How can you develop your STEM skills through online courses and platforms?

"Setting goals is the first step in turning the invisible into the visible." – Tony Robbins So dear friend if you want to develop your STEM skills through online courses and platforms… Always choose clear goals before starting. - To choose the right course. - To stay motivated along the way. - To achieve your educational goals efficiently. Thanks ??

Enhancing STEM skills online requires a foundational grasp of educational philosophy alongside subject matter expertise. Before engaging with technologies such as coding, robotics, or 3D printing, it's crucial to establish a robust STEM education foundation beyond the subjects themselves. Seek reputable, impartial organizations with a history of success in STEM instruction, offering techniques that merge theory with hands-on practice. These should provide a varied learning experience that includes project-based learning, fostering critical thinking, and problem-solving skills. Additionally, engaging in accompanying community forums and collaborative projects can offer real-world insights and peer feedback, vital for growth in STEM fields.

Define what specific STEM skills you want to develop. Whether it's programming, data analysis, robotics, or any other field within STEM, having clear learning objectives will guide your course selection and study plan.

Developing STEM skills through online courses and platforms is an effective and accessible approach. Platforms like Coursera, edX, and Udemy offer courses from top universities and industry experts, covering areas such as coding, data science, and robotics. For foundational learning, Khan Academy provides free resources in math, science, and programming, while MIT OpenCourseWare offers high-quality, university-level material. Focusing on project-based learning within these courses can help apply theoretical knowledge to real-world scenarios, making the learning process more engaging and practical.

Research reputable online learning platforms such as Coursera, edX, Udemy, Khan Academy, and others. Look for courses taught by qualified instructors, with high ratings and positive reviews. Additionally, consider university-affiliated courses or those that offer certifications upon completion for added credibility.

Engage with course-related social media groups or professional networks such as LinkedIn. These platforms can help you stay updated on industry trends, share your learning experiences, and connect with peers and professionals in your field.

Unfortunately, most online learning platforms do not incorporate a form of socialization with other enrolled students and instructors. However, LinkedIn Learning does through the use of "virtual office hours" which are where students and instructors can connect and learn from each other. For subjects which are not available on LinkedIn learning I recommend finding communities through "Discord", a social communication tool, as it is the most popular and fastest growing method of online communication with people around a shared interest. There are Discord communities for almost every subject, in which you will highly likely find others who are currently learning the same subject through online courses. Find communities on Disboard.

I've recently joined a course on the Maven platform and love how it's taught in real-time to a small cohort. Folks who enroll in these courses are typically more dedicated than at a university (in my experience).

True mastery comes from hands-on experience. Learning isn’t just about taking in new information... It's also about building skills. Using what you learn is essential for sharpening these skills, whether it’s thinking critically, solving problems, or handling technical tasks.

In my experience, I personally recommend to START A PROJECT! Not only is a project an excellent way to apply the STEM skills you have developed through online courses but also a great addition to your portfolio which can open up future opportunities with employers and collegues.

Make sure to upload pics of your certificates to LinkedIn so that current and future employers know what you're up to. They can go in the "featured" section or the "certificates" section.

The STEM skills which you develop are another tool in your STEM tool belt and it is important to demonstrate that to others. It can help you land jobs, new opportunities, and projects! Say you are applying to an entry level aerospace engineering job and the employer is down to two candidates with the same credentials. The employer happens to notice that you have a MATLAB certification. They are likely going to choose you as on paper you are likely more prepared for the position. Additionally, it can lead you to opportunities which have been unrealized before, such as a project with a colleague since you might have the skill that they are looking for. Please only put achievements you have earned though, it will help everyone on Linkedin.

The best thing I ever did as a student was get a mentor in my field of study. She helped shape my career when I had no idea what I was doing.

STEM fields are constantly evolving, so it's essential to stay updated on the latest developments and technologies. Continuously seek out new courses, workshops, and learning opportunities to expand your knowledge and skills. Set aside time for regular practice and experimentation to reinforce what you've learned.

Time management: Allocate dedicated time for learning and stick to a consistent study schedule to ensure progress. Utilize free resources: Take advantage of free online tutorials, webinars, and educational resources available on platforms like YouTube, GitHub, and academic institution websites. Networking: Build connections with professionals in your field of interest through online networking platforms like LinkedIn or professional organizations and attend virtual conferences or meetups to expand your network. Feedback and reflection: Seek feedback on your projects and assignments from peers or mentors, and take time to reflect on your learning journey to identify areas for improvement.

Don't be discouraged if new ideas and concepts don't sink in right away. From personal experience... learning at home is much harder than in a classroom and requires more patience.