At Alison, we pride ourselves on working with a diverse range of course creators who bring unique perspectives and expertise to our learners. One such educator is Kelvin Kobina Fosu, a humanitarian passionate about merging art and technology to make education more accessible. With a Bachelor of Fine Arts and certifications in IT and business strategies, Kelvin has developed content now used in over 170 countries. In this interview, Kelvin shares his background, his education philosophy, and valuable information for learners looking to develop new skills.
Conversation
Alison: You have a rich educational background, including a bachelor’s degree in fine arts and certifications in computer science and business strategies. How has this diverse background allowed you to create the wide range of courses you offer on Alison?
Kelvin: I believe in arts, science, technology and humanitarian activities because they are the building blocks of every nation. My curiosity to understand how things work and our purpose on earth has driven me to learn anything that challenges my thoughts. Having diverse knowledge through research and experimentation in arts, IT and business (for a better world) makes me versatile in creating courses on topics relevant to learners. Most courses help learners learn a concept, idea, or skill they need to accomplish something.
Additionally, participating in international hackathons allows me to learn new things from the teams, judges, and overall experience, which influences the content I create. Lifelong learning is essential, and I find myself helping people on projects that are beyond even my expertise, delivering results that exceed expectations.
Alison: You believe in putting people and the planet before profit. How does this belief influence the courses you create, and why is it important for learners to consider it in their own education?
Kelvin: As a child, I always had philanthropy at the heart of my aspirations, whether it was dreaming of becoming an astronaut, a doctor or a designer. I realized that society is based on caring for others, whether humans, plants, animals or the environment. Learners must understand that their education is not only for personal gain, but also for the benefit of their community, country and the world.
When I create courses, I think about the ripple effect they could have on learners and their communities. Ultimately, we learn to make a difference in our lives and in society.
Alison: Your courses are used in more than 170 countries. How do you ensure your content, like “Master the Pandas Library in Python Programming,” is accessible and useful to learners from different backgrounds?
Kelvin: The concept that drives my classes is called AnyBodyCanDevelop (ABCD), which was inspired by my experience teaching children under the Girls Education Initiative of Ghana (GEIG). This approach ensures inclusiveness by making the foundations of the lessons accessible to learners from all backgrounds. I focus on basic elements and ideas that people can easily relate to in fields such as the arts, sciences, history and technology, making the content relevant and applicable in everyday life.
Alison: Many learners struggle to start something new, especially in fields like programming or digital illustration. What advice would you give to those who feel intimidated by these topics?
Kelvin: Struggle is part of the process of figuring things out, and in many cases, these struggles reveal new ways to solve problems if you are determined to follow through. I’ve faced my own challenges, but my curiosity about how things work drives me to find solutions.
For learners, my advice is: don’t force yourself to learn something you’re not passionate about. Focus on your natural abilities, improve them and excel.
Alison: Among the courses you have created, such as Fundamental Illustrations in Adobe Illustrator And Understanding Python Sentiment Analysis Methodologywhat are you most proud of and why?
Kelvin: While I love both, I am especially proud of understanding Python sentiment analysis methodology. It’s fascinating to learn how computers predict, automatically correct, and even translate text using natural language processing. Working on this course gave me insight into how artificial intelligence works, and seeing the practical results through Python was incredibly satisfying.
Alison: Can you share an example of how learners have applied the skills learned in your courses in real life, particularly in a way that surprised or inspired you?
Kelvin: I have three learners in Ghana with whom I often collaborate in hackathons. Two of them work at the Kofi Annan Ghana-India ICT Center of Excellence as IT instructors, and one is a UX engineer at Hubtel. They have proven their skills time and time again, helping us win several international hackathons. Seeing their growth and success has been truly inspiring.
Alison: You have worked with initiatives like the Girls Education Initiative of Ghana. What lessons from these experiences do you incorporate into your online courses?
Kelvin: At GEIG, I had the freedom to experiment with teaching methods, which allowed us to develop numerous courses. We encouraged children to explore different programs on laptops and Kindle devices. One of the key lessons I learned from this experience is to design experiential courses while ensuring that the basics are easy to understand without compromising inclusiveness.
Alison: Learning online can be a challenge for many. How do you stay motivated when tackling difficult topics and what tips can you share to help learners stay on track?
Kelvin: Personal motivation is key. Many learners don’t complete classes because they treat them like “popcorn classes,” something to consume casually, like Netflix. But if you stay motivated by the desire to truly understand the material, and not just for the certificates or badges, it will pay off in your work environment. My motivation comes from the “aha moment” when things click and I get the results I’m aiming for.
Alison: As someone deeply involved in technology and education, what exciting trends or tools do you see on the horizon that could benefit Alison’s learners?
Kelvin: AI tools like ChatGPT, Copilot, and code chats are exciting trends that can make coding easier and more accessible. For content creation, tools like InVideo AI and Uizard offer endless possibilities. The future looks bright with these technologies.
Alison: Finally, what advice would you give to Alison learners who are just beginning their educational journey, especially those looking to develop new skills or change careers?
Kelvin: Find your natural abilities and focus on improving them. Don’t force yourself in areas that don’t come naturally to you. If you are changing careers, be open to adapting and growing with the change. It can be difficult, but staying relevant is worth it.
Kelvin Kobina Fosu’s passion for education, coupled with his diverse expertise, makes him a unique and inspiring figure in the world of online learning. His commitment to creating accessible and impactful content is clear, and his ideas offer valuable lessons for learners everywhere. Whether you want to delve into digital illustration, Python programming, or explore the fascinating world of artificial intelligence, Kelvin’s courses are designed to help you succeed.
Ready to start your learning journey? Enroll in one of Kelvin’s courses today and take the next step toward learning practical skills that can open doors in your career and personal growth. Discover his courses on Adobe Illustrator, Python programming and much more.