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Coursera VS Software Takes Command

Compare Coursera VS Software Takes Command and see what are their differences

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Contents:
  1. ยป Base Details
  2. ยป Videos
  3. ยป Reviews
  4. ยป Alternatives

Coursera logo Coursera

Build skills with courses, certificates, and degrees online from world-class universities and companies

Software Takes Command logo Software Takes Command

A universal language through which the world speaks
  • Coursera Landing page
    Landing page //
    2023-09-12
  • Software Takes Command Landing page
    Landing page //
    2026-05-21

Coursera features and specs

  • Headquarters
    Mountain View, CA

Software Takes Command features and specs

  • Pioneering media theory
    Lev Manovich offers a groundbreaking theoretical framework for understanding how software has become the fundamental layer through which we create, distribute, and experience all media, making it essential reading for media studies and digital humanities scholars.
  • In-depth analysis of cultural software
    The book provides a thorough and detailed examination of key cultural software applications like Photoshop, After Effects, and other media authoring tools, exploring how their design shapes creative possibilities and cultural production.
  • Builds on influential earlier work
    As a continuation and expansion of Manovich's earlier landmark book 'The Language of New Media,' this work deepens and updates his theoretical contributions, offering a more mature and comprehensive understanding of software's role in culture.
  • Historically grounded perspective
    Manovich traces the intellectual history of software back to visionaries like Alan Kay and the Xerox PARC team, providing valuable historical context that helps readers understand how and why software evolved the way it did.
  • Interdisciplinary relevance
    The book is valuable across multiple disciplines including media studies, computer science, design, art history, and cultural studies, making connections that encourage cross-disciplinary thinking about technology and culture.

Possible disadvantages of Software Takes Command

  • Dense and academic writing style
    The book is written in a highly academic style that can be difficult for general readers or newcomers to media theory, often requiring familiarity with prior theoretical frameworks and terminology to fully engage with the arguments.
  • Narrow software focus
    Despite the broad title, the book focuses primarily on a limited set of media authoring software (especially Adobe products), which may not fully represent the vast and diverse landscape of software that shapes culture today.
  • Dated examples and references
    Some of the software examples and case studies discussed in the book have become somewhat outdated since publication, particularly given the rapid pace of technological change in areas like mobile apps, social media, and AI-driven tools.
  • Repetitive argumentation
    Several reviewers and readers have noted that the book can feel repetitive, with key points about software's role in media being reiterated across multiple chapters without sufficient new insight to justify the repetition.
  • Limited engagement with social and political dimensions
    The book focuses heavily on the formal and technical properties of software while giving comparatively less attention to the social, political, and economic power structures that shape software development and its cultural impact.

Analysis of Coursera

Overall verdict

  • Overall, Coursera is considered a good platform for online learning, particularly for those seeking accredited courses and meaningful credentials. However, the effectiveness of Coursera can depend on individual learning preferences, goals, and the specific course or program chosen.

Why this product is good

  • Coursera is widely recognized for its diverse range of online courses, specializations, and degree programs offered in partnership with top universities and organizations worldwide. It provides learners with flexible learning options, allowing them to access high-quality education resources from anywhere. The platform is known for its rigorous content, interactive learning experiences, and opportunities for certification, making it a valuable resource for both personal and professional development.

Recommended for

  • Individuals seeking to advance their careers through continuing education.
  • Learners interested in earning certifications from reputable institutions.
  • Students preferring a flexible learning schedule.
  • Professionals looking to update their skills or pivot to new fields.
  • Anyone eager to explore a variety of topics and gain knowledge from experienced instructors.

Analysis of Software Takes Command

Overall verdict

  • Software Takes Command by Lev Manovich is a well-regarded scholarly work that offers a thoughtful and pioneering analysis of how software has become a central force in shaping contemporary media, culture, and creative practice.

Why this product is good

  • Written by Lev Manovich, a leading and influential theorist in the field of new media studies
  • Provides a foundational framework for understanding 'software studies' as an academic discipline
  • Offers deep historical context on the development of media software and figures like Alan Kay
  • Explores how software reshapes creativity, design, and cultural production in an accessible yet rigorous way
  • Available as an open-access text, making its core ideas widely accessible

Recommended for

  • Students and academics in media studies, digital humanities, and cultural theory
  • Designers and developers interested in the history and theory behind creative software
  • Researchers exploring the intersection of technology and culture
  • Anyone curious about how software influences modern media and everyday life

Coursera videos

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The Best Open Online Courses - Coursera, Udacity, edX Review

More videos:

  • Review - Review: My Experience with Coursera

Software Takes Command videos

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Category Popularity

0-100% (relative to Coursera and Software Takes Command)

Coursera

Software Takes Command

Online Learning
100 100%
Online Learning
0% 0
Android
0 0%
Android
100% 100
Education
100 100%
Education
0% 0
Design Tools
0 0%
Design Tools
100% 100

User comments

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Reviews

These are some of the external sources and on-site user reviews we've used to compare Coursera and Software Takes Command

Coursera Reviews

  1. MaryRhoades
    Great education platform

    From courses to degrees it has it all at pr pricing generally cheaper than on campus with big organisations offering course such as (Google, IBM)

    ๐Ÿ Competitors: Udemy
    ๐Ÿ‘ Pros:    Affordable pricing
    ๐Ÿ‘Ž Cons:    Marketing lies
10 Pluralsight Alternatives & Competitors (2024) โ€“ Our Picks
The course structure and teaching plans are very well organized on Coursera. One can receive an actual degree from a college through an online medium of learning. The courses here are relevant for people looking to develop an industry-related skill โ€“ which is why it is the top competitor of Pluralsight. You can read our detailed Coursera review.
Source: missiongraduatenm.org
10 Best Treehouse Alternatives in 2024
Coursera is one of the most sought-after online platforms learners choose as Treehouse alternatives. This platform has collaborated with more than 325 prestigious institutions and companies. It offers both individual and team skill development programs.
Source: www.geeksforgeeks.org
Top 11 Coursera Alternatives 2024
Many Coursera alternatives offer features similar to or even better than Coursera at an affordable price. Each online learning platform comes with its own set of pros and cons and is suited differently for different needs. Hereโ€™s a list of our top Coursera alternatives we think you should check out
Source: freshlearn.com
10 Best Coursera Alternatives in 2024
Coursera Alternatives Free Courses: In recent years, online learning platforms have become incredibly popular, giving people worldwide easy access to various educational opportunities. Coursera has been one of the top choices when it comes to learners seeking high quality courses from respected institutions.
Source: www.geeksforgeeks.org
14 Best Free and Paid Coursera Alternatives For Creators (2024)
The main reason why Coursera alternatives are worth checking out is because one solution may not fit everyone. Even though Coursera has a great global presence and supports many niches, it still doesnโ€™t meet a lot of learning and teaching needs. For example, microlearning is an up and coming trend that helps students take in knowledge at a faster speed. Coursera doesnโ€™t...
Source: www.thinkific.com

Software Takes Command Reviews

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Social recommendations and mentions

Based on our record, Coursera seems to be more popular. It has been mentiond 116 times since March 2021. We are tracking product recommendations and mentions on various public social media platforms and blogs. They can help you identify which product is more popular and what people think of it.

Coursera mentions (116)

  • Getting Started with Blockchain: A Guide for Beginners
    Great starting points include free online courses on platforms like Coursera or books like Mastering Bitcoin by Andreas Antonopoulos. - Source: dev.to / over 1 year ago
  • Lost in life. Need to choose a career
    Anyway now go to coursera.org and for $49 a month get the Google IT Support Professional cert. That gives you a discount for the A+ exam. With a sob story Coursera may reduce the monthly fee as well. Anyway you are halfway to an IT degree and can be admitted to WGU. Source: over 2 years ago
  • Did Cousera get hacked today?
    Instead of homepage link opening to coursera.org it redirects to https://www.coursera.org/programs/american-dream-academy-jzjjt?currentTab=CATALOG. Source: about 3 years ago
  • Found out my Professor for Fall 2023 Python Course is one of the worst reviewed professors at the school
    In terms of structure, consider following a book like Python for Everybody or Automate the Boring Stuff With Python. One of the hard parts of learning a language like python on your own is knowing what you should learn and the order you should learn it in--resources like these books or online courses you can find on Coursera are great for helping with that. Source: about 3 years ago
  • Online programming courses
    You can try searching something up on coursera.org or edx.org. Source: over 3 years ago
View more

Software Takes Command mentions (0)

We have not tracked any mentions of Software Takes Command yet. Tracking of Software Takes Command recommendations started around May 2026.

What are some alternatives?

When comparing Coursera and Software Takes Command, you can also consider the following products

Udemy - Online Courses - Learn Anything, On Your Schedule

Sensible Software 1986โ€“1999 - Rise and fall of one of the most successful games developers

edX - Best Courses. Top Institutions. Learn anytime, anywhere.

The Sociable - Documenting how technology transforms societies

Pluralsight - Pluralsight is a learning management system (LMS) that helps aspiring tech professionals learn the basics of the trade and lets established professionals expand their skill sets.

Khan Academy - Khan Academy offers online tools to help students learn about a variety of important school subjects. Tools include videos, practice exercises, and materials for instructors. Read more about Khan Academy.

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