Are you looking to learn data analytics skills? We’ve compiled the most popular online courses in data analysis. Let’s take quick look at what data analytics is, differences between free and paid courses, tips for taking a free course, and a list of the best online programs.
- What is Data Analytics?
Data analytics can best be described as a scientific way to make decisions. You use data to inform decision making. The steps involved include data collection, cleaning up, analysis and interpretation.
The term “decision-making” can refer to many things. In healthcare, it could be about predicating the outcome of a patient’s condition or determining whether patients are financially able to pay. In business analytics, decisions could, for example, be about the value of extending advertising campaigns or ramping up production.
What makes data analytics popular right now?
Data analytics has been around seemingly forever but recent digital advancements have given the field a new life. This is due to the vast amounts of data produced every day.
Technological innovations have made it possible to automate processing of huge volumes of data. Complex data storage mechanisms and machine learning algorithms let us manipulate big data with incredible ease.
- Differences Between a Paid or Free Program to Learn Data Analytics
Okay, now you understand what data analytics is in broad terms. What can you do if you want to know more about how to actually do it?
An excellent way to get started in data analytics and to evaluate the value of the course to determine if it’s worth your time. There are some important differences between paid-for and free courses you should be aware of.
Get a free-course “sample”
A free course can provide a quick overview that can help you decide whether or not a full-length program would be worthwhile.
Online free data analytics courses, which may essentially be just trailers, are generally shorter than the paid ones. These free courses last anywhere from a few hours up to several days. If the time is longer, you could be entering paid-program territory.
Don’t expect support with a free course
Self-directed or peer-supported learning is the foundation for all free courses. Paid data analytics programs offer both self-directed learning and guided support from paid instructors. Interacting with teachers and tutors can make getting through a course much easier in psychological terms.
Free courses may suit beginners
Many times, beginner data analytics courses are offered free of charge to anyone who does not have any prior experience. This is a great opportunity to learn the basics. Once you are confident in your basic knowledge, you will need additional paid courses.
Paid university courses give you professional qualifications
If you want to become a professional data analyst or similar, you really need to look at getting accredited postgraduate qualifications in data analytics. Online university courses are available that allow you to study part-time while working full-time. Most class participants will have a bachelor degree in IT, business or a STEM discipline such as science or engineering.
- Tips When Taking a Free Course in Data Analytics
The outcome that you want will dictate the type of free course you choose. Here are some important things to think about.
Is the course relevant for the topic you are most interested in? Sometimes, you can find short courses that focus on specific topics. Find one that interests, suits and meets your needs.
Is the instruction method a combination theory and practice? The best way to learn is to practice skills. It is important to look for courses that provide rich, engaging content.
Is it easy and useful? Do you think that doing the course is a step towards the right direction?
- Best Online, Open-Access Courses in Data Analytics
Okay, it’s now that you can choose a course. We have provided a wide selection of choices to help you get an overview of data analytics courses available online.
- Short Course in Data Analytics – CareerFoundry
CareerFoundy’s five-tutorial short course on data analysis is a great introduction. Five 15-minute lessons are provided, each focusing on a specific step in data analysis. This course will give an overview of data analytical concepts and give you the chance to deepen your understanding if needed. CareerFoundry also provides a paid program that will improve your skills as a data analyst. All of this is covered by CareerFoundry’s job guarantee.
- Data Science for Everybody Datacamp
DataCamp offers courses on data analytics. This course provider charges a nominal fee. The Data Science for Everyone course offers the first module, or chapter, completely free of charge. The course doesn’t provide too much technical information and is ideal for beginners. This course explains data science, as well as a typical data scientist workflow. The interactive exercises allow you to see how data analysis can be applied to real-world issues. The second chapter is available only to registered users.
- Learn how to code for data analytics (OpenLearn)
OpenLearn courses can be trusted for their high quality and many are completely free. Once you have the basics down it’s time learn how to program. OpenLearn’s eight-week free coding course Learn to Code for Data Analysis will give you a solid grasp of programming concepts and data analytics concepts. It will teach you how to create simple and efficient analytical algorithms within programming environments. This course also includes interactive exercises and a certificate certifying your participation. Bonus!
- Online Data Science Courses (Harvard University)
You’ve always wanted to tell people that Harvard was your home. Here’s your chance! EdX is a free service that allows you to access many data analytics courses at Harvard University. Topics include data collection to linear prediction and machine-learning. These courses are great for those with some previous knowledge. They provide more information than any free course and can cover many specialized subjects. An amount will be required to obtain a completion certificate. This is a great method to enhance your skills.
- Introduction to data analytics offered in Coursera by IBM
Coursera provides paid courses and partners for many universities, companies and training providers. Because the courses are not all from one source, quality and depth may vary. A seven-day trial is available if you sign up. This amount of time allows you to complete one Coursera beginner program, such the IBM Introduction to Data Analytics. On average, it takes 13 hours. This course describes what data analysts do. The 7-day free trial is over and you’ll need to subscribe. You should ensure you select the correct course.
- Udemy offers data science courses and data analysis courses
Udemy, which is similar to Coursera, offers thousands in data analysis and science courses through various uploaders. Many courses are available for free on these platforms. Others are paid. Udemy’s premium courses are generally less expensive than the free courses. Although course content can be inconsistent, you can filter the most popular courses by checking out user ratings. There are many free courses. You could choose Data science 101 using Python. How to Use the KNIME analysis platform. Many shorter courses will allow you to learn quickly.
