Latest news with #edX
Yahoo
28-05-2025
- General
- Yahoo
Fact Check: Clarifying claims surrounding Harvard's free Constitution course
Claim: Harvard University will offer a free online course for every U.S. citizen covering basic U.S. government, understanding the Constitution and "How to Recognize a Dictatorship Takeover 101." Rating: What's True: Harvard University offers a free online course called "American Government: Constitutional Foundations" via its edX program. The course is free not just to U.S. citizens but to anyone in the world. A new session was due to start on May 27, 2025, though the course has been around since at least 2018, according to the course instructor. What's False: While the course covers the basics of how the U.S. government and the Constitution work, there is no evidence of a section within in covering "How to Recognize a Dictatorship Takeover 101." Around May 24, 2025, a claim (archived) started circulating that Harvard University would offer a free online course for every U.S. citizen covering basic U.S. government, understanding the Constitution and "How to Recognize a Dictatorship Takeover 101." Harvard University set to launch FREE college courses online for every US Citizen. Highlighting basic U.S. government, understanding the Constitution, and How to recognize a Dictatorship takeover 101. Harvard University. — Brad (@BraddrofliT) May 24, 2025 A popular early version of the claim posted on X read: "Harvard University set to launch FREE college courses online for every US Citizen. Highlighting basic U.S. government, understanding the Constitution, and How to recognize a Dictatorship takeover 101. Harvard University." The claim also circulated on Facebook (archived), Threads (archived), Instagram (archived), Reddit (archived), Bluesky (archived) and TikTok (archived) with similar text. Snopes readers emailed to ask if the claim was true. Harvard does offer a free online course called "American Government: Constitutional Foundations." The course, according to Harvard University's website, "explores the origins of U.S. political culture, how that culture informed the Constitution, and how that framework continues to influence the country's politics and policies." Harvard delivers the course through edX, a platform that hosts free college-level courses from universities including Harvard. The courses are free not just for U.S. citizens but for people around the world. However, though a new session was due to start on May 27, Thomas E. Patterson, the course's instructor, said via email the course launched "pre-COVID," meaning before the COVID-19 pandemic of 2020. Harvard and Patterson last updated the course in 2024, he added. Sarah Kennedy-O'Reilly, assistant director at Harvard Public Affairs & Communications, said via email that edX launched in 2012. She added that: "These courses take roughly 12 – 18 months to build online so none have been created in response to recent events." Additionally, we found no evidence of a section within the course on "How to Recognize a Dictatorship Takeover 101." Therefore, we rate this claim mostly true. The claim circulated as Harvard University made headlines over its ongoing conflict with the Trump administration. Harvard twice filed lawsuits against the Trump administration — first in April and again in May 2025, after the administration sought to strip the university of its right to admit international students. In early May 2025, U.S. Secretary of Education Linda McMahon announced that Harvard would no longer receive federal grants, accusing the university of engaging in "a systemic pattern of violating federal law." Later that month, a federal judge temporarily blocked the administration's attempt to stop Harvard from enrolling international students. Harvard's lawsuit remained pending. According to Harvard University's website, "American Government: Constitutional Foundations" covered the origins of U.S. political culture, the Constitution's provisions for limited government, limits to popular influence, the division of power between the federal and state governments, the individual rights held by today's Americans, the 14th Amendment's equal protection clause, the 1964 Civil Rights Act and affirmative action. Patterson said the course was "not about a particular administration but rather constitutional design with contemporary and historical examples." American Government: Constitutional Foundations | Harvard University. 9 July 2018, BINKLEY, COLLIN. "Federal Judge Blocks Trump Administration from barring Foreign Student Enrollment at Harvard." AP News, 23 May 2025, Burga, Solcyré. "Breaking Down the Harvard vs. Trump Timeline." TIME, 6 May 2025, "Can Anyone Use edX?" edX Learner Help Center, Accessed 27 May 2025. EDSecMcMahon. "Dear @Harvard :" X, 5 May 2025, edX. "HarvardX: American Government: Constitutional Foundations." edX, 27 May 2025, Powell, Alvin. "Harvard Files Lawsuit against Trump Administration." Harvard Gazette, 22 Apr. 2025, ---. "University Sues Administration over Move to Bar International Students, Scholars." Harvard Gazette, 23 May 2025, Rose, Andy. "Attacks on Harvard by Trump Administration Have Built for Months. A Timeline of the Dispute." CNN, 26 Apr. 2025,
Yahoo
28-05-2025
- General
- Yahoo
Fact Check: Clarifying claims surrounding Harvard's free Constitution course
Claim: Harvard University will offer a free online course for every U.S. citizen covering basic U.S. government, understanding the Constitution and "How to Recognize a Dictatorship Takeover 101." Rating: What's True: Harvard University offers a free online course called "American Government: Constitutional Foundations" via its edX program. The course is free not just to U.S. citizens but to anyone in the world. A new session was due to start on May 27, 2025, though the course has been around since at least 2018, according to the course instructor. What's False: While the course covers the basics of how the U.S. government and the Constitution work, there is no evidence of a section within in covering "How to Recognize a Dictatorship Takeover 101." Around May 24, 2025, a claim (archived) started circulating that Harvard University would offer a free online course for every U.S. citizen covering basic U.S. government, understanding the Constitution and "How to Recognize a Dictatorship Takeover 101." A popular early version of the claim posted on X read: "Harvard University set to launch FREE college courses online for every US Citizen. Highlighting basic U.S. government, understanding the Constitution, and How to recognize a Dictatorship takeover 101. Harvard University." The claim also circulated on Facebook (archived), Threads (archived), Instagram (archived), Reddit (archived), Bluesky (archived) and TikTok (archived) with similar text. Snopes readers emailed to ask if the claim was true. Harvard does offer a free online course called "American Government: Constitutional Foundations." The course, according to Harvard University's website, "explores the origins of U.S. political culture, how that culture informed the Constitution, and how that framework continues to influence the country's politics and policies." Harvard delivers the course through edX, a platform that hosts free college-level courses from universities including Harvard. The courses are free not just for U.S. citizens but for people around the world. However, though a new session was due to start on May 27, Thomas E. Patterson, the course's instructor, said via email the course launched "pre-COVID," meaning before the COVID-19 pandemic of 2020. Harvard and Patterson last updated the course in 2024, he added. Sarah Kennedy-O'Reilly, assistant director at Harvard Public Affairs & Communications, said via email that edX launched in 2012. She added that: "These courses take roughly 12 – 18 months to build online so none have been created in response to recent events." Additionally, we found no evidence of a section within the course on "How to Recognize a Dictatorship Takeover 101." Therefore, we rate this claim mostly true. The claim circulated as Harvard University made headlines over its ongoing conflict with the Trump administration. Harvard twice filed lawsuits against the Trump administration — first in April and again in May 2025, after the administration sought to strip the university of its right to admit international students. In early May 2025, U.S. Secretary of Education Linda McMahon announced that Harvard would no longer receive federal grants, accusing the university of engaging in "a systemic pattern of violating federal law." Later that month, a federal judge temporarily blocked the administration's attempt to stop Harvard from enrolling international students. Harvard's lawsuit remained pending. According to Harvard University's website, "American Government: Constitutional Foundations" covered the origins of U.S. political culture, the Constitution's provisions for limited government, limits to popular influence, the division of power between the federal and state governments, the individual rights held by today's Americans, the 14th Amendment's equal protection clause, the 1964 Civil Rights Act and affirmative action. Patterson said the course was "not about a particular administration but rather constitutional design with contemporary and historical examples." American Government: Constitutional Foundations | Harvard University. 9 July 2018, BINKLEY, COLLIN. "Federal Judge Blocks Trump Administration from barring Foreign Student Enrollment at Harvard." AP News, 23 May 2025, Burga, Solcyré. "Breaking Down the Harvard vs. Trump Timeline." TIME, 6 May 2025, "Can Anyone Use edX?" edX Learner Help Center, Accessed 27 May 2025. EDSecMcMahon. "Dear @Harvard :" X, 5 May 2025, edX. "HarvardX: American Government: Constitutional Foundations." edX, 27 May 2025, Powell, Alvin. "Harvard Files Lawsuit against Trump Administration." Harvard Gazette, 22 Apr. 2025, ---. "University Sues Administration over Move to Bar International Students, Scholars." Harvard Gazette, 23 May 2025, Rose, Andy. "Attacks on Harvard by Trump Administration Have Built for Months. A Timeline of the Dispute." CNN, 26 Apr. 2025,
Independent Singapore
20-05-2025
- General
- Independent Singapore
8 soft skills that can make you rich — for life
When discussing wealth, what usually comes to mind is money, status, or material success. However, a few of life's most potent possessions can't be placed inside a bank account. These soft skills shape how we interrelate, lead, develop, and succeed. Whether one is a student, a budding artist, an emerging professional, or an entrepreneur pursuing an audacious idea, these abilities are an enduring investment. With relevant illustrations, common slipups to dodge, and first-rate learning resources, these 'tools' can benefit one's vocation, boost confidence, strengthen relationships, and impact the world. Emotional Intelligence: The Glue That Connects Us Why it matters : Emotional Intelligence (EQ) is our capacity to distinguish, grasp, and manage emotions—our own and others. It's the basis of durable relationships, unswerving trust, and never-ending teamwork. Where people stumble : Sidestepping tough discussions or countering thoughtlessly can wear away trust quicker than we think. How to build it : Read: Emotional Intelligence by Daniel Goleman Watch: Susan David's TED Talk, 'The Gift and Power of Emotional Courage' Learn: LinkedIn Learning's Emotional Intelligence at Work course Communication: More Than Words Why it matters : Effective communicators don't just express their thoughts and feelings well; they also connect. They listen enthusiastically, articulate concepts emphatically, and pay special attention to body language and attitude. Where people stumble : Intruding, using nonsensical or high-falutin words, or inability to detect non-verbal signals can produce detachment rather than connection. How to build it : Read: Crucial Conversations by Joseph Grenny & team Watch: Brené Brown's 'The Power of Vulnerability' Learn: Coursera's Effective Communication course Critical Thinking: Your Inner Compass Why it matters : In a world swamped with dogmatic views and half-truths, critical thinking assists in sifting the noise, asking intelligent questions, and making informed decisions and astute choices. Where people stumble : Carelessly making decisions or clinging to prejudices, as this clouds one's outlook. How to build it : Read: Thinking, Fast and Slow by Daniel Kahneman Watch: Helen Lee Bouygues' TED Talk, 'Critical Thinking for Better Judgment' Learn: edX's Critical Thinking Skills course Negotiation: Win-Win or Lose-Lose Why it matters : Negotiation is part of all of life's activities. Whether one is seeking a raise in salary, forming a partnership, compromising with a friend, or wanting to meet a spouse halfway, negotiation is present. Strong negotiators pursue a shared advantage, not just victory. Where people stumble : Being aggressive and adversarial, rushing the process, or making it personal can disrupt trust. How to build it : Read: Never Split the Difference by Chris Voss Watch: William Ury's 'The Walk from No to Yes' Learn: Coursera's Negotiation Skills course Adaptability: Your Edge in a Changing World Why it matters : Change is the only thing that doesn't change. Flexible people stay diplomatic and non-violent, are inquisitive, and focus on solutions when plans are drastically modified or challenges arise. Where people stumble : Accusing others or fighting change interrupts growth, and occasionally ruins it entirely. How to build it : Read: Who Moved My Cheese? by Spencer Johnson Watch: Guy Kawasaki's 'The Art of Innovation' Learn: Udemy's Adaptability and Resilience course Leadership: Influence Starts with Integrity Why it matters : Leadership is never about titles—it's about compelling acts, compassion, responsiveness, and accountability. The finest leaders encourage and lead by example. Where people stumble : Nitpicking, imposing controls, evading tough decisions, or playing favorites diminishes trust and drive. How to build it : Read: Leaders Eat Last by Simon Sinek Watch: Sinek's TED Talk, 'How Great Leaders Inspire Action' Learn: Harvard Online's Leadership Principles course Time Management: Mastering the Clock Why it matters : Time is the most limited resource. Those who manage their time well get more things done with less anxiety, more purpose, and with more meaning. Where people stumble : Stalling, postponements, deliberate delays, too much multitasking, or poor planning result in exhaustion and pressure. See also Wendy Jacobs and 200 others become Singaporean citizens How to build it : Read: Getting Things Done by David Allen Watch: Laura Vanderkam's 'How to Gain Control of Your Free Time' Learn: LinkedIn Learning's Time Management Mastery course Creativity: Your Superpower for Solving the Unsolvable Why it matters : Creativity pushes invention, problem-solving, and advancement in every turf, not just the arts. It's about changing direction, shifting courses when necessary, doing what's doable, and making the impossible possible. Where people stumble : Dread of failure or sticking to obsolete systems and approaches can stifle one's imaginative trigger. How to build it : Read: Creative Confidence by Tom & David Kelley Watch: Ken Robinson's 'Do Schools Kill Creativity?' Learn: Coursera's Creative Problem Solving course Invest where it counts Diplomas and degrees, titles, certificates, and technical abilities open doors, but soft skills are what will keep these doors open forever. They don't just boost one's CV; they provide the 'buzz' of how you become in life. And like any valued asset, they develop and grow with reliable attention, effort, and determination. So, wherever you are on your journey, always remember — the cleverest investment you can make is investing in yourself.
Indian Express
29-04-2025
- Business
- Indian Express
6 free AI courses from Google, Harvard, and IBM to future-proof your career
The world is evolving rapidly, and stagnancy is not an option. Artificial intelligence (AI) is briskly reshaping industries. It is not only setting new standards for innovation; it is virtually changing careers. If you are a student or working professional, or if you are simply curious about what's happening around you, knowing the basics of AI is the best way to stay abreast of the changing world. Since the launch of OpenAI's ChatGPT in 2022, each day presents a new use case of the disruptive technology, amplifying fears of job displacement. In times like these, upskilling is no longer a luxury but a necessity. As of today, companies around the world are looking for individuals who can not only understand AI but also apply their knowledge and even collaborate with AI tools to solve problems and drive growth. Learning AI skills is, in a way, future-proofing one's career, as it is likely to present new opportunities. From healthcare to finance, education, and entertainment, AI is making rapid strides in every sector. For those equipped with AI skills, the time is right to take advantage. However, if you are thinking of upskilling, you are also getting apprehensive about the cost. The good news is that you need not break the bank to get started. Numerous renowned institutions and tech companies are offering top-quality AI courses for free. Be it a deep dive on machine learning, knowing the ethics of AI, or just a hands-on introduction, there is a wide range of free courses to pick from. In this article, we have listed some of the best AI courses that may help you level up at zero charge. Google: Google AI for Anyone In case you are new to all the AI cacophony, this is the perfect starting point for you. The search giant is offering a beginner's course for anyone who wants to learn how AI is applied to real-world situations. The course is being offered through the online education platform edX and is a self-paced course, meaning one can finish it at their own pace. The course takes about four weeks to complete if the learner dedicates two to three hours a week. According to the platform, as the name suggests, one need not be well-versed in computer science or mathematics or have any background in AI. No programming knowledge is required either. The course will have Laurence Moroney, lead AI advocate at Google, as the instructor. Students will get to learn what AI is, how it fits with ML and deep learning, the significance of data, applications of AI, etc. AI for Everyone by Andrew Ng This is yet another foundational course that has been designed to help learners understand AI. The course comprises four modules and offers a flexible schedule. It is being offered by Coursera and has a 4.8 rating, with 98 per cent of learners reporting that they liked the course. Moreover, learners will also get a shareable certificate that they can add to their LinkedIn profiles. In terms of the modules, students will get to learn what AI is, build AI projects, build AI for companies, and learn about AI and society. The course is instructed by Andrew Ng, a renowned British-American computer scientist and technology entrepreneur. He was a co-founder and head of Google Brain, and has also served as the chief AI scientist at Chinese tech giant Baidu. Introduction to Artificial Intelligence (AI) by IBM This course being offered by IBM through Coursera is a great way to enhance one's career. The beginners' level course is flexible and can be completed at one's convenience. It has four modules, namely, introduction and applications of AI; AI concepts, terminology, and application domains; business and career transformation through AI; and issues, concerns, and ethical considerations. Students taking this course will get to learn new concepts from industry experts and gain foundational understanding of a subject or a tool. Moreover, they will also be able to develop job-relevant skills with hands-on projects. Most importantly, learners will earn shareable career certificates. Introduction to Artificial Intelligence with Python by Harvard University This is among the most popular free online courses being offered by Harvard University. One of the prerequisites to access this course is that the learner should have taken Harvard University's CS50 Introduction to Computer Science course via the edX platform. This is a seven-week course that will touch upon AI algorithms, machine translation, handwriting recognition, game-playing engines, etc. Learners are required to commit around 10 to 30 hours per week to complete the course. The module includes hands-on projects and lectures by David J. Malan, Gordon McKay Professor of the Practice of Computer Science at Harvard University, and Brian Yu, Senior Preceptor in Computer Science at Harvard University. Even though this course requires CS50 and prior programming experience in Python, it is among one of the best programmes to pursue if one desires to upgrade their career. Generative AI at SAP This course by software giant SAP focuses on how generative AI is redefining businesses within SAP's ecosystem. The course explains some foundational concepts such as large language models along with showcasing real-world applications. This course has been tailored to suit business professionals and offers an in-depth understanding of how to use AI for innovations within organisations. The online course covers different approaches to AI and shows different use cases. It allows students to identify fundamental uses and business benefits of AI. The course is free and is self-paced; however, it does not offer a badge or certificate. Introduction to Generative AI by Google Cloud This is a micro-learning course offering the fundamentals of generative AI in just 45 minutes. It explains what generative AI is, how it operates, and what makes it different from traditional approaches to machine learning. It is ideal for creative professionals and tech enthusiasts who want to explore the role of AI in content creation and automation. As part of the programme, learners will get to explore various generative AI model types and their practical applications. Moreover, students will also get introduced to various Google tools that are instrumental in the development of generative AI tools. Upon completion, one will get a digital badge that can be shared across their social networks. While these are just a handful of courses, there are many more, and we will keep updating you about the same. It is important to understand that in order to stay relevant, one needs to adapt, learn and grow with AI.
Business Insider
25-04-2025
- Automotive
- Business Insider
I became a director at Ford after pivoting careers in the last recession. Here are 3 ways to recession-proof your job.
This as-told-to story is based on a conversation with Mike Crabtree, the Director of Data Engineering at Ford. The following has been edited for length and clarity. In 2008, I had just received my associate's degree in industrial mechanics and electronics engineering. Then, the recession flooded the labor market. In a crowded field, my degree and resume — mostly retail experience — didn't stand out as much to employers. As I pursued a bachelor's in business and computer information systems, I knew I needed to differentiate myself more. I started taking paid online courses from platforms like Coursera, edX, and Udacity, earning certifications in everything from business analytics to leadership skills that I shared on my LinkedIn. While I didn't major in data science, I took supplemental online classes that helped me stand out and pivot into the field. Ford reached out months after I graduated in 2016. The company hired me as a data scientist that November, a role I stayed in for five years before becoming the manager of a data engineering team. After leaving Ford to work for a data-specific organization, I returned in 2023 and eventually became the director of data engineering. These days, the job market is a little tougher to break into, let alone stay in. Some people are looking to recession-proof their jobs amid concerns of AI disruption and economic uncertainty. My experience taught me that the key is to keep learning. By choosing challenging online courses, I tapped into skills I never used before, from technical ones like programming to soft skills that helped me grow as a manager. Taking classes in everything from entrepreneurship to self-driving car engineering also signaled to managers that I was proactive and willing to learn — qualities that are important for feeling secure at a job or getting a promotion. Here are three ways to recession-proof your job as much as you can — or land a more stable one. Find your gaps To feel like you're in good standing at your job or that you're prepared for upcoming interviews, you need to be as well-rounded as possible. If you're incredibly self-aware, you might already know your skill gaps. Personally, I didn't learn mine until I started challenging myself with online courses. Because statistics and the scientific method are foundational in data science, I took a statistics course. I got stumped on probability and had to improve my understanding before I could move forward. Later, I took a machine learning class and realized that linear algebra wasn't my strong suit. In addition to learning the needed technical skills from those courses, I also learned how to spot my weaknesses — and take action to fix them by studying more. This can apply to all fields. You might be a manager, for example, and need more leadership training. If your job doesn't directly offer many opportunities to push yourself outside your comfort zone, courses can help you quickly spot what you struggle with. Grow your problem-solving skills Being able to think critically, solve problems, and lean into your intuition makes you a more valued team member. The good news is you don't need to stuff your brain with as many facts or programming techniques as you think. It's more important to be able to assess direction, build business acumen, and make confident decisions. You might know how to build a linear model as well as AI does. But when you can just look that up, what matters more is realizing that a linear model isn't the best solution to a problem in the first place. One way I beefed up my critical thinking skills was by taking a course in quantum computing taught by IBM, which heavily involved physics — something I wasn't an expert in at all. It taught me to think quickly and wrap my head around a lot of conceptual topics. I went in thinking I was learning one skill, but I left learning four. Be communicative Forming strong workplace relationships is important, especially in a tough job climate. After I worked at Ford as a data scientist, I left for a managerial role at a data company. When I exited that job, some old coworkers at Ford started reaching out the moment they knew I was back on the market. Throughout my career, I've seen many brilliant technical professionals struggle to move up — not because they're mean or ornery, but because they're super quiet and keep their heads down. Because they weren't assertive enough, people didn't know much about them. In my own career, I've taken public speaking courses to improve my communication and confidence. Beyond simply speaking up, it's also crucial to be able to share your suggestions in a clear and approachable way. This is especially true if your job is highly technical. You can be the smartest person in the room, but if no one knows your name or understands your ideas, it doesn't really matter. Bridging that gap by building up your soft skills is the best way to set yourself up for success.
