The Ultimate Checklist for Choosing the Right Computer Science Course for your Team

There is no doubt that tomorrow’s skills are emerging and reportedly, a study has found that 39 per cent of employees agree that today’s skills are evolving, particularly in new skills including: virtual team collaboration; artificial intelligence, cloud services, ability to interact with smart robots and digital dexterity of all kinds. (Source: Gartner 2019)

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This calls for action for HR leaders and executive decision makers to build skills in preparation for today and tomorrow for the success of their workforce. Upskilling and reskilling team members have vast benefits to the overall organisation with a number of positive outcomes including: 

• Positive workforce engagement
• Better and more inclusive employer training opportunities
• Stronger collaboration and,
• Creation of new training.

In the majority of business sectors, companies state that skills gaps are the prime reason there are barriers to adopting new technologies that would increase productively (Source: World Economic Forum, 2021). With all reasons pointing to the dire need to reskill and upskill for the new world of work, you may be wondering: Where do we start? How to find the right course for my team? What are the key areas to look out for?

In this article, we will explore how you can select the right course for your team, with our checklist: 

#1 How relevant are the materials in the course?

Firstly, before browsing for the right course for your team, it is important as the decision maker for your company to decipher what the the knowledge or skills gap to bridge currently and within the next couple of years. This can begin in-house with performance reviews and see where the opportunities lie internally.

From here, you will be able to uncover the most pressing skills needed for your employees. Therefore, relevance is a key criteria when searching for the right course for your team, to connect your employees to any shortfall of skills. A great way to find out whether the materials will match your team’s needs will be reviewing the learning outcomes and course syllabus.

Key Takeaways:

• Regularly communicate with your team to see where the opportunities lie in upskilling and/or reskilling.
• Ensure course materials are highly relevant and comprehensive to meet the needs of your team.
• Review the learning outcomes and course syllabus to ensure alignment with your team’s needs.

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#2 Is the course validated by Industry Experts?

Another aspect to look out for when searching for the right course for your team is whether the course is validated by experts within the field. Having the course backed and endorsed by leading industry professionals is key to ensure that your team will be gaining the foundational skills that everyone in the industry needs.

For example, CS101 partners with some of the most innovative technology companies to ensure that the course provides learners with the skills necessary to succeed in the digital economy.

Key Takeaway:

• Explore courses that are backed and endorsed by experts to ensure your team gains relevant knowledge and insights for the new world of work.

#3 Is the course recognised by the industry?

Adding on to the above, another bonus point is whether or not the course for your team is recognised by the industry in a form of a digital credential. Having the course aligned to a Quality Assurance Framework, will allow your team to be rest assured that there is valid proof of their skills, knowledge and high standards of learning upon successful completion.

CS101 is aligned to the Australian OpenCreds Micro-Credential Framework and is approved by OpenLearning’s quality assurance department. The OpenCred will be in the form of a digital credential that includes both a badge and a certificate that you will be able to share on social media.

Key Takeaway:

• Check with your course provider that your team will earn a digital credential or certificate recognised by the industry.

#4 Does the course support self-paced learning?

In this digital age, finding a course that can work around your team’s schedule will enable them to learn and progress at their own pace. Research has shown that courses providing ongoing support and self-development options allow employees to access effective development opportunities at their own time, therefore enabling them to be 66 per cent more engaged and 4.2 times more likely to stay within the company (Source: Gartner 2019).

Key Takeaway:

• Explore courses that focus on interactive learning whilst enabling learners to be supported around their working schedule.

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#5 Are there any career opportunities available?

As part of most, if not all courses available (whether online or offline), it is essential to know if the course offers your team potential job market updates and information. This will be valuable as a decision maker of your organisation to understand the opportunity gaps within your company. Having your team to upskill or reskill can better position themselves in their current roles and future careers with skills preparedness, which leads to the bigger picture of benefiting the company as a whole.

Key Takeaway:

• Find the right course that will help equip your team with the skills to continually adapt to and take part in the changing world of work, resulting in higher job satisfaction and employee motivation.

#6 Does the course have a robust end-to-end system? 

With the shift to online learning, it is essential that your team has access to an agile and robust end-to-end system to ensure the best possible user experience from start to finish. Another aspect to review is whether the course has access to customer support, online chats or facilitations, including relevant content materials to support the learning process including blog posts and downloadable resources for additional industry insights.

Key Takeaway:

• Empower your team members through a robust end-to-end solution when selecting a course. CS101 is designed and delivered by OpenLearning, an online learning platform that goes beyond content delivery to focus on community, connectedness, and learner engagement.

What next?

Ready to invest in a future-ready workforce with CS101? Contact us today for more information.

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