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If you are interested in learning the fundamentals of Information Technology for free, then check out Introduction to Cybersecurity Foundations, Cybersecurity For Everyone, TCP/IP, Information Systems Audit, and Cyber Conflicts. These courses are the perfect way for any beginner to gain a solid foundation in Information Technology.
For anyone looking to get started in the world of Information Technology, there are a variety of courses available. courses such as Computer Hardware and Software, Introduction to Cyber Attacks, Technical Support Fundamentals, AWS Cloud Practitioner Essentials and Introduction to Technical Support are all great introductory courses to get you up and running in the IT arena.
If you want to stay ahead of the curve, the Foundations of Information Systems for Business and the CCNA Introduction to Networks with Cisco Devices courses on Coursera can help you gain advanced knowledge in the world of information technology. For those interested in cyber security, the Cyber Conflicts course is a great resource to learn how to detect and prevent security threats.
Information technology, commonly referred to as IT, is the use of electronic systems for sending, storing, processing, and retrieving data. IT is often considered to be synonymous with computer technology, software, and networks, but it also encompasses telephony technologies like smartphones.
There’s no question that IT has absolutely transformed our daily lives as well as the way we do business, and IT departments often play a central role in the overall enterprise operations of most companies. IT professionals are responsible for making sure all employees have the information access they need and the ability to use and share it securely.
Yes. Online resources are available to learn a wide range of relevant IT skills on a flexible schedule from anywhere in the world, typically, at a much lower cost than an on-campus degree program or bootcamp intensives. In fact, many professionals in this fast-growing field started their careers with a self-taught education!
Learners interested in a career in IT today have access to a wealth of free options, including research libraries, video tutorials, in-browser coding projects, and non-credit courses. If you decide to pursue an IT education more seriously, Coursera offers free courses as well as for-credit and certificate courses and Specializations at a much lower cost than on-campus alternatives.
IT expertise is always in demand, as these skilled professionals are part of the backbone of almost any successful business these days. The Bureau of Labor Statistics projects that employment for computer and information technology occupations will grow 12% from 2018 to 2028, much faster than the average for other jobs.
That category encompasses a wide range of different roles, as you would expect for such an important area of business operations. Back office professionals responsible for making everyday IT systems are built properly and operate smoothly include IT project managers, computer network architects, database administrators, network administrators. IT security specialists and information security analysts are responsible for creating and maintaining systems to protect the data of both companies and their customers. And IT help desk technicians and other computer support specialists are critical employees to manage relationships with customers.
Read this article about entry-level IT positions to consider as you begin your job search.
Coursera offers Professional Certificates, MasterTrack certificates, Specializations, Guided Projects and courses in information technology from top universities like University of Maryland and University of Virginia, and companies like Google, Google Cloud, IBM, and Cisco. Popular topics include technical support fundamentals, network protocols and architecture, cybersecurity, database management, and cloud computing.
You can also learn about information technology in the context of computer science bachelors and masters degrees from top-ranked colleges like University of Illinois, Imperial College London, and Arizona State University.
Typically, an IT certification refers to a qualification you receive that shows your competency in a specific field of information technology (IT). To get a certification, you generally must pass an exam that tests your capabilities in the field. Read this article about 10 Essential IT Certifications.
To learn information technology is to have a deep interest in how technology facilitates communication across computers, across networks, and throughout the internet cloud. Having a work background and interest in information technology may also help you to learn it more clearly, so you can understand the part it plays in how computer systems are presented. If you are new to information technology, you might try to acquire the skills and experience of information architects, software systems engineers, and others in similar IT roles.
The kind of people best suited for roles in information technology love technology, understand data, enjoy learning, is a team player, and can talk in both techie and non-techie language to get their points across. These people are generally graduates in computer science studies. Some of the roles included in this category are systems analysts, IT technicians, network engineers, and cloud support services managers. Most people who are in IT roles know the history of computers, in fact, many of them grew up in the information technology era. IT companies often seek these types of people to work in jobs involving computers, data, systems, storage and warehousing, and cloud networking.
Learning information technology may be right for you if you are passionate about the higher purpose of information technology and are seeking to know more about big data, storage and warehousing, and cloud network capabilities. Having an interest in these popular fundamental technologies in modern business is likely a good barometer of whether or not you’ll end up pursuing a career in information technology. At the start, however, taking courses in computer science, and gaining experience in working with tech and software products, may likely help you decide if learning information technology is right for you.
The types of places that hire people with a background in information technology include technology companies like cloud network providers and software services consultancies, banks and other financial institutions, and retail companies. Skilled workers in information technology are often in demand in many sectors, as there is still a great need for talent that understands the benefits that information technology can bring to an organization.
Online Information Technology courses offer a convenient and flexible way to enhance your knowledge or learn new Information Technology skills. Choose from a wide range of Information Technology courses offered by top universities and industry leaders tailored to various skill levels.
When looking to enhance your workforce's skills in Information Technology, it's crucial to select a course that aligns with their current abilities and learning objectives. Our Skills Dashboard is an invaluable tool for identifying skill gaps and choosing the most appropriate course for effective upskilling. For a comprehensive understanding of how our courses can benefit your employees, explore the enterprise solutions we offer. Discover more about our tailored programs at Coursera for Business here.
Learning program | Description |
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Guided Project | Learn a job-relevant skill that you can use today in under 2 hours through an interactive experience guided by a subject matter expert. Access everything you need right in your browser and complete your project confidently with step-by-step instructions. |
Project | Learn a new tool or skill in an interactive, hands-on environment. |
Course | Take courses from the world's best instructors and universities. Courses include recorded auto-graded and peer-reviewed assignments, video lectures, and community discussion forums. When you complete a course, you’ll be eligible to receive a shareable electronic Course Certificate for a small fee. |
Specialization | Enroll in a Specialization to master a specific career skill. You’ll complete a series of rigorous courses, tackle hands-on projects, and earn a Specialization Certificate to share with your professional network and potential employers. |
Professional Certificate | Whether you’re looking to start a new career or change your current one, Professional Certificates on Coursera help you become job ready. Learn at your own pace from top companies and universities, apply your new skills to hands-on projects that showcase your expertise to potential employers, and earn a career credential to kickstart your new career. |
MasterTrack® Certificate | With MasterTrack® Certificates, portions of Master’s programs have been split into online modules, so you can earn a high quality university-issued career credential at a breakthrough price in a flexible, interactive format. Benefit from a deeply engaging learning experience with real-world projects and live, expert instruction. If you are accepted to the full Master's program, your MasterTrack coursework counts towards your degree. |
Degree | Transform your resume with a degree from a top university for a breakthrough price. Our modular degree learning experience gives you the ability to study online anytime and earn credit as you complete your course assignments. You'll receive the same credential as students who attend class on campus. Coursera degrees cost much less than comparable on-campus programs. |
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