THISDAY Learning Centre Begins with Coursera Challenge

By Vanessa Obioha

As media organisations adjust to the ‘new normal’ of gathering and disseminating news caused by COVID-19, the management of THISDAY Newspapers and ARISE NEWS Channel is equipping staff with learning opportunities to expand their skills within and beyond the media. It formally kicked off its knowledge sharing and interactive session on the THISDAY Learning Centre platform yesterday, with an introduction to the online platform Coursera.

Coursera is one of the world’s leading online learning platforms with over 70 million users globally. The US-based e-learning platform offers users a variety of online courses, certifications, degrees and masters in various subjects. Some of the courses on Coursera are free, but for certifications and degrees, users are required to pay a fee. However, the platform offers financial aid and how to be a beneficiary of the financial support will be the focus of the facilitator, Wale Thomas for this quarter.

The Daystar Leadership Academy Director of Studies used the first session to educate staff on how to navigate the learning platform – from registering to searching for courses relating to their fields. He touched lightly on the financial aid topic with the promise to expand more in the next session.

“The idea could not have come at a better time given the COVID-19 lockdown reality that has made contacts with staff difficult, if not impossible,” said Managing Director of THISDAY, Mr. Eniola Bello, in a brief statement.

On his part, the Managing Editor, Mr. Joseph Ushigiale lauded the effort and advised staff to embrace the opportunity as there are many fruits to reap from the learning platform.

Coordinator of THISDAY Learning Centre, Mr. Ayo Arowolo echoed similar sentiments but with icing on the cake.

He announced the Coursera Challenge where members of staff are encouraged to obtain certifications in their field of study and get rewarded.

The prizes, however, are in three stages: the first person to obtain any certification; the first person to obtain five certifications and the first person to achieve the highest certification within the 90-day challenge period. For the last stage, he disclosed that the Chairman of THISDAY Media Group and ARISE NEWS Channel, Prince Nduka Obaigbena will award the winner a star prize.

Apart from the knowledge and sharing session where experts from different fields that are relevant to the media will share best practices and insights to staff to boost their career, the THISDAY Learning Centre will serve as a meeting ground for management to relate with staff on their work and experiences, while relaying important information.

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