You may have heard about the popular e-learning platform edX, but if not, let us give you a quick refresher. In May 2012, the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) and Harvard University co-founded edX, an e-learning online platform.
But here is the question. Its 2022 and are EDX certificates worth it in this era of competition
Its purposes included enhancing teaching-learning on-site and online by leveraging online access to “high-quality education” that is available to everyone, everywhere.
edX provides students from around the world access to a range of topics that allow them to advance and professionalize their skills in areas such as science, business, economics, finance and architecture, as well as electronics, programming, engineering, computer science and health and the environment.
It all sounds great, but how do you know if it’ll be worth your time and money? That’s what we’re here to do. In this review, we’ll be outlining everything you need to know about this e-learning platform and whether it’s worth it.
What Is edX?
edX is a huge online course provider, which is one of the most common types of online learning and it isn’t limited by geography.
edX allows students to broaden their knowledge and pursue their goals to a university level without having to deal with common university constraints such as attendance.
It began as a non-profit e-learning portal, they are now a for-profit organization that offers courses that range from computer science to leadership and communications.
edX now has 120 institutions that offer high-quality online courses, so it’s continuously growing in popularity.
Why Choose edX?
Now that you know a bit more about what edX is, you might be wondering why you should take an edX course or get an edX certificate. Below are just a few of the reasons why users like edX:
- They’re great for individuals who are looking for affordable courses.
- You can gain knowledge to advance your career.
- You can gain skills that allow you to advance your career.
- You can learn at your own pace.
- edX offers verified certificates to add to your professional or academic portfolios.
If you’re looking for a more advanced online education course, edX might be perfect for you. It partnered with universities all over the world, schools and organizations to offer over 3,000 interactive online courses and over 300 programs.
However, don’t be fooled into thinking it’s an easy alternative to university. It’s a serious e-learning platform who’s courses are similar to university subjects, you’ll have to put plenty of time and effort into learning them if you want the best results possible.
How Does edX Work?
Experts and academics from UC Berkeley, The Smithsonian, MIT, Harvard, Microsoft and others will deliver the courses.
Everybody can access all the courses for free, you’ll just have to pay for the certificate if you want to put it on your resume or just show it off in general.
EdX doesn’t just offer courses, it also offers micro-credentials: MicroMasters, Micro degrees, Xseries, Professional Certificate and Executive Education. You can even get your Master’s degree online with edX!
edX Courses And Programs
edX offers a range of courses, for example, Architecture, Biology & Life Sciences, Business & Management, Chemistry, Computer Science, Design, Economics & Finance, Energy & Earth Sciences, Engineering, Environmental Studies, Food & Nutrition, History, Language, Law, Literature, Medicine, Music and Science, to name a few.
You don’t need any qualifications or skills to be able to undertake a course of your choice, but some are more advanced than others.
Before you undertake any of the courses, make sure to thoroughly read the course description, this will outline any knowledge you need prior to taking this course, it’ll also offer information about the course and what to expect.
Most edX courses will last 4-12 weeks and will require around 4-8 hours of weekly study time. Each course will also have a completion date on it, if you wish to get certification of completion, you must have a passing score by that date.
Each of the assignments, quizzes and exams in instructor-paced courses will have a set timetable and due dates, much like a university course.
You’ll receive the course materials at specific times and you must complete the course by a certain time frame. Though there is no timeframe for self-paced courses.
What Are The Costs Of edX’s Courses?
edX’s main aim is to deliver high quality teaching and learning to segments of the population who would otherwise be unable to attend classes. edX has many free courses on the platform, but even the ones that have a cost are still affordable and reasonably priced.
The pricing structure is based on the course category, so each course will depend on the category.
If you want to ‘Pursue the Verified track’ (pay for the courses), you can expect to pay around $50-300, which is significantly less than you’d end up paying for a full Master’s degree, which can cost anywhere from $10,000 to $25,000.
Best Features Of edX
Here are just a few of the diverse elements that this e-learning platform offers.
Weekly Learning Category
Each of the taught online courses is organized into distinct blocks. Weekly learning sequences will contain short videos, interactive learning tasks and other activities.
You can fully interact with the classmates and teaching assistants, and are free to ask questions.
Certifications
Some courses come with completion certificates, whilst some are credit eligible. It depends on the individual university.
MicroMasters
edX currently offers 59 MicroMasters courses as of 2022. These are graduate-level courses that will assist you in achieving your career goals by providing you with in-depth learning opportunities.
Most programs will take between 1 year and 1.5 years to finish, and cost between $700-$1400 on average.
edX Certificates
edX offers two types of certificates as an e-learning platform. The value of your edX certificate will depend on the course that you’re undertaking.
The validated certificate for a specific course is one of the types. Validated certificates cost money, the amount will depend on the course that you’re taking. You’ll obtain a verified certificate if you pass the class with the required grade.
The other type is a program certificate. When you receive a validated certificate for a course that’s in an XSeries, Professional Certificate or MicroMasters program, you’ll receive a program certificate.
Are Online Course Certificates Legit?
Final Thoughts
edX is definitely worth it if you wish to progress your knowledge, career and skills and don’t have the means to study at university. The certificates can help to progress your career and will help to grab the attention of potential employers.
It’s also good for experienced users wishing to progress their careers, as you can develop your knowledge and skills.
