Coursera Alternative: 365 Data Science vs Coursera
Why 365 Data Science Brings More Value to Beginner Data Science Students Course Content, Features, Pricing
Are you searching for a Coursera alternative? Coursera is one of the world’s leading e-learning platforms, with over 92 million students and 7,000+ courses. While Coursera does have a more extensive global reach and a significantly larger library of online courses, novice data scientists may find the more personalized and focused approach of 365 Data Science to suit their learning needs best.
Here is how the value proposition of the 365 Data Science program differs from Coursera’s.
Here is how the value proposition of the 365 Data Science program differs from Coursera’s.
The Course Content: 365 Data Science vs Coursera
365 Data Science is particularly suitable for beginner and intermediate students. Its course curriculum is designed systematically and structured to allow you to build a solid foundation and understand more complicated topics later.
Premium
$15.37 per month
Billed annually- Online On-demand Video
- Gamifield platform
- Comprehensive Portfolio
- Free plan
- Step-by-step Curriculum
- Real environment practice
- Personalized learning dashboard
- Career tracks
- Exams
Plus
$33.25 per month
Billed annually- Online On-demand Video
- Gamifield platform
- Comprehensive Portfolio
- Free plan
- Step-by-step Curriculum
- Real environment practice
- Personalized learning dashboard
- Career tracks
- Exams
The Course Content: 365 Data Science vs Coursera
365 Data Science
365 Data Science offers three career tracks: Data Scientist, Data Analyst, and Business Analyst. Each track starts with Intro to Data and Data Science – a course that comprehensively describes Business Intelligence (BI) and Data Science. All the Career Tracks teach fundamental and essential statistical concepts required for data analysis. In contrast, the Data Science career track further expands on those skills with advanced probability concepts necessary for you to think like a data scientist.
What makes 365 Data Science particularly suitable for novice users is that each course is a natural continuation of the previous ones and considers the skill level already reached. You won’t need to repeat the same explanations because the course authors were unsure whether a given concept had been taught in previous courses. The program features world-class instructors who have gained working experience with such firms as (among others) Meta, Google, Spotify, Ikea, and Henkel.
What makes 365 Data Science particularly suitable for novice users is that each course is a natural continuation of the previous ones and considers the skill level already reached. You won’t need to repeat the same explanations because the course authors were unsure whether a given concept had been taught in previous courses. The program features world-class instructors who have gained working experience with such firms as (among others) Meta, Google, Spotify, Ikea, and Henkel.
Coursera
The Coursera library offers a colossal variety of over 7,000+ courses in (among others) Science, Business, Programming, Health, Personal Development, and Language Learning—most of which are taught by top universities and organizations. With over 2,500+ options for learning data science, Coursera can be overwhelming for a novice data scientist who doesn’t understand the logical progression of their career path.
Most Coursera data science courses follow one of two tracks, including 1) Specialization, a series of related Coursera data science specialization courses that help you master a specific topic, and 2) a Professional Certificate that enables you to become job-ready in a particular field.
Each track consists of four to six courses. And if you have concrete career goals, Coursera provides an excellent way to earn credentials recognized by the company you’re interested in.
Most Coursera data science courses follow one of two tracks, including 1) Specialization, a series of related Coursera data science specialization courses that help you master a specific topic, and 2) a Professional Certificate that enables you to become job-ready in a particular field.
Each track consists of four to six courses. And if you have concrete career goals, Coursera provides an excellent way to earn credentials recognized by the company you’re interested in.
365 Data Science and Coursera cover all the essential software tools (Python, SQL, R, Excel, Power BI, and Tableau) that aspiring data scientists, data analysts, and business analysts need to know to become data professionals.
Key Features: 365 Data Science vs Coursera
Learning Platform
365 Data Science recognizes the challenges students face when learning data science online. So, to address any apprehension, we incorporated game design features that make the whole experience fun and engaging.
All aspects of the 365 platform are designed to support and motivate students to build positive learning habits, which are rewarded with various benefits. In addition to the standard dashboard—where you set goals and track your progress—it also offers an XP system, leaderboard, news feed, collectible cards, and much more.
The Coursera platform, on the other hand, doesn’t offer gamified elements and lacks the features to engage and encourage students to study daily. But it does allow you to track your progress for each course and set weekly learning goals.
All aspects of the 365 platform are designed to support and motivate students to build positive learning habits, which are rewarded with various benefits. In addition to the standard dashboard—where you set goals and track your progress—it also offers an XP system, leaderboard, news feed, collectible cards, and much more.
The Coursera platform, on the other hand, doesn’t offer gamified elements and lacks the features to engage and encourage students to study daily. But it does allow you to track your progress for each course and set weekly learning goals.
Learning materials
365 Data Science and Coursera combine comprehensive video lessons taught by industry-recognized professionals with downloadable resources to supplement your learning.
Coursera allows you to download the video lectures as mp4 files, accessible offline at any time. Perhaps one of their strongest points is the downloadable video transcripts, which would enable you to follow along with the lecture in text format, add notes to crucial info, and skip to sections corresponding to the text. Some transcripts even have translated versions in various languages for non-English speakers.
365 Data Science, on the other hand, offers downloadable pdf course notes that summarize the information from the course for those who prefer reading. Most course notes are theory-based, with a few exceptions, including the code-heavy Intro to Python and Python for Finance. You can also download code-ready templates in Python, SQL, Excel, and R, which can help accelerate your workflow.
Another advantage of having all these resources is that you can store them on your local drive and access them offline, even after canceling your subscription.
Coursera allows you to download the video lectures as mp4 files, accessible offline at any time. Perhaps one of their strongest points is the downloadable video transcripts, which would enable you to follow along with the lecture in text format, add notes to crucial info, and skip to sections corresponding to the text. Some transcripts even have translated versions in various languages for non-English speakers.
365 Data Science, on the other hand, offers downloadable pdf course notes that summarize the information from the course for those who prefer reading. Most course notes are theory-based, with a few exceptions, including the code-heavy Intro to Python and Python for Finance. You can also download code-ready templates in Python, SQL, Excel, and R, which can help accelerate your workflow.
Another advantage of having all these resources is that you can store them on your local drive and access them offline, even after canceling your subscription.
Real Environment Practice
Coursera’s in-browsing coding function, Coursera Labs, allows students to transition from video content to coding projects seamlessly. And it connects students to environments like Jupyter Notebook.
There is, however, a significant downside to Coursera’s in-browsing coding function. Whether you need to solve a programming task as part of а job interview or have just landed a job as a data professional, more than likely, no employer will ever ask you to code in the browser.
Although convenient for the course, in-browsing coding does not apply to a real work setting. Even in a technical interview, applicants typically need to set up their working environment before beginning a task.
365 Data Science, on the other hand, walks you through the entire process step by step—including how to load Python, R, Tableau, or SQL before starting a coding assignment. This gives you a tremendous competitive advantage in the data science job market.
Moreover, this approach teaches you how to solve problems in a real-world environment where coding in the browser isn’t powerful enough (e.g., with vast datasets), and you cannot ask the browser for a tip
There is, however, a significant downside to Coursera’s in-browsing coding function. Whether you need to solve a programming task as part of а job interview or have just landed a job as a data professional, more than likely, no employer will ever ask you to code in the browser.
Although convenient for the course, in-browsing coding does not apply to a real work setting. Even in a technical interview, applicants typically need to set up their working environment before beginning a task.
365 Data Science, on the other hand, walks you through the entire process step by step—including how to load Python, R, Tableau, or SQL before starting a coding assignment. This gives you a tremendous competitive advantage in the data science job market.
Moreover, this approach teaches you how to solve problems in a real-world environment where coding in the browser isn’t powerful enough (e.g., with vast datasets), and you cannot ask the browser for a tip
Practical case studies
365 Data Science and Coursera put a strong emphasis on case studies.
But the difference between the two is that Coursera’s Practical Case Studies are in the form of Guided Projects—allowing students to work with hands-on tasks in a cloud desktop environment following a step-by-step approach.
Conversely, 365 Data Science highlights the business application of data science in its exercises and case studies. You can find the following courses in its lineup.
But the difference between the two is that Coursera’s Practical Case Studies are in the form of Guided Projects—allowing students to work with hands-on tasks in a cloud desktop environment following a step-by-step approach.
Conversely, 365 Data Science highlights the business application of data science in its exercises and case studies. You can find the following courses in its lineup.
- Credit Risk Modeling in Python
- Customer Analytics in Python
- Time Series Analysis in Python
- Fashion Analytics with Tableau
- Product Management for AI and Data Science
- AI Applications for Business Success
- Python for Finance
- Web Scraping and API Fundamentals in Python
Exams
Exams are an excellent way to evaluate your theoretical knowledge and practical skills gained throughout the course. More importantly, passed examinations indicate a level of competence to potential employers.
365 Data Science provides the opportunity to test the skills you’ve acquired with three types of (timed) online exams: Practice, Course, and Career Track Exams.
Practice Exams are optional. They aim to help you gain confidence in your skills, show you areas you need to work on and prepare you for your course exams and final career track exam.
Course Exams test all the skills and knowledge you’ve gained at the end of each course.
Career Track Exams are accessible to students who have successfully passed the nine required course exams in their chosen career track, including seven mandatory exams and two electives.
Coursera offers optional Practice Quizzes that prepare you for the Module Quizzes and Module Coding Questions. You need 70% on all mandatory assessment elements to obtain a certificate, including peer-review assignments—which can cause unexpected issues. We’ll explain why in the following section.
365 Data Science provides the opportunity to test the skills you’ve acquired with three types of (timed) online exams: Practice, Course, and Career Track Exams.
Practice Exams are optional. They aim to help you gain confidence in your skills, show you areas you need to work on and prepare you for your course exams and final career track exam.
Course Exams test all the skills and knowledge you’ve gained at the end of each course.
Career Track Exams are accessible to students who have successfully passed the nine required course exams in their chosen career track, including seven mandatory exams and two electives.
Coursera offers optional Practice Quizzes that prepare you for the Module Quizzes and Module Coding Questions. You need 70% on all mandatory assessment elements to obtain a certificate, including peer-review assignments—which can cause unexpected issues. We’ll explain why in the following section.
Certificates Of Achievement vs Certificates of Completion
The data science industry places high value on degrees, credentials, and professional certificates—especially when an exam is required. The certificates are arguably the most significant value propositions any online learning platform can offer. Certificates not only confirm subject matter expertise but signal to employers the candidate’s willingness to work hard and achieve the goals they have set for themselves.
365 Data Science and Coursera offer industry-recognized certificates that significantly improve your chances of landing a data science job. But the way you acquire them is different.
365 Data Science grants two types of certificates: Course Certificates and Career Track. (We explained above how you could obtain them.) You can get a physical copy or an online certificate that you can share on LinkedIn or elsewhere.
Coursera also offers data science certifications for passing a single course, course specialization, or professional program, which you can share with future employers. To obtain them, you must pass all module quizzes, hands-on projects, and peer-graded assignments with a minimum score of 70%
While Coursera’s methods to acquire such certificates are comprehensive, the peer-graded assignments require students to check each other’s work. And when introducing the deadline system to the equation, not only is it possible to get a lower grade based on an unprofessional, biased opinion, but you’re relying on others’ ability to meet deadlines. Although Coursera offers some workarounds, it’s still a hefty, lengthy process.
It’s noteworthy that Coursera certificates do not display your final accumulated grade, which can be a minus for employers who want to know your exact level of skills.
(Neither 365 Data Science nor Coursera charges additional fees for online certificates.)
365 Data Science and Coursera offer industry-recognized certificates that significantly improve your chances of landing a data science job. But the way you acquire them is different.
365 Data Science grants two types of certificates: Course Certificates and Career Track. (We explained above how you could obtain them.) You can get a physical copy or an online certificate that you can share on LinkedIn or elsewhere.
Coursera also offers data science certifications for passing a single course, course specialization, or professional program, which you can share with future employers. To obtain them, you must pass all module quizzes, hands-on projects, and peer-graded assignments with a minimum score of 70%
While Coursera’s methods to acquire such certificates are comprehensive, the peer-graded assignments require students to check each other’s work. And when introducing the deadline system to the equation, not only is it possible to get a lower grade based on an unprofessional, biased opinion, but you’re relying on others’ ability to meet deadlines. Although Coursera offers some workarounds, it’s still a hefty, lengthy process.
It’s noteworthy that Coursera certificates do not display your final accumulated grade, which can be a minus for employers who want to know your exact level of skills.
(Neither 365 Data Science nor Coursera charges additional fees for online certificates.)
Q&A Support
365 Data Science provides best-in-class personalized customer support. All 365 Data Science instructors are involved in Q&A, answering specific questions—critical for beginners and a great workaround when you’re stuck and need expert tutoring.
Coursera does offer Q&A support in the form of discussion forums, where students can receive peer help only. Unfortunately, Coursera students often struggle to find specialized support and solutions to their issues.
Coursera does offer Q&A support in the form of discussion forums, where students can receive peer help only. Unfortunately, Coursera students often struggle to find specialized support and solutions to their issues.
Student Ratings
Both platforms are well-regarded by students, but 365 has many more reviews.
As of 2022, Coursera has a 4.5/5 rating on G2’s tech marketplace based on 267 reviews and a surprising 1.7 start on Trustpilot based on 321 user opinions.
Many negative reviews come from those who have had difficulty canceling their subscriptions or had bad experiences with customer support.
With an impressive 667 reviews, 365 Data Science boasts 4.9/5 stars on Trustpilot. And only four students left reviews on G2, resulting in a 4.8 rating.
As of 2022, Coursera has a 4.5/5 rating on G2’s tech marketplace based on 267 reviews and a surprising 1.7 start on Trustpilot based on 321 user opinions.
Many negative reviews come from those who have had difficulty canceling their subscriptions or had bad experiences with customer support.
With an impressive 667 reviews, 365 Data Science boasts 4.9/5 stars on Trustpilot. And only four students left reviews on G2, resulting in a 4.8 rating.
Pros and Cons
Coursera
Pros:
- Vast library
- Guided Projects
- Accredited courses taught by top universities and organizations
Cons:
- A bit expensive
- Deadline system
- Peer-to-Peer Graded Assignments
- No Marking System on Certificates
365 Data Science
Pros:
- Structured Career Tracks
- Real environment practice and use cases
- Lessons from world-class instructors
- Recognized Certificates of Achievement
Cons
- Fewer Practical Case Studies
- No Guided Project
Pricing
Coursera pricing
- Free subscription: 7-day free trial access to a specialization
- Premium: $47–$77/month for a single specialization
- Team: $399 billed annually for a single user
Coursera Plus Pricing
- Free subscription: 7-day free trial access to a specialization
- Premium: $55/month for complete access to 7000+ courses
- Annual: $375/year; 14-day money-back guarantee
365 Data Science Pricing
- Free subscription: access to the first 40 minutes of all courses
- Premium: $36/month or $29/month billed annually
- Business: starts at $696/year for two users; the first 14 days are free
365 Data Science vs Coursera : Which One to Choose?
Ultimately, the choice between 365 Data Science and Coursera comes down to your learning needs.
Coursera has an overwhelming quantity of courses. It relies on hands-on projects and job-ready skills taught by top universities and organizations. Unless you have specific career goals, the Coursera curriculum can be overwhelming and confusing with its sheer number of courses.
365 Data Science is a much more beginner-friendly digital learning platform that encourages student engagement via gamified features and a vibrant community of supportive peers and instructors. It offers a self-paced and structured learning experience. While it has fewer courses than Coursera, 365’s curricula are comprehensive and well-organized. And with affordable pricing and frequent discounts, you pay next to nothing for top-notch content. The program helps you build your data science skillset from the ground up to become a sought-after professional.
If you have little to no experience in data science, 365 Data Science can help you land your dream job.
Coursera has an overwhelming quantity of courses. It relies on hands-on projects and job-ready skills taught by top universities and organizations. Unless you have specific career goals, the Coursera curriculum can be overwhelming and confusing with its sheer number of courses.
365 Data Science is a much more beginner-friendly digital learning platform that encourages student engagement via gamified features and a vibrant community of supportive peers and instructors. It offers a self-paced and structured learning experience. While it has fewer courses than Coursera, 365’s curricula are comprehensive and well-organized. And with affordable pricing and frequent discounts, you pay next to nothing for top-notch content. The program helps you build your data science skillset from the ground up to become a sought-after professional.
If you have little to no experience in data science, 365 Data Science can help you land your dream job.
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