During the height of the pandemic in 2020, many adults took advantage of their newfound free time to learn something new. With traditional classrooms closed, more and more turned to free online classes from providers like online learning company Coursera, which reported a 65% growth in registered users in 2020, serving more than 77 million students. Free online courses allow you to learn something new, sharpen your skills, or try out a new field with a small investment of time. These online courses can lead to new hobbies, new language skills, or a new career, particularly in tech fields where programmers often need to learn new skills quickly.
Why take an online course?
Online courses offer an efficient and economical way to learn new things –– and providers offer classes in just about everything you can imagine. Instructors can show you how to take better iPhone photos or create unique clothing with your sewing machine. You can find classes on the science of happiness and wellbeing. Or you can brush up on career and job search skills like business writing or interviewing. Online learning also offers opportunities for unemployed students to prepare for new jobs. Free online classes also allow you to try out a new subject before committing to a longer and more expensive training opportunity. Or, you may wish to refresh your math or language skills before starting a bachelor’s or master’s degree. Some fields, like technology, change quickly. Online learning helps tech workers learn new skills in emerging technologies. Much of the workforce needs to learn new skills for today’s enterprises. Free learning courses help bridge those skill gaps.
Benefits of online courses
Flexibility: You can access online classes almost everywhere you have an internet connection, allowing you to incorporate learning into your schedule. Many platforms support mobile apps. Classes often do not have set meeting times. Many platforms offer instant access to course materials so that you can begin learning as soon as you register.Convenience: Choose courses that require a few hours to a few weeks of study. Instructors may include professionals in the field who focus on key skills or knowledge, providing more efficient use of your time. Many courses support a self-paced model, allowing you to move to the next topic when you are ready.Cost: Free online learning courses often include videos and collected reading materials. You also save on commuting costs. Many providers also offer paid memberships, with a more extensive course catalog and more class and instructor interaction, often at significant savings of more traditional learning options.
Online course providers you should know
Location: Online Most popular courses: The Science of Well-Being, Learning How to Learn, Financial MarketsWhat it includes: Videos, articles, practice quizzesCost: Free to $399 per yearCertificate: Yes, with paid membershipLevel: Beginner to advanced
Location: Online Most popular courses: Entrepreneurship in Emerging Economies, Empathy and Emotional Intelligence at Work, Introduction to Computer ScienceWhat it includes: Videos, learning exercises, articles, reading materialsCost: Free to $300Certificate: Yes, with feeLevel: Beginner to Advanced
Location: Online Most popular courses: iPhone Photography, Productivity Masterclass, Fundamentals of DSLR PhotographyWhat it includes: Online videosCost: Free to $32 per monthCertificate: NoLevel: Beginner to advanced
Location: Online Most popular courses: Business Fundamentals: Effective Communication, Basic English 1, English for Academic StudyWhat it includes: Online videos, quizzes, articles, and peer reviewsCost: Free to $279.99 per yearCertificate: YesLevel: Beginner to advanced
Location: Online Most popular courses: Code Your First Game, 7 Scientifically Proven Steps to Increase Your Influence, A Mini Course on Time ManagementWhat it includes: VideosCost: Free to $199.99 per courseCertificate: Yes, with paid coursesLevel: Beginner to advanced
Location: Online Most popular courses: The Places of Teaching Artistry, Piano 1, The Work of Teaching ArtistsWhat it includes: Videos and transcripts, access to forum discussion, online portfolioCost: Free to $20 per monthCertificate: With paid membershipLevel: Beginner to advanced
Location: Online Most popular courses: Intro to Coding, Intro to Data Analytics, Intro to UX DesignWhat it includes: Scheduled live stream broadcastPrices: FreeCertificate: NoLevel: Beginner to intermediate
