Residents over 55 in Karachay-Cherkessia five times more likely to visit online learning websites

In the third quarter of 2026, monthly internet traffic to educational websites in Karachay-Cherkessia was 1.3 times higher than in the first quarter. Among users aged over 55, the figure increased fivefold, according to a study by telecommunications operator MegaFon and the Skillbox educational group.

 

According to the operator, interest in online learning also grew among men in the republic, with their internet traffic to educational resources doubling. However, the study does not establish how many residents of the region actually began studying: it measures users’ online activity.

 

Across Russia as a whole, traffic to online education websites increased by 53% in the third quarter of 2026 compared with the first quarter. Among the most popular subjects were courses in artificial intelligence and Python programming, a language used to develop software and work with AI.

 

According to Skillbox, the AI Creator course topped the ranking of the most popular educational programmes in summer 2026. Python development, which had led the list a year earlier, fell to second place. The top 10 also included courses in graphic design, interior design, 1C programming — a platform used to automate accounting and business management — software testing and cybersecurity.

 

Demand for training in the use of neural networks has been growing since 2025, the study notes. Skillbox also reported interest in cybersecurity, linking it to the growing use of artificial intelligence in business and the need to protect digital systems against vulnerabilities.

 

Study habits have also changed. The proportion of Russians who prefer to study every day rose from 59.8% to 63%, while the share of those who set aside time for learning only at weekends fell from 22.3% to 18.5%.

 

In corporate training, MegaFon is also moving away from lengthy distance-learning courses towards short, practical sessions using AI bots. According to Irina Sokolova, the company’s director of staff development and training, employees most often work on sales and negotiation skills, learn about the company’s products and develop their skills in Python and artificial intelligence tools.

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Residents over 55 in Karachay-Cherkessia five times more likely to visit online learning websites
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Residents over 55 in Karachay-Cherkessia five times more likely to visit online learning websites
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