Do these platforms offer hands-on components or simulations in their courses

I’m trying to decide where to invest my time and money in online learning for cloud computing. There are SO MANY options out there! I’m looking at AWS Training and Certification, Microsoft Learn (Azure), Google Cloud Skills Boost, and A Cloud Guru.

The problem is, I don’t just want to passively watch videos or read documentation. I learn best by doing. I need to actually build things, break things, and fix things. So, for the platforms I listed – AWS Training and Certification, Microsoft Learn (Azure), Google Cloud Skills Boost, and A Cloud Guru – do they offer hands-on labs, interactive sandboxes, or simulations where I can actually practice what I’m learning within the course itself? I’m not really interested in just being pointed to external resources. I want integrated, practical experience.

Specifically, I’m wondering:

• What’s the quality of the hands-on components like? Are they realistic scenarios, or just basic "hello world" examples?
• Are they included with the basic course cost, or do I have to pay extra for them?
• How much "hand-holding" is there? I want to be challenged, but not thrown into the deep end with no support.
• Are the labs browser-based, or do I need to install a bunch of software on my local machine?

Any insights would be greatly appreciated!

Answer

To answer whether platforms like Coursera, edX, and Udacity offer hands-on components or simulations in their courses, it’s necessary to examine each platform individually and then draw a broader conclusion.

Coursera:

Coursera provides a wide range of courses, Specializations, and degrees from various universities and institutions. The inclusion of hands-on components or simulations varies significantly depending on the subject matter and the instructor/institution offering the course.

• Programming & Computer Science: These courses frequently include coding assignments, projects, and virtual environments. Students are often required to write and execute code using specific programming languages, debug programs, and build small applications. Some courses use cloud-based IDEs (Integrated Development Environments) or virtual machines to provide a consistent coding environment. Jupyter Notebooks are commonly used for interactive coding and data analysis. Examples include Python, Java, C++, and web development courses. Many also simulate data science environments or cybersecurity scenarios.
• Data Science & Machine Learning: Similar to programming courses, these often include practical exercises using tools like Python (with libraries like NumPy, Pandas, Scikit-learn, TensorFlow, and PyTorch), R, and SQL. Students may work with real-world datasets, build machine learning models, and evaluate their performance. Some courses use cloud-based platforms like Google Colab or Kaggle Kernels, offering pre-configured environments with the necessary software and hardware (e.g., GPUs). Simulations may involve A/B testing scenarios or model deployment simulations.
• Business & Finance: Some business-oriented courses incorporate simulations of business scenarios, such as marketing campaigns, financial trading, or project management. These simulations often allow students to make decisions and observe the consequences of their actions in a risk-free environment.
• Engineering: Courses in areas such as electrical, mechanical, or chemical engineering can use software simulations (e.g., MATLAB, Simulink, CAD software) to model and analyze systems. Students can design circuits, analyze structural integrity, or simulate chemical reactions.
• Other Disciplines: The presence of hands-on components is less common in fields like humanities or social sciences, although some courses might incorporate interactive exercises or simulations. For instance, a history course might use a virtual tour of historical sites, or a psychology course might use a simulated experiment.

edX:

edX, like Coursera, partners with universities and organizations to offer courses, programs, and degrees. The inclusion of hands-on components follows a similar pattern:

• STEM Fields: Courses in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics heavily rely on hands-on elements. Programming courses include coding exercises, often using platforms like Jupyter Notebooks or online IDEs. Engineering courses might utilize simulations to model physical phenomena. Data science courses employ similar tools and techniques as those on Coursera, including cloud-based environments and real-world datasets.
• Circuits and Electronics: Courses frequently use software to simulate circuits and electronic components. Students can design and test circuits virtually, allowing them to explore concepts without needing physical hardware.
• Architecture and Design: edX courses in these fields often use CAD software or other design tools, enabling students to create and manipulate virtual models.
• Laboratory Simulations: Some edX courses, particularly those from MIT and Harvard, offer interactive virtual labs where students can conduct experiments and collect data, mimicking the experience of a real laboratory.
• Humanities and Social Sciences: While less prevalent, interactive elements like virtual field trips, simulations of historical events, or role-playing exercises might be included in these courses.

Udacity:

Udacity focuses primarily on technology-related skills and career advancement through its "Nanodegree" programs. These programs are explicitly designed to be hands-on and project-based.

• Project-Based Learning: Udacity’s core philosophy is learning by doing. Nanodegree programs typically involve a series of projects that students must complete to demonstrate their understanding of the material.
• Real-World Projects: Projects are often designed to simulate real-world scenarios that students might encounter in their professional careers.
• Code Reviews: Students receive feedback on their code from experienced mentors, helping them improve their coding skills and learn best practices.
• Virtual Environments: Udacity often provides virtual environments or access to cloud-based platforms to ensure that students have the necessary tools and resources to complete their projects. For example, data science Nanodegrees might utilize platforms like AWS or Google Cloud.
• Simulations: While the term "simulation" might not be explicitly used, the projects themselves often involve simulating real-world scenarios. For example, a self-driving car Nanodegree would involve simulating the operation of a self-driving car in a virtual environment.

Conclusion:

All three platforms, Coursera, edX, and Udacity, offer hands-on components or simulations in their courses. However, the extent and nature of these components vary significantly depending on the specific course and the platform.

• Frequency: Hands-on components are most common in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) fields, particularly in programming, data science, and engineering courses. They are less common in humanities and social sciences, although some courses may include interactive exercises or simulations.
• Udacity’s Focus: Udacity prioritizes hands-on learning more than Coursera and edX through its Nanodegree programs, which are explicitly designed to be project-based.
• Course Descriptions are Key: Prospective students should carefully review the course descriptions to determine the specific hands-on components or simulations included in a particular course. Look for keywords like "coding assignments," "projects," "virtual labs," "simulations," or "case studies."
• Software and Tools: Common tools and platforms used for hands-on learning include: programming languages (Python, Java, C++, R), cloud-based IDEs (Jupyter Notebooks, Google Colab, AWS Cloud9), data science libraries (NumPy, Pandas, Scikit-learn, TensorFlow, PyTorch), CAD software, simulation software (MATLAB, Simulink), and virtual machines.