software Developers Skills Certificate from DeepLearning.AI
• Artificial Intelligence Graduate Certificate from the University of Colorado Boulder
• Generative AI in Marketing Specialization from UVA Darden
• Programming with Generative AI course from IIT Guwahati
• Responsible Generative AI Specialization from the University of Michigan
• Change Management for Generative AI course from Vanderbilt University
• Generative AI for Kids, Parents, and Teachers course from Vanderbilt University

Enhancements to Professional Certificates

Coursera’s entry-level Professional Certificates, which help learners enter high-demand fields like cybersecurity, data analytics, and project management, have been updated with GenAI-specific content. These updates include new activities, readings, and videos from top companies such as IBM, Microsoft, and Meta.

Expansion of GenAI Academy

Coursera has also expanded its GenAI Academy with GenAI for Teams, providing skills training and credentials tailored to specific business functions. This initiative aims to help businesses and professional services firms unlock innovation and productivity through real-world applications and secure, hands-on practice.

With over 2 million global enrollments across more than 250 GenAI courses and projects, Coursera is committed to making GenAI skills accessible and transformative. The platform’s efforts align with studies showing that while 66% of leaders prioritize AI skills in hiring, only 5% of companies have implemented reskilling at scale.

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