Coursera’s Impact Report Online Learning Surges Amidst Pandemic
Coursera, a leading global online learning platform, has unveiled its impact report for 2020, shedding light on the exponential growth of edtech worldwide. The surge in online learning, largely catalyzed by the COVID-19 pandemic, has propelled Coursera’s user base to unprecedented heights. Since mid-March, the platform has witnessed a remarkable surge, with over 21 million new learners joining—a staggering 353% increase compared to the same period last year.
Unprecedented Growth and Engagement
With a staggering 70 million learners worldwide, Coursera has emerged as a pivotal player in the online education landscape. Learners have collectively spent a whopping 178 million hours on the platform over the past year (September 2019 to September 2020), underscoring the growing significance of digital learning in today’s era.
India’s Prominence in Coursera’s Global Footprint
India stands out as Coursera’s second-largest market, boasting a substantial user base of 9.8 million learners. This highlights the country’s burgeoning appetite for online education and underscores its pivotal role in Coursera’s global expansion strategy.
Insights from Coursera India CEO
Raghav Gupta, CEO of Coursera India, emphasizes the immense potential within India’s higher education sector and the evolving needs of businesses in the digital age. As businesses undergo rapid transformation, the demand for upskilling and reskilling initiatives remains paramount. Coursera is committed to addressing these evolving needs by facilitating both on-campus learning and professional development opportunities for businesses.
Collaborative Efforts to Drive Skill Development
Coursera has actively collaborated with governments to promote skill development initiatives across the country. A recent partnership with the Tamil Nadu Skill Development Corporation aims to upskill 50,000 unemployed youth in critical domains such as data science, cloud computing, blockchain, artificial intelligence, and the Internet of Things. These initiatives underscore Coursera’s commitment to fostering inclusive growth and equipping individuals with the skills needed to thrive in today’s dynamic job market.
