It’s back-to-school time, and while the kids are boarding those big yellow buses, we adults also can learn new things from the comfort of our own computers. Maybe you need to upgrade your business skills or learn new software. Maybe you never graduated high school and need a diploma. Or maybe you’re planning a trip and want to learn a new language. Whether you have a goal, or just want to learn something new for fun, there are are online courses for you, and most of them are free. Here is a list of 10 places to get a top quality online education at little or no cost.
1. iTUNES U
The most well-known functions of iTunes are its music and video store and organizing features. But did you know it’s also a pretty amazing resource for free education? Simply access the iTunes Store and click the link for ITunes U. There are lectures from the world’s top universities. I found an anthropology lecture from England’s Oxford University, engineering and computer courses from Yale, and more, all of them 100% free.
2. Free-Ed.net
Free-ed.net offers online courses on just about any subject but especially focuses on career-oriented courses such as computers, hotel management, and building trades. You also can study here for your GED (high school diploma equivalent).
3. Berkeley.edu
University of California Berkeley is a great school, and very tough to get into for a degree program. However, dozens of courses (not for credit) are available online each semester, all free, and no application required.
4. University of Washington
UW’s educational outreach program offers lots of interesting, free online courses ranging from American History to computer science and many others.
University of Washington Courses
5. MIT
I think MIT only admits 5 or 10 percent of its degree applicants. But if you want to challenge your brain and don’t need course credits, just check out their online courses, which are open to everyone. Lectures, notes and exams for more than 1800 courses are all offered for free, so you can learn to be a rocket scientist in your spare time. (They also have an online business management school.)
6. Princeton
Do you dream of having an Ivy League education? Get one with online archived lectures at Princeton University.
Princeton Lectures
7. BBC Languages
The BBC (British Broadcasting Company) provides news from around the world – so it makes sense for them to teach you new languages. Learn French, Spanish, Italian, German, Portuguese, Chinese, Gaelic, Urdu, you name it. The more popular languages have a conveniently organized 12-week course.
8. News University
Check out more than 85 online courses to help you learn reporting and writing skills, and there are also courses for software such as Adobe Photoshop and Illustrator. This site is supported by many respected organizations such as the Society of Professional Journalists. Some courses are free and some are not.
9. Cooking Classes
So, your cooking knowledge is limited to making peanut butter-and-jelly sandwiches? Or maybe you need to figure out what you can make for dinner with leftover chicken, in 15 minutes or less. It’s all here at the Food Network, with free recipes and videos to show you how.
10. NY Times
It makes sense that one of the world’s most well-known newspapers is reaching out to teachers and students. They have a nice educational section on their website. Learn the word of the day, explore current events and various topics in depth, and enjoy their famous crossword puzzles.
Dean writes:
Recently I have been learning how to play the guitar. I found that Youtube.com is one of the best resources in learning songs and getting free lessons. I know there is a bunch of time wasting Youtube videos but at the same time I’m sure you can useful Youtube videos in just about niche you would like to learn.
I have used Youtube to learn the following:
- Recipes of my favorite dishes
- Japanese language
- Before traveling I like to check out videos of the locations I will visit
- How save on gas and drive efficiently
- How to cool my home efficiently
- Tips on how to improve my golf swing
- How to whiten my teeth effectively and safely
Again, be careful Youtube is a dangerous time waster if not used properly.
Currently I’m trying to learn how to play this song:
With Or Without You – Acoustic Guitar
Please note: these courses are not applicable to degree programs. If you want a degree for little or nothing, that’s another story; you’ll need to apply (and qualify for) financial aid and scholarships, as well as meeting testing and admission requirements for your chosen college.
For general college information and testing requirements, start here: College Board
To apply for federal student aid: FASFA Student Aid
Photo Courtesy of Flickr
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Comment by Monica on 16 September 2009:
Can we share your link to our site? I have asked 3 times now- you jhave not responded!
Comment by Dean on 17 September 2009:
Yes, you can link to my site.
Pingback by Smarter and Cheaper Education: Educate Yourself at Little or No Cost | out of the box [www.ootbox.me] on 3 October 2009:
[...] It’s back-to-school time, and while the kids are boarding those big yellow buses, we adults also can learn new things from the comfort of our own computers. Maybe you need to upgrade your business skills or learn new software. Maybe you never graduated high school and need a diploma. Or maybe you’re planning a trip and want to learn a new language. Whether you have a goal, or just want to learn something new for fun, there are are online courses for you, and most of them are free. Here is a list of 10 places to get a top quality online education at little or no cost. [...]