Image by @mathildelangevin
The age of the internet is full of advantages and disadvantages. The knowledge that’s available is simultaneously both of those things. We can have an answer to a question in minutes, and then we’re left with the weight of knowing.
This knowledge hands us power — to do, to create, to change, to help, to be. There’s so much to learn, and it’s impossible for one person to tackle all the things. But we can tackle some of the things.
It’s never too late to start learning something new. If you’ve always wanted to learn about a topic but haven’t taken the leap due to finances, time, and general life happenings, one of these online resources might be a good place to dip your toes into the waters of the vast knowledge of the cyber world. ;)
Coursera brings flexible, affordable, job-relevant online learning to all by partnering with over 200 universities. Offering a range of learning opportunities—from hands-on projects and courses to job-ready certificates and degree programs—coursera offers hundreds of free courses and affordable options for you to work on a degree on your own schedule.
Their popular free courses range from philosophy to algorithms. It’s worth a click-through to see if there’s something on the list for you.
edX is a global nonprofit with the goal to reach everyone, everywhere—providing access to high-quality education without cost barriers. edX offers more than 2,500 open online courses. (You will have to pay for their university-level degree programs.) Check out the platform and see if it’s a fit for you.
Some of their highly rated courses that you can enrol in for free are:
- Introduction to Computer Science
- Entrepreneurship in Emerging Economies
- Contract Law: From Trust to Promise to Contract
- Justice
TedEd is loaded with animated, educational content along with the classic TedTalk conversations. Full of low-key, conversational learning, TedEd launched an Earth School to keep students of all ages connected to nature. Whether you want to work through a series or watch through lessons that catch your eye, TedEd has something for the whole family.
Skillshare offers thousands of classes for individuals to come together and find inspiration to take the leap into their creative journey. Skillshare’s platform is attractive, easy to use, and has so many free educational videos available, including:
- Building an Etsy Shop that Sells
- Building a Career in Illustration
- Going Freelance: Building and Branding Your Own Success
- Visual Thinking: Drawing Data to Communicate Ideas
- Make Fresh Pasta the Real Italian Way
Udemy put their free courses up front for the pandemic and I love to see it. Udemy’s mission is to improve lives through learning. From time management to “how to speak to anyone and be fearless,” Udemy has a lot to offer for free, with extra perks if you give them a few dollars.
We’re so curious. If any of these platforms have caught your attention, chime in on the comments below. We’d love to hear about your experience.
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Jade is a freelance writer and copy editor, living in a sleepy town in Northern Ontario. She loves growing plants, playing with dirt, and staying cozy.
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