Coding is the place to start and there are dozens of training courses online to help you on your way. But like learning any new language, it is not easy, especially at first, so commit yourself to long-term goals.

• Programming languages: According to several sources these are the best programming languages to learn for different goals:
• If you’re looking for something easy: Python
• If you want a solid foundation to make you a master developer: C
• If you’re looking for a job or want to make mobile apps: Java
• If you want to try front-end development: Javascript
• If you’re programming for your startup website:
• However many people starting with creating websites may choose HTML HTML is used to create electronic documents (called pages) that are displayed on the World Wide Web. Each page contains a series of connections to other pages called hyperlinks.

MORE INFORMATION AND RESOURCES TO HELP YOU MASTER TECH LEARNING ONLINE

W3Schools.com

W3Schools.com focuses on written instruction and coding exercises on their site. They include HTML, CSS, JavaScript, Python, jQuery, SQL, PHP, Bootstrap, XML

It is free for anyone to use. If you prefer video instruction, you may not enjoy this site as much. However, the coding exercises are easy and fun to use. Any experienced computer programmer will tell you that the best way to learn coding is to “tinker” with the language until you feel comfortable with it.

If you want a certificate it will cost you for example: HTML $95 (roughly R1700)

 Udemy (Computer Skills Courses)

Udemy is not free, but they are low-cost (most courses cost less than R150). Their course catalog is vast. If you are looking to learn about specific computer skills or programs, you can use the search bar at the top to find what you are looking for.

Udemy: Master Computers – From Beginner to Expert in One Week

This is one Udemy class that many students with bare minimum computer knowledge say they enjoyed. The instructor is a former college professor. Check out the preview on the right-hand side, and read through the course overview to see if this is a course you’d be interested in.

 MIT Opencourseware: Introductory Programming Courses

Massachusetts Institute of Technology is perhaps one of the world’s leading tech universities. Naturally, tuition costs are extremely high. But the MIT Opencourseware is a registry of free online classes.

App Academy

App Academy is a Silicon Valley computer programming school. It was the first coding school to base students’ tuition on their first year’s salaries after the course. They say ‘No matter what changes, we will continue to tie our success to yours.’ , Switchup, a comprehensive resource where prospective students can compare top-rated tech bootcamps and programs, gave it a 5 star rating.

 edX Computer Science

edX is a platform for education and learning. Founded by Harvard and MIT, it is home to a majority of top-ranked universities in the world. Fulfilling the demand for people to learn on their own terms, edX is provides stackable learning experiences including the MicroMasters® programs. Courses ranging from data and computer science to leadership and communications.

Example: Python for Data Science. Beginner friendly. This course is part of a Professional:

1 Weeks Effort: 2–5 hours per week Price: FREE Add a Verified Certificate for $39 (about R700)

 LinkedIn Learning (Beginner Computer Skills Courses)

LinkedIn is not just a professional social media platform, it also is a place for people to build basic computer skills.

Also, if you haven’t already built a LinkedIn Profile, doing so will help you become acquainted with some critical computer skills to boost your professional career (as well as help you connect with peers and potential employers).

Coursera

Coursera offers a wide range of courses from leading universities, free to start, and a fee once you want a certificate.

• Word Processing, Spreadsheets, Presentation.

Microsoft is the leader in the field, but there are others

• • Microsoft 365 Fundamentals   Office 365 Enterprise includes the latest Office apps for your PC and Mac (like Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Outlook), and a full suite of online services for email, file storage and collaboration, meetings, and more. Windows 10 Enterprise, secure version of Windows with comprehensive deployment, device, and app management. Enterprise Mobility + Security (EMS) Designed to help manage and protect users, devices, apps, and data in a mobile-first, cloud-first world. Includes Microsoft Intune, Azure AD Premium, and Azure Rights Management.
  • NOTE: While the course is free, you need to pay for the exam. Those that graduate from this course and pass the exam may continue their Microsoft education in courses like the Modern Desktop Administrator Associate and Enterprise Administrator Expert courses.
• Spreadsheets alternative
  • https://zapier.com/blog/best-spreadsheet-excel-alternative/
•  Presentations alternative
• • https://visme.co/blog/presentation-apps/
• Databases
  • The modern business world is built on information stored in databases. The challenge comes in using the right database with the right structure to hold the information you need, while being able to access that data easily.
  • This article suggests these: Microsoft Azure or Oracle Autonomous Database or TeamDesk or Knack or TablePlus
  • https://www.techradar.com/best/best-database-software
• Graphics

There are many graphics programs supported by learning material online, from the most basic to the professional.

• Here is a list: https://financesonline.com/top-20-graphic-design-software-solutions/
• As you will see from that list, Adobe leads the way but they are commercial products and so you may prefer others like Canva, which are free. All of thes products have training modules online and you can also use the help menus when you are stuck.

• Social Media

These are the applications which are popular now: Facebook, YouTube, WhatsApp, Facebook Messenger, WeChat, Instagram, Twitter, Reddit, LinkedIn, Snapchat, Pinterest, Discord.

• If your job depends on using Social Media, especially for marketing purposes then increasing your knowledge will benefit you. You will find online courses as well as help from the HELP MENU.

MORE INFORMATION AND RESOURCES TO HELP YOU MASTER TECH LEARNING ONLINE

W3Schools.com

W3Schools.com focuses on written instruction and coding exercises on their site. They include HTML, CSS, JavaScript, Python, jQuery, SQL, PHP, Bootstrap, XML

It is free for anyone to use. If you prefer video instruction, you may not enjoy this site as much. However, the coding exercises are easy and fun to use. Any experienced computer programmer will tell you that the best way to learn coding is to “tinker” with the language until you feel comfortable with it.

If you want a certificate it will cost you for example: HTML $95 (roughly R1700)

 Udemy (Computer Skills Courses)

Udemy is not free, but they are low-cost (most courses cost less than R150). Their course catalog is vast. If you are looking to learn about specific computer skills or programs, you can use the search bar at the top to find what you are looking for.

Udemy: Master Computers – From Beginner to Expert in One Week

This is one Udemy class that many students with bare minimum computer knowledge say they enjoyed. The instructor is a former college professor. Check out the preview on the right-hand side, and read through the course overview to see if this is a course you’d be interested in.

 MIT Opencourseware: Introductory Programming Courses

Massachusetts Institute of Technology is perhaps one of the world’s leading tech universities. Naturally, tuition costs are extremely high. But the MIT Opencourseware is a registry of free online classes.

App Academy

App Academy is a Silicon Valley computer programming school. It was the first coding school to base students’ tuition on their first year’s salaries after the course. They say ‘No matter what changes, we will continue to tie our success to yours.’ , Switchup, a comprehensive resource where prospective students can compare top-rated tech bootcamps and programs, gave it a 5 star rating.

 edX Computer Science

edX is a platform for education and learning. Founded by Harvard and MIT, it is home to a majority of top-ranked universities in the world. Fulfilling the demand for people to learn on their own terms, edX is provides stackable learning experiences including the MicroMasters® programs. Courses ranging from data and computer science to leadership and communications.

Example: Python for Data Science. Beginner friendly. This course is part of a Professional:

1 Weeks Effort: 2–5 hours per week Price: FREE Add a Verified Certificate for $39 (about R700)

 LinkedIn Learning (Beginner Computer Skills Courses)

LinkedIn is not just a professional social media platform, it also is a place for people to build basic computer skills.

Also, if you haven’t already built a LinkedIn Profile, doing so will help you become acquainted with some critical computer skills to boost your professional career (as well as help you connect with peers and potential employers).

Coursera

Coursera offers a wide range of courses from leading universities, free to start, and a fee once you want a certificate.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7_LPdttKXPc

• Browsers
• • Google: Google Chrome is by far the most popular browser and Google Suite – or G Suite – provides a large selection of free instruction on all G Suite tools. This includes advanced email and calendar management, as well as Google Docs and Cloud products/services. G Suite is the ultimate package for businesses that hire remote workers and freelancers. Becoming knowledgeable with all the different features in G Suite can significantly boost your resume.
  • PC users tend to use Chrome, Firefox and Opera most of the time with Edge when necessary, while Mac users tend to use a blend of Safari, Chrome and Firefox.

Here is a useful intro to a browser.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FxirRVJWUTs

This is a YouTube video which is about Google Chrome.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3tvGp_X-2Ek&t=101s

• Help Menus: While working you may have questions about a feature of your Operating system or come across problems and it is useful to know about the HELP MENU that every browser (and other applications) offer. In Chrome it is on the far right where there are three vertical little dots (known as ‘more options’)
• Email: These are some email providers: Gmail South Africa, Telkomsa, Ananzi Mail, MailPlus, Webmail South Africa. You may not even know who the provider is if you use your company’s email address.
  • This is an introduction to Gmail: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0D7H4p_luvs
  • Most email browsers use the same set of functions and you can use the HELP MENU to find answers to questions.

Most of us don’t use our email facility as well as we could. There are all sorts of ways that you can make a tool for your and your employer’s productivity.

MORE INFORMATION AND RESOURCES TO HELP YOU MASTER TECH LEARNING ONLINE

W3Schools.com

W3Schools.com focuses on written instruction and coding exercises on their site. They include HTML, CSS, JavaScript, Python, jQuery, SQL, PHP, Bootstrap, XML

It is free for anyone to use. If you prefer video instruction, you may not enjoy this site as much. However, the coding exercises are easy and fun to use. Any experienced computer programmer will tell you that the best way to learn coding is to “tinker” with the language until you feel comfortable with it.

If you want a certificate it will cost you for example: HTML $95 (roughly R1700)

 Udemy (Computer Skills Courses)

Udemy is not free, but they are low-cost (most courses cost less than R150). Their course catalog is vast. If you are looking to learn about specific computer skills or programs, you can use the search bar at the top to find what you are looking for.

Udemy: Master Computers – From Beginner to Expert in One Week

This is one Udemy class that many students with bare minimum computer knowledge say they enjoyed. The instructor is a former college professor. Check out the preview on the right-hand side, and read through the course overview to see if this is a course you’d be interested in.

 MIT Opencourseware: Introductory Programming Courses

Massachusetts Institute of Technology is perhaps one of the world’s leading tech universities. Naturally, tuition costs are extremely high. But the MIT Opencourseware is a registry of free online classes.

App Academy

App Academy is a Silicon Valley computer programming school. It was the first coding school to base students’ tuition on their first year’s salaries after the course. They say ‘No matter what changes, we will continue to tie our success to yours.’ , Switchup, a comprehensive resource where prospective students can compare top-rated tech bootcamps and programs, gave it a 5 star rating.

 edX Computer Science

edX is a platform for education and learning. Founded by Harvard and MIT, it is home to a majority of top-ranked universities in the world. Fulfilling the demand for people to learn on their own terms, edX is provides stackable learning experiences including the MicroMasters® programs. Courses ranging from data and computer science to leadership and communications.

Example: Python for Data Science. Beginner friendly. This course is part of a Professional:

1 Weeks Effort: 2–5 hours per week Price: FREE Add a Verified Certificate for $39 (about R700)

 LinkedIn Learning (Beginner Computer Skills Courses)

LinkedIn is not just a professional social media platform, it also is a place for people to build basic computer skills.

Also, if you haven’t already built a LinkedIn Profile, doing so will help you become acquainted with some critical computer skills to boost your professional career (as well as help you connect with peers and potential employers).

Coursera

Coursera offers a wide range of courses from leading universities, free to start, and a fee once you want a certificate.

Some of the most common operating systems are Microsoft Windows, Apple macOS, Linux, Android and Apple’s iOS.

Here are some YouTube videos explaining Operating Systems:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5AjReRMoG3Y

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pTdSs8kQqSA&list=PL4316FC411AD077AA&index=8&t=0s

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vBURTt97EkA&list=PLBlnK6fEyqRiVhbXDGLXDk_OQAeuVcp2O

Here is an article on Operating Systems

https://edu.gcfglobal.org/en/computerbasics/understanding-operating-systems/1/

MOST IMPORTANT:

Every Operating System (Microsoft, Mac and Linus) has extensive course and material available and you can find useful YouTube videos on the specific Operating System you work with, online.

Note: This article refers to online courses only, but there are numerous face-to-face courses which cover this material and offer qualifications.

FREE TUTORIAL

https://www.tutorialspoint.com/operating_system/index.htm

Here is a link to an article which may be of use:

https://smallbusiness.chron.com/five-common-operating-systems-28217.html

MORE INFORMATION AND RESOURCES TO HELP YOU MASTER TECH LEARNING ONLINE

W3Schools.com

W3Schools.com focuses on written instruction and coding exercises on their site. They include HTML, CSS, JavaScript, Python, jQuery, SQL, PHP, Bootstrap, XML

It is free for anyone to use. If you prefer video instruction, you may not enjoy this site as much. However, the coding exercises are easy and fun to use. Any experienced computer programmer will tell you that the best way to learn coding is to “tinker” with the language until you feel comfortable with it.

If you want a certificate it will cost you for example: HTML $95 (roughly R1700)

 Udemy (Computer Skills Courses)

Udemy is not free, but they are low-cost (most courses cost less than R150). Their course catalog is vast. If you are looking to learn about specific computer skills or programs, you can use the search bar at the top to find what you are looking for.

Udemy: Master Computers – From Beginner to Expert in One Week

This is one Udemy class that many students with bare minimum computer knowledge say they enjoyed. The instructor is a former college professor. Check out the preview on the right-hand side, and read through the course overview to see if this is a course you’d be interested in.

 MIT Opencourseware: Introductory Programming Courses

Massachusetts Institute of Technology is perhaps one of the world’s leading tech universities. Naturally, tuition costs are extremely high. But the MIT Opencourseware is a registry of free online classes.

App Academy

App Academy is a Silicon Valley computer programming school. It was the first coding school to base students’ tuition on their first year’s salaries after the course. They say ‘No matter what changes, we will continue to tie our success to yours.’ , Switchup, a comprehensive resource where prospective students can compare top-rated tech bootcamps and programs, gave it a 5 star rating.

 edX Computer Science

edX is a platform for education and learning. Founded by Harvard and MIT, it is home to a majority of top-ranked universities in the world. Fulfilling the demand for people to learn on their own terms, edX is provides stackable learning experiences including the MicroMasters® programs. Courses ranging from data and computer science to leadership and communications.

Example: Python for Data Science. Beginner friendly. This course is part of a Professional:

1 Weeks Effort: 2–5 hours per week Price: FREE Add a Verified Certificate for $39 (about R700)

 LinkedIn Learning (Beginner Computer Skills Courses)

LinkedIn is not just a professional social media platform, it also is a place for people to build basic computer skills.

Also, if you haven’t already built a LinkedIn Profile, doing so will help you become acquainted with some critical computer skills to boost your professional career (as well as help you connect with peers and potential employers).

Coursera

Coursera offers a wide range of courses from leading universities, free to start, and a fee once you want a certificate.

This is a very good Youtube video to give you a deeper understanding of the subject.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=V7bQKGEfMpI

The tutorial link below deals with Computer Basics

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=94lT9Ywuhd4&list=PL4316FC411AD077AA&index=4

MORE INFORMATION AND RESOURCES TO HELP YOU MASTER TECH LEARNING ONLINE

W3Schools.com

W3Schools.com focuses on written instruction and coding exercises on their site. They include HTML, CSS, JavaScript, Python, jQuery, SQL, PHP, Bootstrap, XML

It is free for anyone to use. If you prefer video instruction, you may not enjoy this site as much. However, the coding exercises are easy and fun to use. Any experienced computer programmer will tell you that the best way to learn coding is to “tinker” with the language until you feel comfortable with it.

If you want a certificate it will cost you for example: HTML $95 (roughly R1700)

 Udemy (Computer Skills Courses)

Udemy is not free, but they are low-cost (most courses cost less than R150). Their course catalog is vast. If you are looking to learn about specific computer skills or programs, you can use the search bar at the top to find what you are looking for.

Udemy: Master Computers – From Beginner to Expert in One Week

This is one Udemy class that many students with bare minimum computer knowledge say they enjoyed. The instructor is a former college professor. Check out the preview on the right-hand side, and read through the course overview to see if this is a course you’d be interested in.

 MIT Opencourseware: Introductory Programming Courses

Massachusetts Institute of Technology is perhaps one of the world’s leading tech universities. Naturally, tuition costs are extremely high. But the MIT Opencourseware is a registry of free online classes.

App Academy

App Academy is a Silicon Valley computer programming school. It was the first coding school to base students’ tuition on their first year’s salaries after the course. They say ‘No matter what changes, we will continue to tie our success to yours.’ , Switchup, a comprehensive resource where prospective students can compare top-rated tech bootcamps and programs, gave it a 5 star rating.

 edX Computer Science

edX is a platform for education and learning. Founded by Harvard and MIT, it is home to a majority of top-ranked universities in the world. Fulfilling the demand for people to learn on their own terms, edX is provides stackable learning experiences including the MicroMasters® programs. Courses ranging from data and computer science to leadership and communications.

Example: Python for Data Science. Beginner friendly. This course is part of a Professional:

1 Weeks Effort: 2–5 hours per week Price: FREE Add a Verified Certificate for $39 (about R700)

 LinkedIn Learning (Beginner Computer Skills Courses)

LinkedIn is not just a professional social media platform, it also is a place for people to build basic computer skills.

Also, if you haven’t already built a LinkedIn Profile, doing so will help you become acquainted with some critical computer skills to boost your professional career (as well as help you connect with peers and potential employers).

Coursera

Coursera offers a wide range of courses from leading universities, free to start, and a fee once you want a certificate.

• Typing. You only have to watch a touch typist to realise how much more productive you could be! How long does it take to learn touch typing? 8 – 10 hours, that’s all! You would not be fast, but you would soon improve if you were motivated and dedicated. Here is one Youtube video to start you off. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=h_zfcHlisqc Here is another https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2S3lhm8LaZo
  There are many others.
• Mouse Easier than touch typing but still does need practice in the beginning.

There is another skill which may be useful in certain circumstances:

• Trackpad/ Graphic tablet skills. There are trackpads which offer more than just moving or tapping – these are called ‘gestures’. If you are into graphics, graphic tablets allow you to use pad with a ‘styllus’. There are many Youtube tutorials online.

Here is a good basic tutorial Computer Basics Tutorial:

https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL4316FC411AD077AA

MORE INFORMATION AND RESOURCES TO HELP YOU MASTER TECH LEARNING ONLINE

W3Schools.com

W3Schools.com focuses on written instruction and coding exercises on their site. They include HTML, CSS, JavaScript, Python, jQuery, SQL, PHP, Bootstrap, XML

It is free for anyone to use. If you prefer video instruction, you may not enjoy this site as much. However, the coding exercises are easy and fun to use. Any experienced computer programmer will tell you that the best way to learn coding is to “tinker” with the language until you feel comfortable with it.

If you want a certificate it will cost you for example: HTML $95 (roughly R1700)

 Udemy (Computer Skills Courses)

Udemy is not free, but they are low-cost (most courses cost less than R150). Their course catalog is vast. If you are looking to learn about specific computer skills or programs, you can use the search bar at the top to find what you are looking for.

Udemy: Master Computers – From Beginner to Expert in One Week

This is one Udemy class that many students with bare minimum computer knowledge say they enjoyed. The instructor is a former college professor. Check out the preview on the right-hand side, and read through the course overview to see if this is a course you’d be interested in.

 MIT Opencourseware: Introductory Programming Courses

Massachusetts Institute of Technology is perhaps one of the world’s leading tech universities. Naturally, tuition costs are extremely high. But the MIT Opencourseware is a registry of free online classes.

App Academy

App Academy is a Silicon Valley computer programming school. It was the first coding school to base students’ tuition on their first year’s salaries after the course. They say ‘No matter what changes, we will continue to tie our success to yours.’ , Switchup, a comprehensive resource where prospective students can compare top-rated tech bootcamps and programs, gave it a 5 star rating.

 edX Computer Science

edX is a platform for education and learning. Founded by Harvard and MIT, it is home to a majority of top-ranked universities in the world. Fulfilling the demand for people to learn on their own terms, edX is provides stackable learning experiences including the MicroMasters® programs. Courses ranging from data and computer science to leadership and communications.

Example: Python for Data Science. Beginner friendly. This course is part of a Professional:

1 Weeks Effort: 2–5 hours per week Price: FREE Add a Verified Certificate for $39 (about R700)

 LinkedIn Learning (Beginner Computer Skills Courses)

LinkedIn is not just a professional social media platform, it also is a place for people to build basic computer skills.

Also, if you haven’t already built a LinkedIn Profile, doing so will help you become acquainted with some critical computer skills to boost your professional career (as well as help you connect with peers and potential employers).

Coursera

Coursera offers a wide range of courses from leading universities, free to start, and a fee once you want a certificate.

1^st (1784): Steam, water, equipment for mechanical production

2^nd (1870): The division of labour, electricity, mass production

3^rd (1969): Electronics, IT, automated production

4^th (beginning now): Cyber-physical systems, Artificial Intelligence (AI)

Source: World Economic Forum

The 4^th Industrial Revolution builds on all the innovative momentum of the 3^rd IR when we first saw the expansion of intelligent technology into our homes and places of work. The 4^th IR has been described as the fusion (or confusion) of technologies between the physical, digital and biological spheres. The internet of things. It is already evident in a number of fields including robotics, nanotechnology, blockchain, quantum computing, biotechnology, self-driving vehicles and 3D printing.

According to the World Economic Forum, these technologies have great potential to continue to connect billions of people to the web, drastically improving the efficiency of business and organizations and helping to regenerate the natural environment through better asset management. It presents many unique opportunities to improve human communication and conflict resolution.

AI and job creation

As the numbers of machines and AI devices increase, so will the need for jobs surrounding them. Robots can’t yet look after themselves — they need human intervention at regular intervals to keep them running smoothly.

This means there will be a demand for people at every stage of the AI journey. From development and testing, through to support, maintenance, and programming, these devices will not be able to function without constant attention from human beings.

In fact, it’s thought that out of all the new jobs created just one third will be filled by actual AI machines. The remaining two thirds will be made up of professional services, performed by people.

Source: Venturebeat / Accenture

The problem is that we cannot yet characterize in general what kinds of computational procedures we want to call intelligent.

 JOHN MCARTHY