Artificial Intelligence (AI) is a rapidly transforming field and learning AI opens vast career opportunities across industries. If you are interested in learning AI, there are lots of free resources online. What if you can do an AI course from one of the most prestigious universities in the world? Harvard University offers several free AI courses online. These courses can help a lot to boost your AI knowledge and skills. Free Artificial Intelligence Courses by Harvard University Introduction to Computer Science Students can explore the intellectual realms of computer science and grasp programming fundamentals through this course. Designed for beginners, it introduces the basics of computer science and programming, focusing on computational thinking and problem-solving with technology. Open for enrollment until December 31, 2024, this course is taught by David J. Malan.  It offers a comprehensive entry-level experience for majors and non-majors, with or without prior programming knowledge. Over 11 weeks, students learn to think algorithmically and solve problems efficiently, covering topics such as abstraction, algorithms, data structures, encapsulation, resource management, security, software engineering, and web development.  Read more: Humane’s Ai Pin: Incredible Features of the ‘Smartphone Killer’ Introduction to Artificial Intelligence with Python This course explores the fundamentals of AI and machine learning, focusing on Python programming, making it perfect for those interested in this rapidly evolving field. Through this course, you will uncover foundational AI concepts and machine learning algorithms, diving into the ideas behind technologies such as game-playing engines, handwriting recognition, and machine translation.  Open for enrollment until December 31, 2024, the course is 7 weeks long.  Data Science: Machine Learning This self-paced course offers a hands-on learning experience, guiding participants through the creation of a movie recommendation system and demonstrating the practical application of machine learning within data science. Ideal for those seeking insights into machine learning, a cornerstone of data science, the course culminates in building a functional movie recommendation system.  Read more: What Is Google Gemini AI? How to Use the New Chatbot Model As part of the Professional Certificate Program in Data Science, you will learn popular machine learning algorithms, principal component analysis, and regularisation techniques. This course can help you gain practical experience and deepen your understanding of machine learning.  Web Programming with Python and JavaScript Elevate your web development skills with this 12-week course, expanding upon CS50 basics to delve into Python, JavaScript, and SQL for advanced app design and implementation. Ideal for those looking to enhance their programming skills, it offers a thorough exploration of modern web application development techniques.  Covered topics include database design, scalability, security, and user experience. Through hands-on projects, you will learn to develop and use APIs, create interactive user interfaces, and utilise cloud services such as GitHub and Heroku. By the course's end, you will have the knowledge and experience to design and deploy applications on the Internet. You can enrol this course to advance your web development skills.  Read more: How to Answer “Why Did You Choose this Job?” Effectively Understanding Technology The Understanding Technology course demystifies everyday technology by exploring its functionality and implications in daily life, perfect for curious minds. Ideal for those seeking deeper insights into how technology shapes our world without needing a computer science or engineering background, this course is an introduction to technology for students who do not (yet) consider themselves tech-savvy.  Designed for individuals who use technology daily but may not understand its inner workings or know how to troubleshoot issues, this 6-week course fills in the gaps, empowering you to use and solve problems with technology more effectively.  Additional Course Description These free AI courses from Harvard University provide learners with the opportunity to grasp AI fundamentals and understand the intricacies of technology without any financial burden. Designed to expand knowledge and shape individuals’ tech journeys, these self-paced courses allow participants to learn at their convenience.  Read more: How to Customize Your Resume for Each Job Application Enrolment is currently open, with courses available until December 31, 2024, offering ample time to partake in this educational opportunity. Harvard University’s free AI courses, available via Coursera, are a significant contribution to the democratisation of AI education, blending the institution’s academic prestige with the benefits of digital learning platforms.  Closing Lines Online courses can significantly advance your career prospects. Free online courses by Harvard University can open limitless opportunities for people of all ages and cultures around the world. The above-mentioned free and open courses from Harvard University can provide a strong foundation for understanding AI. With dedication and further exploration, you can pursue a rewarding career path in the growing field of AI. Read more: Distance Learning: Top Universities Offering Online Courses for International Students

It probably wasn’t even half a decade ago when people thought programming and coding were the future. Every tech pundit and industry leader chimed in on how knowledge of programming would be an essential career skill in the new frontier.  But the world has shifted much since then. The frontier tech evolved so much and so drastically that recently at the World Government Summit, Dubai, Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang had something entirely different to say. He stressed that with the rapid integration of AI, programming, and coding would soon cease to be a vital skill.  That posits an interesting question, should everybody learn coding or programming? Let’s try to find an answer.  How to Know if Programming or Coding is Essential for Your Career Growth?  Let’s assume that programming in the future will cease to be an in-demand or vital skill. But does that make programming or coding obsolete? Absolutely not. In fact, the paradigm shift in frontier tech would require upskilling the existing programming knowledge. A programmer would effectively move from writing lines of code to a more strategic and oversight role as AI takes up the tedious task of coding.  Read more: Workplace Burnouts: Causes, Symptoms, Signs, and Remedies So rather than asking whether programming is right for you or not, it is important to assess whether you are equipped to adapt to the changing role in the future. Pros of Learning Programming  - Wide range of career opportunities in software development, web development, data science, artificial intelligence, and more - Improving logical thinking and problem-solving skills - Promotes creative thinking - High demand - A lifelong learning opportunity - Automation, efficiency, and flexibility of knowledge application. Cons of Learning Programming - Involves a steep learning curve - Sedentary nature of work - Keeping up with the rapid changes in the industry - Complexity and high expectations.  Read more: Empower Your Tech Career in 2024: Master These In-Demand Skills for Success

Annually, thousands of students embark on a journey beyond their borders to pursue higher education. This adventure, although promising, can be laden with challenges. To navigate these waters successfully, students must arm themselves with a set of skills that transcend academic prowess. This guide delves into the top ten skills indispensable for a rewarding study abroad experience. 10 Essential Skills to Learn Before Going to Study Abroad Independence: The Foundation of Overseas Education Independence is the most significant transformation students encounter when studying abroad. It's a multifaceted skill encompassing self-reliance and responsibility. From basic chores like laundry and grocery shopping to more complex tasks like managing personal finances and making informed decisions, independence is critical. Developing problem-solving skills to tackle unexpected challenges is equally important, as it ensures students can handle various situations without constant guidance. Read more: 10 Essential Life Skills for Teens to Learn before College Research and Planning: Your Blueprint for Success A thorough understanding of your destination's culture, legal system, and day-to-day life is vital. This means researching not just your academic institution and its curriculum, but also local customs, public transportation, and essential services. Effective planning helps mitigate culture shock and eases the transition, making your study abroad experience more enjoyable and less overwhelming. Financial Literacy: Navigating Economic Waters Abroad Mastering local banking systems and effective budgeting are paramount. Learn how to open a bank account, manage transactions, and understand currency exchange rates. Budgeting becomes a lifeline abroad; it involves setting realistic spending limits for various needs, including rent, food, transportation, and entertainment. Regularly tracking expenses helps avoid financial pitfalls and ensures a sustainable lifestyle. Cross-Cultural Communication: Bridging the Gap Adapting to a new culture requires a deep understanding of both verbal and non-verbal communication. This includes being aware of cultural norms in conversation, greetings, and gestures. Respectful and empathetic communication is key to forming meaningful relationships and avoiding misunderstandings. Embracing the local language, even at a basic level, can significantly enrich interactions and open doors to deeper cultural insights. Adaptability and Empathy: The Heart of Cultural Immersion The ability to adapt to new environments and empathize with different cultures is crucial. This skill is about more than just surviving; it's about thriving in a foreign setting. Adaptability means being open to new experiences, whether it’s adjusting to different academic structures or embracing unique social customs. Empathy allows you to appreciate and respect cultural differences, fostering a more inclusive and enriching experience.

The rapid evolution of the technology industry has made tech skills increasingly vital in the current job market. As we approach 2024, staying abreast of the most in-demand tech skills is essential for anyone looking to secure a thriving career in this dynamic field. This comprehensive guide delves into the top tech skills that are poised to shape the industry in 2024, offering insights into how you can stay competitive and forward-thinking in your tech career. Most In-Demand Tech Skills to Advance Your Career in 2024 Cybersecurity In the realm of technology, cybersecurity remains a critical and rapidly growing field. As of 2023, there is a demand for almost a million cybersecurity professionals globally, but there are about 400,000 professionals across the world. The cybersecurity landscape is vast, presenting numerous opportunities in various sectors. Aspiring cybersecurity professionals should begin with foundational knowledge in network security and protocols, progressing to more complex topics such as virtual machines, remote access, intrusion detection systems, cybersecurity frameworks, and risk management strategies. Read more: Cyber Security Career Guide: How to Become a Cybersecurity Expert? Data Analytics Data Science and Analytics have become central to tech trends, with a considerable expansion in scope and application. Data analytics involves processing and interpreting large data sets to provide actionable insights for businesses and decision-makers. The US Bureau of Labor Statistics anticipates a 23% growth in demand for data analysts over the next decade. Key skills in this field include proficiency in tools like Microsoft Excel, Power BI, Python, and Tableau. Additionally, obtaining a degree or certification in data analytics significantly enhances one's career prospects. Cloud Computing Cloud computing has transformed the way we access and interact with technology, offering scalable computational resources over the Internet. The field has witnessed widespread integration across various industries such as tech, finance, automotive, and healthcare. Read more: Best Free Data Science, Machine Learning Courses Online For beginners, the journey into cloud computing starts with learning the basics of cloud infrastructure, management tools, deployment strategies, directory services, and architecture principles. Combining cloud computing knowledge with cybersecurity skills opens doors to specialized roles in cloud security. Robotic Process Automation (RPA) RPA is revolutionizing organizational workflows by automating repetitive and mundane tasks. This not only streamlines processes but also enhances efficiency and accuracy. Breaking into the RPA sector requires a solid technical background complemented by professional certifications and practical training. These qualifications pave the way for internships and permanent positions in the field.

Now is a better time than ever to start earning anytime, anywhere with the help of tech. The increasing tech penetration in everyday life has paved the way for many earning opportunities using the right skills and the internet. But among the flurry of opportunities, there are also risks of getting replaced by AI. Let’s take a look into some popular online money-making skills that can be replaced by AI.  Online Money-Making Skills that AI Can Replace in Future  The online money-making skills can be classified into two categories – one that involves soft skills and others that are hard skills.  The problem with soft-skilled online jobs is that they require less technical skills. They are abundant and the online job markets are already saturated with them. Because of the nature of these jobs, they will soon be replaced by AI which will render most of the workers in these fields jobless.  Read more: Payoneer to Bkash Fund Transfer: A Great Advancement of Freelancing in Bangladesh Here are some mentionable online work niches that are under threat of being replaced by AI. Copywriting  Copywriting and content creation have been facing threats of AI for well over a decade now. With the advent of advanced chatbots like ChatGPT, the threat has been simply expedited. It's almost certain that human copywriting will become obsolete soon.  Data Entry  Low-skill jobs like data entry will also be completely replaced by AI soon. There are already powerful tools that can extract and compile data at the push of a button. As the technology gets more streamlined, it is sure to replace the data entry gigs found on different platforms today.  Read more: YouTube Scriptwriter Career Guide: Essential Skills and Free Online Courses Paid Online Marketing Paid online marketing mainly involves pay-per-click or PPC advertisement. The paid online marketers create campaigns or ads to target buyers from age-group, geographic location, gender, shopping preference and many other factors. As the search engines are becoming more optimized and sentient, the AI tools are continuously evolving and improving. In future, business owners may choose machine learning algorithms for managing their PPC campaigns. Therefore, demands for paid online marketers, such as PPC advertisers, may become obsolete in the future. Client Service  Client service workers are also under threat of being replaced by AI as more and more advanced chatbots enter the market. While there is scope for monetary gains in the short run, it will too become obsolete in the long run.  Read more: Want to start freelancing from Bangladesh? These are the best platforms for you Proofreading and Editing  Just like copywriting, proofreading and editing online gigs will also be replaced by AI, albeit at a much slower rate. There’s already advanced software like Grammarly that is spot-on at catching grammatical errors. It's only a matter of time before AI will catch up with editing style and tones as well. But there’s a high chance that the need for highly skilled editors and proofreaders will be around even after 10 years. However, the market size and demand for that would significantly shrink. It's important to note that these jobs may have a market value today, but in the long run, they will cease to exist for the majority of workers. It's important to identify similar online money-making traps that may bring returns in the short run, but will essentially yield nothing long term.  Read more: Recession-Proof Your Career With Tech Skills

In today’s rapidly-evolving professional landscape, achieving continuous career growth is a crucial objective for individuals across various industries. One powerful strategy to propel one’s professional career forward is self-learning. This is an approach where individuals take charge of their learning journey. This article delves into self-learning, exploring its advantages and limitations in the context of career advancement. How Self-learning Strategy Can Help Career Growth Tailored Learning Experience Self-learning allows individuals to personalise their learning path according to their unique learning styles, pace, and preferences. In contrast, traditional classroom education often follows a standardised curriculum. Sometimes it might not align perfectly with an individual's specific career goals. Flexibility and Convenience Self-learning offers flexibility in terms of when and where one can learn. It accommodates busy professionals who may not have the time to attend regular classes. On the other hand, formal education often requires a fixed schedule and physical presence. This procedure makes it less convenient for those with full-time jobs or other commitments. Read more: Effective Self-marketing Tips for Job Candidates Cost-effectiveness Self-learning can be a cost-effective alternative to formal education. Many online resources and courses are available for free or at a significantly lower cost compared to tuition fees and other expenses associated with traditional education. Speed of Learning Self-learners have the freedom to progress at their own pace. They can dive deeper into subjects they find challenging or swiftly move through material they already understand well. In a traditional classroom setting, the pace of learning is determined by the instructor and the class as a whole. Diverse Learning Resources The internet provides an abundance of learning resources in various formats. It includes videos, articles, forums, and interactive platforms. Self-learners can access a vast array of materials that cater to different learning preferences. This ensures a comprehensive understanding of the topic at hand. Read more: Uber Driver Account in Bangladesh: How to Activate, Delete, and Reactivate

In the digital age, YouTube reigns as a content creation powerhouse, captivating viewers with its diverse array of videos – from vlogs and tutorials to documentaries and skits. As this dynamic platform evolves, creators strive for innovation to captivate their audience. At the heart of a triumphant YouTube video lies its script – the bedrock of engaging storytelling that effectively communicates a video's essence. In today's swiftly shifting landscape, scriptwriting has emerged as a vital skill for YouTube creators aiming to make a lasting impression. What is Scriptwriting?  Scriptwriting is the process of creating a written document that outlines the dialogue, actions, and directions for a video, film, or any other type of visual production. It serves as a blueprint for the production team, including actors, directors, camera operators, and editors, to follow during the filming or creation process. Scriptwriting is necessary to make an effective video because it provides a structured and organised framework for storytelling. A well-written script helps ensure that the video's message, plot, and characters are clearly communicated to the audience. It guides the visual and auditory elements, ensuring a cohesive and engaging final product. Without a script, a video might lack direction, coherence, and impact, making it challenging to convey the intended story or message effectively. Read more: YouTube Video Script Writing: Some Effective Tips and Tricks Essential Skills to Develop a Career as a YouTube Video Scriptwriter To become really good at writing scripts for YouTube videos, there are some important skills you should have. These skills are crucial for making videos that are interesting, informative, and fun. Even though skills like being creative and communicating well are important, let's focus on the specific skills you need. Writing Skills Being great at writing is very important for a YouTube Video Scriptwriter. You need to know how to use words correctly, like grammar, punctuation, and sentences. This helps you develop scripts that are polished and meaningful, so people enjoy watching your videos. Editing Skills A good scriptwriter knows how to make their work better through editing. This means going back over what you wrote and improving it. You check if it makes sense, if it's not too long, and if the ideas flow well. Doing this helps make the script and video more interesting. Read more: YouTube Explainer Videos: Ways to Make Money While Sharing Knowledge Creativity and Storytelling A special skill of a great scriptwriter is being creative. This helps you tell stories that grab people's attention. You can make videos that are captivating and leave a strong impression. Your stories should be engaging and memorable. Video Making Skills Even though you might not make videos yourself, it's good to know how videos are made. This helps you write scripts that work well when they're turned into videos. Knowing about filming, editing, and how videos are put together helps your scripts become great videos. Research Skills Excellent scriptwriters do thorough research. They find accurate information and facts to make the script better. Adding good research makes the content more interesting and reliable for the viewers. Read more: How to Protect Your YouTube Channel from Getting Hacked Knowing the Audience A smart scriptwriter thinks about the people who will watch the video. This helps you write scripts that people will enjoy. When you know what your audience likes, you can make videos that really connect with them. Being Able to Adapt The world of YouTube changes a lot, so a good scriptwriter can change too. You keep up with new trends and what people like. You can write about different things and adjust to what's happening on YouTube. This helps you stay successful over time. How to Learn Scriptwriting Learning to write scripts can be a fulfilling creative pursuit. Here's a step-by-step guide with five detailed subheadings to help you get started. Learning the Basics of Scriptwriting Introduction to Scriptwriting: Familiarise yourself with the concept of scriptwriting. Understand that scripts are blueprints for films, TV shows, plays, and more. Read more: YouTube Affiliate Marketing: Tips to build a successful channel Script Formats: Learn the standard industry formats for different types of scripts, such as screenplays, teleplays, and stage plays. Study the layout, formatting, and conventions used in each format. Exploring Storytelling and Structure Story Elements: Gain a grasp of fundamental storytelling elements like plot, characters, conflict, and theme. Learn how these components work together to create engaging narratives. Three-Act Structure: Study the three-act structure commonly used in screenwriting. Understand the setup, confrontation, and resolution phases of a story, and how they contribute to pacing and tension. Character Development: Learn how to create well-rounded characters with distinct personalities, motivations, and arcs. Understand their role in driving the plot forward. Read more: How to Increase YouTube subscribers for free?

Banglalink has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with BRAC University (BRACU) to facilitate students’ skill development. Banglalink Chief Human Resources and Administration Officer Monzula Morshed and BRAC University Registrar Dr David Dowland recently signed the MoU on behalf of the organisations, according to a press release. It will enable the students to learn from the top professionals of Banglalink and get the opportunity to become a part of Banglalink’s valued programs. Read: Banglalink introduces monetisation on Toffee Monzula Morshed said, “We strive to empower talented youths with a view to building them as future leaders of the country. BRAC University graduates have always shown outstanding prospects in different sectors. Banglalink is very pleased to play a facilitating role in helping them advance their skillsets further.” BRACU Registrar David said, “Our students should be given the opportunity to equip themselves with digital skills required to succeed in today’s world. We are confident that they will greatly benefit from Banglalink’s skill development programs. We thank Banglalink for making us a preferential partner for this collaboration.” Under this agreement, BRAC University students will get the scope to join Banglalink's youth empowerment programs such as learn from the leaders, learn from the startups, campus to corporate, career Bootcamp, club collaboration, on spot internship and job assessment, strategic assistant program, advanced internship program, campus ambassador program, womentor program, and ennovators program. They will also study Banglalink's cases as part of their university curriculum. Read Banglalink skill development programme: 'Digirevolution' Season 1 ends Ayesha Saeed, Head of Talent Management, Banglalink, Eshanee Sadhukhan, Talent Management Lead Specialist, Banglalink, and Tahsina Rahman, Joint Director, Campus Life, BRAC University were also present at the signing ceremony.

Telecom operator Banglalink has completed the first season of "Digirevolution," a virtual skill development programme for students, through a closing ceremony. Erik Aas, chief executive officer, and Monzula Morshed, chief human resources and administration officer, of Banglalink, and all the programme participants were present at the event in the capital. Students from more than 35 universities from all over the country were shortlisted for the virtual programme. READ: Breaching copyright law by Banglalink: Hearing on charge framing in 2 cases on May 26 They were upskilled on various contemporary telecom, digital, and business topics in business intelligence and analytics, digital marketing, UI and UX, content marketing, design thinking, and agile project management. Following each session, the participants went through an evaluation process.  Monzula Morshed said: "Digirevolution helped the participants learn professional digital skills much needed in the workplaces of today." Read Development sector: 'Young job-seekers should learn soft, technical skills to thrive' "We believe that empowering local talents with contemporary learning experiences will result in a well-equipped workforce in our telecom and IT industries."

The government has prioritised vocational and digital education at secondary and higher levels in a mid-term plan that seeks to create jobs and skilled manpower, according to an official document. The plan (FY2021-22 to FY2023-24) envisages using science and technology education as a key strategy for development and poverty alleviation. Apart from expanding vocational education the plan seeks to develop necessary infrastructure for digital education. It also underscores the need for increasing the financial opportunities for teachers and encouraging activities related to creative talent exploration. To this end, according to an official document, following the 8th Five Year Plan, SDGs 2030 and Vision 2041, appropriate activities and projects are being taken by ensuring quality higher education in all fields, encouraging students to do research, ensuring information technology based education, expansion of science based education, encouraging women in higher education, reducing the dropout rate, etc. as set under the National Education Policy 2010. The objectives are to improve the overall quality of education, eliminating inequalities in education, improving quality and expanding education. The document said that the government is currently implementing the 'Secondary Education Development Program'. Activities under this include- expansion of infrastructure and setting up of new infrastructure with the help of existing development projects to enhance the capacity of secondary and higher secondary education, setting up of Upazila Training and Resource Centers under integrated education information management program, expansion of MPO schemes in private schools, provision of scholarships for outstanding students, and training of teachers. During the COVID- 19 transition, online classes at secondary and higher secondary levels and teaching on important subjects on television under the title of 'My school in my house' have been introduced. The Technical and Madrasa Education Division has placed emphasis on job-oriented technical and vocational education to facilitate the development of skilled human resources. Some steps have already been taken to expand technical and vocational education, ensure job-focused education, and attract the general public towards technical and vocational education, said the document. For example, projects for making computer/ technical education compulsory, organizing skill competitions, setting up technical schools and colleges in 329 upazilas along with the existing 100 technical schools and colleges, setting up women's polytechnics in 4 divisional cities, and setting up 4 engineering universities in 4 divisions are ongoing. The ministry of primary and mass education has taken multifaceted initiatives to ensure quality and universal primary education, and has adopted and implemented a number of development activities. For example, the ministry has nationalised 26,193 private primary schools. It has started using mobile banking for stipends to about 14 million students across the country by making payment to their mothers on their mobile phones. Further, infrastructure of government primary and modernised primary schools has been developed, free textbooks are distributed, and computers and multimedia are provided in schools. In addition, during the COVID-19 pandemic, the government has started broadcasting "Learn at Home" lessons on television to keep students focused on lessons, and lessons are being broadcast on radio and community radio for students in remote areas. In the medium term, the ministry will provide quality pre-primary and primary education, basic education, ICT, English, sub-cluster training to teachers. One of the main objectives of the ministry of science and technology is to build a science and technology-minded nation. The ministry has undertaken research activities on, and formulated policies and laws related to, science and technology. In the medium term, as per the document, the main development priorities of the ministry will be providing fellowships in MS, PhD and post-doctoral courses at home and abroad for higher education in science, completion of various feasibility studies for construction of nuclear power plants in southern Bangladesh. It also included providing world-class specialised library services for students and researchers, discovering low-cost tide and web power generation methods. The other priorities are developing infrastructure and human resources for marine resource research, improving the quality of industrial products, and ensuring the quality of food and food products.