Best printers for Home

Best Mixer Grinder

Best wired Earphones

Best 43 Inch TV in India

Best Wi Fi Routers

Best Home Theatre in India

Smart Watch under 5000

Best Laptops for Education

Best Laptop for Students

Education start-ups in India seem to be the hottest targets right now, going by the kind of <keyword id="6357455" type="EVENT" weightage="100" keywordseo="Funding">funding</keyword> they are attracting from local and global investors. A couple of days ago, Delhi-based start-up <keyword id="1974964" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="100" keywordseo="Avanti-Learning-Centres">Avanti Learning Centres</keyword> raised an undisclosed amount in <keyword id="948731" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="100" keywordseo="seed-funding">seed funding</keyword> from <keyword id="1894311" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="100" keywordseo="Pearson-Affordable-Learning-Fund">Pearson Affordable Learning Fund</keyword> (<keyword id="1954796" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="100" keywordseo="PALF">PALF</keyword>). Two more <keyword id="6365770" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="100" keywordseo="angel-investors">angel investors</keyword> also took part in the round. Avanti will use the <keyword id="1974977" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="100" keywordseo="Seed-round">seed round</keyword> to develop an <keyword id="1974975" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="100" keywordseo="Online-offline-learning">online-offline learning</keyword> &amp; monitoring system, create more <keyword id="755302" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="100" keywordseo="educational-content">educational content</keyword> and build new <keyword id="68244" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="100" keywordseo="Learning-centres">learning centres</keyword>. Currently, the <keyword id="1044076" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="100" keywordseo="education-start-up">education start-up</keyword> operates stand-alone and in-school centres in Delhi, Mumbai, Chennai, Kanpur, Roorkee and Puducherry, besides helping the <keyword id="3216" type="ORGANIZATION" weightage="100" keywordseo="students">students</keyword> in three Tibetan schools in Uttarakhand and Karnataka. 
 
This is the second investment in India that Pearson has made through PALF, and the third overall since the fund was launched in July 2012. 
 In November this year, <keyword id="1954793" type="POSITION" weightage="100" keywordseo="Global-education-leader">Global education leader</keyword> Pearson’s inaugural <a href="http://www.businessinsider.in/These-2-Peer-selected-Start-upsShared-150K-Investment-To-Boost-Low-cost-Education/articleshow/26512179.cms">edupreneur programme</a>, jointly launched by PALF and US-based investor Village Capital, came to a close with <keyword id="1954794" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="80" keywordseo="Experifun">Experifun</keyword> and <keyword id="1467859" type="COMPANY" weightage="80" keywordseo="Sudiksha-Knowledge-Solutions">Sudiksha Knowledge Solutions</keyword> walking off with a seed funding of $75,000 each. The <keyword id="6362476" type="ORGANIZATION" weightage="100" keywordseo="investments">investments</keyword> will enable the start-ups to further develop their low-cost education ventures and assist underprivileged school children. 
 Pearson launched PALF in July 2012 with a capital of $15 million. Investments are made into private companies that offer <keyword id="1974987" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="100" keywordseo="Affordable-educational-services">affordable educational services</keyword> and schooling in Asia, <keyword id="12925" type="ENTERTAINMENT" weightage="80" keywordseo="Africa">Africa</keyword> and Latin America. 
 Set up as a <keyword id="456748" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="100" keywordseo="non-profit">non-profit</keyword> in March 2010 by <keyword id="258061" type="PERSON" weightage="100" keywordseo="Akshay-Saxena">Akshay Saxena</keyword> and <keyword id="1974967" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="100" keywordseo="Krishna-Ramkumar">Krishna Ramkumar</keyword>, Avanti Learning Centres supports students from low-income families (those with a family income of $5,000 per annum or below) and prepares them for <keyword id="1974989" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="100" keywordseo="College-entrance-exams">college entrance exams</keyword>, especially the highly competitive engineering and medical entrance tests. Students can study up to 18 hours a week at a centre and need to pay only $20 per month. Costs are kept low as a large network of volunteers and partners, including universities, public schools, policy makers and private sector businesses, help with teaching and administration. 
 Instead of traditional lectures, Avanti follows a comprehensive programme including <keyword id="1951606" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="100" keywordseo="book-learning">book learning</keyword>, <keyword id="144248" type="ENTERTAINMENT" weightage="100" keywordseo="Videos">videos</keyword>, <keyword id="1974990" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="100" keywordseo="Peer-learning">peer learning</keyword> (developed by Dr <keyword id="1974994" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="100" keywordseo="Eric-Mazur">Eric Mazur</keyword>, the company’s chief academic advisor and a physics professor at <keyword id="53675" type="ORGANIZATION" weightage="80" keywordseo="harvard">Harvard</keyword>), <keyword id="956032" type="PERSON" weightage="100" keywordseo="Self-study">self study</keyword> &amp; <keyword id="969316" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="100" keywordseo="group-work">group work</keyword>, <keyword id="1974991" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="100" keywordseo="Recorded-lectures">recorded lectures</keyword>, <keyword id="140811" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="100" keywordseo="mentoring">mentoring</keyword> and doubt-solving. Students are enrolled after a highly selective two-stage process. 
 “It was the commitment from Akshay and Krishna to focus on improving the <keyword id="1974995" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="100" keywordseo="Education-of-low-income-communities">education of low-income communities</keyword>, combined with an <keyword id="1974993" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="100" keywordseo="Innovative-learning-model">innovative learning model</keyword>, which was the most attractive aspect of the <keyword id="718769" type="ORGANIZATION" weightage="100" keywordseo="investment-opportunity">investment opportunity</keyword>,” said PALF executive director, <keyword id="1974962" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="100" keywordseo="Katelyn-Donnelly">Katelyn Donnelly</keyword>. 
 “Avanti is particularly exciting because it is a non-traditional pedagogy with very strong initial results. Our investment allows us to partner with a mission-led company to bridge a crucial gap between secondary and <keyword id="6375224" type="ORGANIZATION" weightage="100" keywordseo="higher-education">higher education</keyword> for low-income learners. PALF is enthused to support the Avanti team to successfully grow across India, and we look forward to working with them to deliver on their long-term vision,” she added. 
 Commenting on the funding, Saxena said, “Once we decided that a <keyword id="1975001" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="100" keywordseo="For-profit">for-profit</keyword> model was the best way to reach scale, we knew we would need expert strategic insight and advice. We are incredibly excited to be working with the Pearson Affordable Learning Fund as they bring unrivalled education expertise to the table that can help us achieve our long-term objectives. We look forward to building upon the relationship with Pearson as we improve outcomes for low-income learners in the years to come.” 
 
Recent fundraising by education start-ups 
uFaber: Mumbai-based <keyword id="1975002" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="100" keywordseo="uFaber-Edutech">uFaber Edutech</keyword> (http://www.ufaber.com/), which runs an <keyword id="1975003" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="100" keywordseo="Online-education-marketplace">online education marketplace</keyword> for <keyword id="1975006" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="100" keywordseo="Professional-skill-development">professional skill development</keyword>, hobbies, crafts, academics and vocational training, got Rs 37 lakh from <keyword id="1975007" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="100" keywordseo="Ah-Seeders">Ah! Seeders</keyword>, the seed funding network of <keyword id="1975008" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="100" keywordseo="Club-Ah">Club Ah!</keyword> It is the network’s maiden investment in India after its launch in the country. Ah! Seeders puts its money into very early stage companies and typically invests in the range of Rs 25-50 lakh. 
 
<keyword id="1573710" type="COMPANY" weightage="100" keywordseo="Meritnation">Meritnation</keyword>: Delhi-based <keyword id="1962741" type="COMPANY" weightage="100" keywordseo="Applect-Learning-Systems">Applect Learning Systems</keyword>, which runs the online education and assessment site Meritnation.com (http://www.meritnation.com/), secured Rs 10 crore from <keyword id="80004" type="COMPANY" weightage="100" keywordseo="Info-Edge">Info Edge</keyword> (India) Ltd, the biggest consumer Internet company in India by market value. With this fresh round, Info Edge has put in a total of Rs 71.5 crore and holds around 55.81% stake in Applect (on a fully diluted and converted basis). 
 
<keyword id="900714" type="COMPANY" weightage="100" keywordseo="InOpen-Technologies">InOpen Technologies</keyword>: Mumbai-based InOpen Technologies (http://inopen.in/), a start-up developing educational content and <keyword id="1975016" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="100" keywordseo="Teachers-training-solutions">teacher’s training solutions</keyword>, received an undisclosed sum in Series A from <keyword id="1975017" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="100" keywordseo="Japanese-education-firm">Japanese education firm</keyword> Benesse Holdings, Inc. In August 2011, the company raised $500,000 in seed funding from <keyword id="1975018" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="100" keywordseo="Ventureast-Tenet-Fund-II">Ventureast Tenet Fund II</keyword>. 
 
MangoSense: The Pune-based edutainment start-up (http://mangosense.com/) got an undisclosed amount from <keyword id="164924" type="ORGANIZATION" weightage="100" keywordseo="Mumbai-Angels">Mumbai Angels</keyword>. Its products include <keyword id="1975022" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="100" keywordseo="MangoReader">MangoReader</keyword>, <keyword id="1975023" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="100" keywordseo="MangoReach">MangoReach</keyword> and <keyword id="1975025" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="100" keywordseo="MangoSocial">MangoSocial</keyword>, through which users can create a fun and social environment for reading books and sharing them with friends. 
 
<keyword id="1975033" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="100" keywordseo="K2-Learning">K2 Learning</keyword>: Bangalore-based hybrid (online-offline) start-up K2 (http://k2learning.in/) secured Rs 8 crore in angel funding from <keyword id="244269" type="PERSON" weightage="100" keywordseo="Radheshyam-Agarwal">Radheshyam Agarwal</keyword>, founder and director of <keyword id="1975034" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="100" keywordseo="Calcutta-Tube-India">Calcutta Tube India</keyword>. The start-up specialises in <keyword id="1975035" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="100" keywordseo="Commerce-content">commerce content</keyword> and plans to set up <keyword id="1974968" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="80" keywordseo="Tab-Labs">Tab Labs</keyword> in more than 100 <keyword id="37181" type="ORGANIZATION" weightage="100" keywordseo="colleges">colleges</keyword> that will get special tablets with <keyword id="1975036" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="100" keywordseo="Pre-loaded-commerce-data">pre-loaded commerce data</keyword>. 
 
<keyword id="1309724" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="100" keywordseo="Simplilearn">Simplilearn</keyword>: Bangalore-based <keyword id="1974963" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="100" keywordseo="Simplilearn-Solutions">Simplilearn Solutions</keyword> (www.Simplilearn.com), a company offering <keyword id="1309739" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="100" keywordseo="professional-certification-courses">professional certification courses</keyword> online, secured $10 million in <keyword id="1095983" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="100" keywordseo="Series-B-funding">Series B funding</keyword> from <keyword id="309606" type="ORGANIZATION" weightage="80" keywordseo="Helion-Venture-Partners">Helion Venture Partners</keyword> and existing investor <keyword id="1397792" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="80" keywordseo="Kalaari-Capital">Kalaari Capital</keyword>.

Another Education Start-up From India Gets Seed
Round From Pearson Affordable Learning Fund

According to two new studies by <keyword id="2681073" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="20" keywordseo="Pluralsight">Pluralsight</keyword>, a technology learning platform, 69 percent of Indian IT professionals believe that online learning is a more effective learning method than offline training. Meanwhile, 90% of IT organizations are gamifying learning. The findings of these studies provide insights into learning styles of the Indian IT professional and how gamifying learning is making it more interesting. Conducted by market research firm <keyword id="6354341" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="20" keywordseo="Kantar-IMRB">KANTAR IMRB</keyword>, the studies surveyed 568 IT professionals across Bangalore, Chennai, Hyderabad, Pune, NCR, Kolkata and Ahmedabad on how an IT professional in India likes to learn, his views on various learning methods, has he set learning goals for himself and how it links to his personal and career growth. The second report surveyed 106 IT companies across the services and product space and looks at how the <keyword id="6374576" type="ORGANIZATION" weightage="20" keywordseo="IT-Industry">IT industry</keyword> is making learning interesting with <keyword id="1071127" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="20" keywordseo="Gamification">gamification</keyword>, how many companies are adopting it and what experience bracket they believe is the right target for gamified learning. Key findings from the studies include: 1) 97 percent of IT professionals believe in the importance of building one’s technology skills and 74 percent of them have undergone learning programs in 2016 2) 48 percent of IT professionals have set learning goals for themselves in 2017, those who did link it to career growth and better pay 3) 69 percent of IT professionals feel that online learning is more effective than offline training. Only 8 percent of IT professionals consider ILT (instructor-led training) to be an effective learning method 4) 74 percent of IT professionals want freedom in what they learn rather than being directed 5) Just-in-time, byte-sized and repeat learning are emerging as new learning styles 6) 94 percent of IT professionals feel personalization of learning experience, 93 percent feel byte-sized learning and 92 percent feel adaptive online assessments as key developments that will impact learning in next two years Gamification in Learning 1) 90 percent of IT organizations are implementing gamification in learning, 80 percent find gamification relevant and unique 2) 47 percent of the IT industry considers employees with eight or more years of experience as the target audience for gamification, while 37 percent considers employees with 0–8 years as the target audience – breaking the myth that gamification is only for younger employees What people want to learn IT networking, web development and JavaScript are the top three skill areas for learning in 2017. When looking at focus areas according to profession, software developers focus more on web development, while IT operations focus more on IT networking and creative professionals focus more on Photoshop. “With re-skilling being a critical need for Indian IT to prepare for a Digital-led future, it is important to understand how today’s technology professionals learn and how learning can be made interesting for them,” said Arun Rajamani, Country GM at Pluralsight India. “Learning styles have changed over time and are becoming online, personalized and byte-sized. Online learning will play a key role in helping the IT industry reduce the skills gap by helping them assess their skills, find or build the right learning paths, get instant expert help and apply learning interactive labs. Learning must also be made interesting. It is exciting to see the rise of gamification in learning in India. Gamification brings in the 3 elements of progression, pride and play into learning and promotes a socially inclusive culture”, added Arun. Pluralsight’s learning platform is designed to help technology professionals with a <keyword id="3829689" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="20" keywordseo="digital-ecosystem">digital ecosystem</keyword> of learning tools, including adaptive skill tests, directed learning paths, expert-authored courses, and interactive labs and live mentoring. These tools help inculcate a goal-oriented learning habit via Assessments and Skill Paths, support personalization of learning via Channels, and the modular design of courses helps address byte-sized learning needs of the learners. “Skill development and learning is the key for all level of employees in today’s dynamic technology and business scenario. However, employees are not keen to go through traditional learning program because of several reasons such as paucity of time, ineffective teaching, boredom etc. This is where online learning can play a major role. Gamified learning not only makes the learning process more of fun activity, it also increases learner engagement and effectiveness. If implemented in right manner, gamified learning will enhance the overall learning experience for all experience brackets”, said Indranil Dutta, Account Director, KANTAR IMRB.

A report reveals Indian IT professionals wanting to reskill are finding online learning more effective than offline training

<ul><li><keyword id="56000" type="ORGANIZATION" weightage="20" keywordseo="UNICEF">UNICEF</keyword> and <keyword id="6354576" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="20" keywordseo="facebook">Facebook</keyword> collaborate to build safer and healthier online experiences for adolescents and children. </li><li>The partnership seeks to create a safe environment for children online and offline.</li></ul><keyword id="275625" type="COMPANY" weightage="20" keywordseo="UNICEF-India">UNICEF India</keyword> and Facebook today launched a one-year joint initiative on ending violence against children with a special focus on online safety. The partnership seeks to create a safe environment for children online and offline. It aims to improve children’s resilience and capacity to access the digital world safely, increase awareness on violence against children and its impact on children, families, and communities, as well as increase skills of communities and frontline workers to better prevent and respond to violence. This partnership will include a nation-wide social media awareness campaign, and capacity building for 100,000school children on online safety, digital literacy, and psychosocial support. The virtual event saw the presence of Aastha Saxena Khatwani, Joint Secretary, Ministry of Women &amp; Child Development, Government of India together with Facebook Head of Programs and Outreach, Madhu Sirohi and <keyword id="11821667" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="20" keywordseo="unicef-india-deputy-representative-programmes">UNICEF India Deputy Representative Programmes</keyword>, Yasumasa Kimura. Well-known actor and UNICEF India’s celebrity advocate on ending violence against children, <keyword id="6354535" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="20" keywordseo="ayushmann-khurrana">Ayushmann Khurrana</keyword> gave his keynote message. During the launch there was a panel with representatives from UNICEF, Facebook, Leher and a child leader, to discuss challenges and solutions to address safety of children in online and offline spaces. Aastha Saxena Khatwani, Joint Secretary, Ministry of Women &amp; Child Development, Government of India said, “In the last year and half, the internet has enabled children to continue with their education, removing the barriers of time and geography. As we encourage children to explore the great knowledge resource available online, we should be cognizant of the threats that come along with the all-pervasive nature of these online mediums. I am glad that UNICEF and Facebook are taking this important step forward to educate and sensitize our younger generation against online abuse.”.” “The COVID-19 pandemic has increased chances for children to face violence – whether online or offline. Acknowledging the significant efforts being made to end violence against children, its important different stakeholders come together, to increase awareness, change behaviors and perceptions around how, when and where violence against children occurs. This is critical to promote better understanding the violence and most effective ways to ensure child safety both online and offline,” said UNICEF India Deputy Representative Programmes, Mr. Yasumasa Kimura. “The partnership with Facebook at this critical time will help shape a safer online and offline world for children to grow, learn and thrive,” he said. Facebook Head of Programs and Outreach, Ms. Madhu Sirohi said, “The pandemic has spurred the adoption of digital platforms. Being online gives young people so many choices. It gives them skills such as self-control and resilience that can help them make decisions that will lead to positive outcomes both online and offline. Protecting children online is important to us and we take this responsibility seriously. Over the years we have worked with parents, governments and safety experts to offer a safe online experience for the youngest members of our community. Today, we are delighted to partner with UNICEF to make the internet safe for children and young audiences. Through this partnership we want to help them participate in public life by using the power of digital platforms, and to advocate for issues they care about.” Supporting the initiative, actor and UNICEF India’s celebrity advocate on ending violence against children, Mr. Ayushmann Khurrana said, “The internet is a double-edged sword. We have seen its myriad benefits during this pandemic. At the same time, it has its own risks. We need to equip our children and adolescents with knowledge and digital tools so they can safely navigate and participate actively in the ever-evolving digital society. As UNICEF India’s celebrity supporter, I am honored to extend my support and voice to this important initiative. I welcome this initiative that will create awareness and help children, parents, teachers and other actors understand better the safety and wellbeing of our children in the digital era and take appropriate preventive and responsive measures.” Speaking at the panel discussion, 16-year-old Jaspreet Singh said, “If the question arises whose responsibility is it to make sure that we are safe, the answer is very simple. It is Us, the users, because if not us, then who? This initiative from UNICEF and Facebook will empower us to experience the power of internet in a safer and responsible way.”

UNICEF India and Facebook launch an initiative on ending violence against children with a special focus on online safety

<a href="http://shareasale.com/r.cfm?b=999&amp;u=1088116&amp;m=59453&amp;urllink=www.creativelive.com%2F&amp;afftrack=1548280244346aw6uo5xu4" target="_blank" rel="noopener"></a><a href="http://shareasale.com/r.cfm?b=999&amp;u=1088116&amp;m=59453&amp;urllink=www.creativelive.com%2F&amp;afftrack=1548280244346aw6uo5xu4" target="_blank" rel="noopener"></a><ul class="summary-list"><li>Learning new skills online is often far more convenient and inexpensive than in-person enrollment.</li><li>Online learners tend to appreciate controlling the pace, paying a lower fee, and in some cases, having access to the course materials for life.</li><li>Below are six of the best and most popular options for online learning, including <a href="https://click.linksynergy.com/deeplink?id=EHFxW6yx8Uo&amp;mid=39197&amp;murl=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.udemy.com%2F" target="_blank" rel="noopener nofollow">Udemy</a>, <a href="https://click.linksynergy.com/deeplink?id=EHFxW6yx8Uo&amp;mid=40328&amp;murl=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.coursera.org%2F" target="_blank" rel="noopener nofollow">Coursera</a>, and <a href="http://shareasale.com/r.cfm?b=999&amp;u=1088116&amp;m=62509&amp;urllink=www.masterclass.com%2F" target="_blank" rel="noopener nofollow">MasterClass</a>.</li></ul>There's a reason people are turning to online learning en masse. Students can learn on their own schedule, save money on commuting, boarding, and a host of other expenses, and can often download course lectures for convenient offline reading. Plus, some options let you have access to classes forever once you've paid for them. Some are free, and some sites let you take as many courses as you want for a small payment. You can pick up professional certifications online, <a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/best-resume-soft-skills-employers-look-for-jobs-2018-4" target="_blank" rel="noopener nofollow">skills that help you get hired in a quickly changing market</a>, and even masters degrees.Whether to advance your career or to pick up new hobbies that help you enjoy everyday life, online courses are one of the best perks of the 21st century, and one way the internet is democratizing information - even in the form of free Ivy League courses. All you need is internet access. <h2>Below, find six of the most popular online learning communities:</h2><a href="http://e.businessinsider.com/join/ci/insider-picks">Subscribe to our newsletter.</a> <a href="https://www.parsintl.com/publication/business-insider/">You can purchase syndication rights to this story here.</a> Disclosure: This post is brought to you by the <a href="http://www.businessinsider.com/insiderpicks">Insider Picks</a> team. We highlight products and services you might find interesting. If you buy them, we get a small share of the revenue from the sale from our commerce partners. We frequently receive products free of charge from manufacturers to test. This does not drive our decision as to whether or not a product is featured or recommended. We operate independently from our advertising sales team. We welcome your feedback. Email us at insiderpicks@businessinsider.com.

6 places to take free and affordable classes online, on everything from programming to photography

The <a href="http://www.businessinsider.com/insiderpicks" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Insider Picks</a> team writes about stuff we think you'll like. Business Insider has affiliate partnerships so we get a share of the revenue from your purchase.<a href="http://shareasale.com/r.cfm?b=999&amp;u=1088116&amp;m=59453&amp;urllink=www.creativelive.com%2F&amp;afftrack=1548280244346aw6uo5xu4" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><div class="KonaFilter image-container display-table"><div><div class="image on-image">CreativeLive</div></div></div></a><ul class="summary-list"><li>Learning new skills online is often far more convenient and inexpensive than in-person enrollment.</li><li>You get to take your time, pay a lower fee, and in some cases, you get to keep the information for life.</li><li>Below are six of the best and most popular options for online learning.</li></ul>There's a reason people are turning to online learning en masse. Students can learn on their own schedule, save money on commuting, boarding, and a host of other expenses, and can often download course lectures for convenient offline reading. What's more, some options let you can keep classes forever once you've paid for them. Some are free, and some sites let you take as many courses as you want for one manageable fee. You can pick up professional certifications online, <a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/best-resume-soft-skills-employers-look-for-jobs-2018-4" target="_blank" rel="noopener">skills that help you get hired in a quickly changing market</a>, and even masters degrees.Whether to advance your career or to pick up new hobbies that help you enjoy everyday life, online courses are one of the best perks of the 21st century, and one way the internet is democratizing information - even in the form of free Ivy League courses. All you need is internet access. <h3>Below find 6 of the most popular online learning communities:</h3><a href="http://e.businessinsider.com/join/ci/insider-picks">Subscribe to our newsletter.</a> Find all the best offers at our <a href="https://coupons.businessinsider.com/">Coupons page</a>. Disclosure: This post is brought to you by the <a href="http://www.businessinsider.com/insiderpicks">Insider Picks</a> team. We highlight products and services you might find interesting. If you buy them, we get a small share of the revenue from the sale from our commerce partners. We frequently receive products free of charge from manufacturers to test. This does not drive our decision as to whether or not a product is featured or recommended. We operate independently from our advertising sales team. We welcome your feedback. Email us at insiderpicks@businessinsider.com.

6 places to take free and affordable classes online - on everything from programming to photography

<ul><li>According to <keyword id="2008319" type="PERSON" weightage="20" keywordseo="Upgrad">upGrad</keyword>, online learning platform for working professionals, <keyword id="4027797" type="PERSON" weightage="20" keywordseo="Data-literacy">data literacy</keyword> is one of the key skills in the digital space. </li><li>Data Science, Blockchain, Full Stack Development, Digital Marketing and Machine Learning are the most sought after courses among professionals, Mayank Kumar, Founder &amp; MD of upGrad told Business Insider India in an interview. </li><li>Almost half the learners on upGrad — over 350,000 — come from tier 2 and tier 3 cities.</li></ul>Thanks to easy access to internet connectivity, Indians from tier 2 and tier 3 cities are now able to benefit from online learning. Over 350,000 of the learners on upGrad — an online learning platform — come from tier 2 and tier 3 cities. This accounts for almost half of its total learner base. India is the second largest e-learning market with as many as 70 million learners. The user base of the online education industry is expected to hit 9.6 million by 2021, which was 1.6 million in 2016, as per a <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/most-demanded-skiils-by-employers-in-india/articleshow/69085603.cms">KPMG report</a>. According to upGrad, data literacy is a popular buzzword in the job market. Those who are seeking to enhance their digital skills are enrolling in technology and data science courses. Others include entrepreneurial skills and hobbies. “However data science, blockchain, full stack development, digital marketing and machine learning are the most sought after courses among professionals. And the completion rate for such courses is as high as 85%,” Mayank Kumar, Founder &amp; MD of upGrad told Business Insider India. UpGrad is now planning to expand its services to first-time job seekers and college students. It also collaborated with premier Indian and foreign institutions including IIT Madras, MICA and University of Cambridge. Companies spend up to Rs 1.5 lakh per fresher for hiring and training. Online upskilling programmes claim to reduce it by almost 60%. “We are now moving towards courses on software development as well like Android, Python, Java and IoT. We have a course on insurance sales for our job guarantee programme,” Kumar added. upGrad claims to provide a human touch unlike other platforms.The startup focuses on customising the learning experience through personalised feedback from dedicated mentors. In addition to this, the platform provides an industry connect for professionals who want to transition from their existing job roles. See also: <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/careers/article/learn-these-4-skills-to-become-a-top-notch-digital-marketing-expert/articleshow/71714306.cms">Learn these 4 skills to become a top notch digital marketing expert</a> <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/indian-students-prefer-online-coaching-for-jee-neet-gate-ssc-and-banking-exams/articleshow/69956565.cms">Indian students prefer online coaching to offline classes</a> <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/education/news/coursera-launches-campus-product-to-integrate-online-learning-with-university-lessons/articleshow/71433652.cms">Coursera launches campus product to integrate online learning with university lessons</a>

You Searched For "Online offline learning" and got 6 results

Another Education Start-up From India Gets Seed Round From Pearson Affordable Learning Fund

Sanghamitra Mandal

A report reveals Indian IT professionals wanting to reskill are finding online learning more effective than offline training

Anushree Singh

UNICEF India and Facebook launch an initiative on ending violence against children with a special focus on online safety

BI India Partner

6 places to take free and affordable classes online, on everything from programming to photography

Mara Leighton

6 places to take free and affordable classes online - on everything from programming to photography

Mara Leighton

This Indian startup gains as students from Tier 2 and 3 cities opt for online digital courses

Prerna Sindwani

Popular Keywords

Buying Guides