As a general overview of the subject “Tips for choosing right Data Science Course: Paid or Free”, the free data science courses do not offer the additional benefits of taking paid courses.
The Covid-19 pandemic may have put a hold on your social plans, but your academic programs need not. Even traditionalists are considering taking an online course now that many edtech platforms have changed their subscription plans.
Is it worth paying for a course when there are so many free ones?
Because the advantages of signing up for each program are distinct, the answer could be yes. Free courses may give you an overview of a subject, but they do not come with the additional benefits of a paid version of the same course, as explained in this story. At the very least, it could serve as an impetus to pay for the proper course of action.
But what if you’re still not persuaded? Here are a few reasons why paying for a course is preferable to taking a free one:-
Study Materials of the Highest Standard
Though the quality of paid online services can fluctuate greatly, they are generally much better than those offered for no cost whatsoever. As a result, these courses are crafted by leading educational institutions, well-known experts in the field, and reputable publishers.
All classes are taught by highly qualified and knowledgeable instructors who can be relied upon to use appropriate academic material and to provide legitimate links, e-books, and videos for further learning.
In addition, paid course participants may have access to content that isn’t available to free course participants, and they may also be able to attend free online seminars. Lessons that offer at no cost to the student must contend with a smaller library of materials than paid courses.
On the other hand, Paid courses cover a wide range of topics in great depth, as opposed to the superficial knowledge provided by free courses. And to make learning a breeze, they’ve been organized into logical sections, each with its chapter and module headings.
Mentoring is effective.
No matter how specific or hazy your career objectives may be, having a mentor by your side can’t hurt. Even if your motivation for enrolling in the course is aligned with predetermined plans, it’s always a good idea to look at things from various angles.
Getting career advice from mentors in paid courses can be enlightening due to the diverse backgrounds and years of experience of those who serve as mentors.
Aside from streamlining your long-term career goals, they can also help you clear up confusion about more pressing issues. Doubt-solving sessions are integrated into most paid courses, and learners can take advantage of this rather than searching for answers ‘online’, where learners of free programs take refuge.
Support From Their Peers Is Exceptional
Paying for a course allows you to interact with instructors and fellow students and participate in discussion forums.
On the other hand, free platforms and courses don’t offer the same level of social support as paid ones. Even though many students prefer to study alone, the absence of a supportive network of peers may not be a barrier for these students. It’s also a good idea to be open to new ways of learning.
Assignments & Tests
In contrast to those offered for free, Paid courses include assessments after the lesson is complete. In some cases, even after specific modules have been completed. These tests allow students to put their newfound knowledge to use in real-world situations.
Moreover, some of the most popular and well-known online courses require students to take these tests to pass. And that brings us to our next chapter.
Certification Accepted Throughout the Industry
A formal certificate of completion from a free course would have been a great asset to your resume, even if the course material was of high quality. You can show prospective employers that you have completed the training.
In addition, some institutions are affiliated with multiple government agencies. These certifications are widely accepted in the industry, and some (paid) courses come with them.
Internships & Employment
Some paid courses also promise additional career assistance services, such as internships or jobs, in addition to high-quality education, industry mentorship, and peer support. In partnership with relevant institutions, some platforms begin the application process for internships or even job placements after completing the course.
