AltSchool Africa, one of Africa’s leading e-learning platforms, is set to introduce a self-paced learning model. Called Nano-diploma, the model allows learners to run programs based on their own strengths and urgency. The initiative is an attempt to create an inclusive learning environment for people who need a shorter time frame.
AltSchool Africa noted that the incoming introduction is tailored to help professionals or the working class have access to learning various skills in their leisure time. While the diploma mode runs on a full-time basis (1 year), the nano-diploma runs based on the learner’s speed and preference.
In a conversation with Technext, Head of Global Operations at AltSchool Africa, Nifemi Akinwamide, explained that nano-diploma is AltSchool Africa’s market entry for people who need both self-paced and fast-paced learning.
“Think of NanoDiploma as our entrance into the market for people who need something shorter. For example, our diploma programmes are 12 months long. What we are creating in NanoDiploma is for people who do not have time to wait for 12 months. To be able to get skilled as fast as possible,” he said.
AltSchool Africa is using the initiative to make learning accessible to every corner of Nigeria and Africa. For learners on the nano-diploma, the edutech platform is making it a personalised AI learning assistance that drills learners and helps them summarise the courses.
Nifemi added that the nano-diploma is centred on taking the core courses within the shortest time frame. With the new model, learners are in control of getting well-timed, affordable learning opportunities that suit their time availability.
“Think of it as basically what you see on Coursera and Udacity, where it’s quick and fast, like it’s self-paced compared to what you have on Diploma. So it’s self-paced. It’s short. It’s straightforward. It’s basically you just taking pain and then taking the programme almost immediately,” he added.
AltSchool Africa is publicly testing the initiative, with the company is opening the stage for 1,000 early adopters. You can find the link to get enrolled for the testing stage here
Also Read: AltSchool Africa is building a tech learning platform for teenagers.
Nano-diploma: How AltSchool Africa is shaping the model
Unlike the diploma model that runs on a specified timeframe with an entrance exam fee, resumption and test, nano-diploma brings simplifications by providing the ability to learn on the go and at one’s own pace. AltSchool Africa is making the initiative available for everyone from the age of 14 upwards, and giving access to people who want to learn tech.
Nifemi pointed out that not all courses on the diploma model will be available on nano-diploma at launch. However, he noted that AltSchool Africa will keep adding more courses in future.
“It’s not mutually exclusive. We are thinking of the Nano-diploma from different career paths. We’ll keep loading more programmes as we go along. But some of them are obviously some of the things that we already had on the Diploma. But it’s not limited to just that,” he said.
Aside from learning, the platform is also introducing point earnings, a situation where learners earn points during their learning path and convert the points to money.
While the normal diploma course runs for $310, the nano-diploma runs for less at $30. Nifemi explained that the $30 is for a program and a one-off payment. If learners want to take another course, they’ll make a new payment.
“It’s like, I want to learn generative AI. That’s a programme for $30. And if you have another programme you want to take again, it costs $30. You pay for that and you’re done,” Nifemi added.
He emphasised that the nano-diploma is yet to be launched as it is still in the testing stage. “We’re just trying and currently building in public. And that’s why it’s been seen all around.”
The initiative is the latest attempt by AltSchool Africa to make its e-learning offerings inclusive and accessible to all. In July, the company launched an online tech training for teenagers, structured to unlock their creativity, capacity and exploration in tech at an early stage of their lives.
The initiative was designed as a catch-them-young model where kids get early exposure to tech skills. For AltSchool Africa, kids and teenagers don’t need to be computer engineering students in a university or polytechnic before making the crucial decision of learning a skill.