Indians have been widely known to send their kids to study abroad. And, with data science being one of the desired professions of the current time, many young professionals are willing to pursue degree courses from foreign universities after their 12th grade. However, the COVID pandemic locking down countries and barring international travels have completely crumbled the chances of this year’s pass outs to study data science abroad.
Before the pandemic lockdown, nearly 8 lakh Indian students were studying in various foreign universities across 90 countries in the world; however, the number has massively declined due to the unprecedented disaster. And that’s when distance learning can play a crucial role for these young professionals, which will allow them to opt for data science courses from any preferred universities abroad — becoming a norm like online learning.
Distance learning has always been around; however, it always had a stigma attached and was considered inferior compared to physical classrooms. It was often preferred by low rankers or the ones who were restarting their careers after a break. However, with the process of learning heading digital, distance learning has been a preferred choice for amateur data professionals and beginners who are willing to study data science from an international university.
Also Read: Why There Is A Surge Of Foreign Universities Providing Data Science Education In India
Distance Learning Provides A Level Playing Field For Data Scientists
The uncertainty of the functioning of the colleges and universities have left many students worried, who have recently passed out of their 12th grade. It is even worrisome for the ones who have been planning to study abroad for their higher education.
With data science being one of the preferred professions of the decade, it is expected to be fancied by many recent pass outs. But Indian universities aren’t the only option for them; instead, they can embrace distance learning data science courses in order to achieve a premier degree from international universities. In fact, the surge of online learning has diluted the concept of distance learning, allowing professionals and amateurs, living continents away, to enrol for data science courses in their preferred international universities.
Today, online learning has also made it possible for anyone to opt for accredited data science courses by tech companies created in partnership with foreign universities. This, in turns, provides analytics professionals, across the world, an equal competitive opportunity to enhance their skills regardless of their location.
Many international institutions, across the world have decided to start providing their data science courses online, not only for the students of their country but beyond geographical boundaries. They are providing foundational and introductory courses on data science, machine learning and artificial intelligence. Some of these include:
When asked, the CEO — India of upGrad, Arjun Mohan stated to the media, how the international movement has been falling flat due to the COVID pandemic. And that’s why upGrad is planning to partner with foreign universities for Indian students and professions “to pursue a globally recognised fully online Master’s degree,” at very less cost from the comfort of their homes.
Also Read: Can Pursuing A Data Science Degree Abroad Increase Your Employability In India?
How Distance Learning Acts In The Favour Of Data Scientists
Distance learning, now also called as online learning can be an effective method of learning data science once the students discipline themselves with the schedule. Distance learning also enables these professionals to learn complex data science subjects at their own pace from these international universities.
In fact, according to some research, on average, students tend to retain approximately 60% more with online courses than compared to face-to-face physical classrooms. A lot of this could be attributed to the pace of the students willing to take in order to learn profoundly.
Taking about the advantages, these distance learning courses are technology-driven where the main focus is on how the knowledge is being imparted and how educators can personalise that experience. Alongside, students can opt for more than one course at a time, which will allow them to enhance their skills simultaneously. Also, unlike traditional days, platforms like GitHub, even enable data scientists to carry out their projects online.
To give the full benefits of distance learning, universities have started improving their capabilities with interactive sessions and engagement methods to provide a more customised way of learning for these students. Such interactive methods further allow the students to come up with questions and doubts on the complex topics that require more guidance, much like a traditional classroom. Distance learning also provides an opportunity to network and be mentored under highly experienced faculty members of these premier institutes.
With numbers of COVID cases around the world increasing every day, it is going to be some time before the inter-country travel restrictions relax a bit. Thus balancing with online distance learning could be a part of the new norm for students who wish to get a degree from abroad. This shifting landscape of education can also have ripple effects on the job prospects, thus incumbent for these analytics professionals to avail the full benefits of distance learning.
