By Rorisang Modiba
- The University of Johannesburg launched the Artificial Intelligence in the Fourth Industrial Revolution course in 2019 and it is now free to the public.
- Learners also have access to a free African Insights course, with both offering digital certificates that can be shared with employers.
The University of Johannesburg (UJ) is opening its online learning doors to the public with two free courses.
One course, called Artificial Intelligence in the Fourth Industrial Revolution (AI in 4IR), began in 2019 as a programme only for UJ students. Now anyone can register for free.
The course gives a simple explanation of what artificial intelligence is, how it works, and how it is changing everyday life.
UJ Vice-Chancellor, Professor Tshilidzi Marwala, said: “The course won’t teach you coding, but it will show you how AI will impact your life.”
Another course, African Insights, looks at African traditions, debates and ways of thinking.
Both courses are completely online, easy to access and divided into eight units. Each unit is assessed through multiple-choice quizzes. Once completed, students receive a digital certificate that can be shared with potential employers.
Professor Marwala said UJ’s goal is to prepare people for the future of work and ensure Africa has a role in the Fourth Industrial Revolution. “Be adaptable, because 4IR is really about adaptability,” he said.
These courses were once reserved for registered students only. Now they are open to the public with no entry requirements, no lectures to attend and no costs involved.
By offering them free of charge, UJ says it hopes to give both students and ordinary members of the public the chance to gain valuable skills for the future.
Pictured above: Professor Tshilidzi Marwala.
Image source: UJ
