Coursera: Learners in PH prioritize AI skills, diversify education focus

Coursera Inc., an online learning platform, revealed in its 2024 Learner Trends report an increase in Filipino interest in artificial intelligence (AI) education. This year, the Philippines saw a 21% increase in registered learners, showing the country’s interest in adapting to the global workforce’s evolving demands.

One of the highlights of the report is a significant ninefold surge in enrollments for Generative AI (GenAI) courses, with someone in the Philippines enrolling in GenAI content every 15 minutes in 2024. Popular courses like Google AI Essentials and Generative AI for Everyone showed a shift toward practical workplace applications, highlighting the growing importance of AI proficiency across various industries.

“Filipino learners embraced the future of work in 2024, prioritizing GenAI and job-aligned skills to stay competitive in an evolving job market,” said Raghav Gupta, managing director for Asia Pacific at Coursera. “Their adaptability and drive to lead on a global stage are commendable.”

This trend aligns with findings from Microsoft’s Work Trend Index 2024, which revealed that 70% of Filipino employers prioritize candidates with AI skills. Also, 68% of these employers preferred less experienced candidates with AI expertise over those with more experience but no AI knowledge.

Aside from AI, Coursera’s data showed that Filipino learners pursued diverse courses in digital marketing, project management, and data analytics. Language learning also gained traction, with courses like First Step Korean highlighting a balanced approach to technical and personal development. Entry-level Professional Certificates, designed for individuals without prior experience, emerged as a popular choice, demonstrating the appeal of accessible, industry-recognized micro-credentials.

10 most popular GenAI courses in the Philippines in 2024

1. Google AI Essentials by Google
2. Introduction to Generative AI by Google Cloud
3. Generative AI for Everyone by DeepLearning.AI
4. Generative AI with Large Language Models by Amazon Web Service
5. Generative AI: Prompt Engineering Basics by IBM
6. Prompt Engineering for ChatGPT by Vanderbilt University
7. Generative AI: Introduction and Applications by IBM
8. Prompt Engineering with GPT: Programming for Custom Content by Coursera Project Network
9. ChatGPT Prompt Engineering for Developers by DeepLearning.AI
10. Introduction to Large Language Models by Google Cloud

10 most popular courses in the Philippines in 2024

1. Foundations: Data, Data, Everywhere by Google
2. Foundations of Digital Marketing and E-commerce by Google
3. Google AI Essentials by Google
4. Foundations of Project Management by Google
5. Foundations of Cybersecurity by Google
6. Technical Support Fundamentals by Google
7. Foundations of User Experience (UX) Design by Google
8. First Step Korean by Yonsei University
9. Ask Questions to Make Data-Driven Decisions by Google
10. Learning How to Learn: Powerful mental tools to help you master tough subjects by Deep Teaching Solutions