Staying at home has its perks, but we do have to admit, it can make some of us feel a little restless when we're left with no choice but to be stuck indoors for long periods. Cabin fever is a real thing, but hey, we also have the option to occupy our time doing something productive instead—like taking an online course that can help keep us entertained at the very least or give our current skill set and knowledge bank a boost at best. Below, some of the websites you can try to learn something new, all for FREE.
1. Coursera.org
Ever dreamt of taking lessons from top organizations like Google and Universities like Stanford? Coursera.org gives free access to courses made in partnership with these giants. The website has a wide collection of courses from graphic design to cloud engineering and you can stream the lessons for free once you create an account. You also have the option to secure a certificate of completion upon finishing a module if you pay a premium fee.
2. edX.org
Who would have thought that your dream of studying in an Ivy League university is so within reach? edX.org is offering courses from big names like Harvard, Dartmouth, and Cornell University for disciplines like the humanities, art, and information technology. Modules can either involve video streaming or readings and the website also has a self-paced collection, meaning you can finish everything in your own time. Similar to Coursera, you can also secure a certificate upon finishing a course if you pay a fee. edX.org offers exclusive masters programs as well.
This award-winning website is the perfect platform if you just want to occupy your time exploring fun and "lighter" topics. You can explore courses under categories like Nature & Environment and History & Arts, but one of our favorites on the website is the free advanced courses they offer in language learning. Unlike other educational websites, you can access their courses without creating an account, though you do get the perks of earning badges and tracking your performance if you do. Besides free courses, you can also explore television and radio content that the website creates in partnership with BBC.
This non-profit created website is the perfect portal to visit for learners of all ages and professions. Not only do they offer learning materials created by experts, but they also have options for students in levels as early as kindergarten. What's great with the app is it also champions personalized learning, an academic strategy wherein students are encouraged to learn at their own pace using materials that they are most compatible with. Khan Academy even caters to teachers as well by giving them tools to help assess the learning gaps of students.
ICYDK, our government also has its own initiative of providing free online learning to Filipinos. The TESDA Online Program was designed to help those who want to learn new skills through its open learning resources powered by technology. The choices are diverse, too. Upon signing up, you can choose to enroll for programs for industries like programming and practical courses for cookery, even housekeeping. Those who complete the program can also get a certificate for free—they only have to go to TESDA and pass their assessment exam.
This online learning portal is one of the UK's go-to when it comes to digital learning. Oxford Home Study boasts of its amazing support system which offers tutoring and admin support. The website also has a wide variety of online courses to choose from like fashion design and forensics. The only downside here is that their selection of free courses is significantly smaller than those that they offer for a fee, but you can get a free certificate for those options if you do choose to apply for one.
7. e-Learning for Agriculture and Fisheries
Folks in the agriculture and fisheries business, here's something you might not know about. The Department of Agriculture offers an e-extension program that you can access for free! The initiative, which is recognized as one of the best government practices in 2019, offers a blended type of learning for its users—meaning there are certain sections in a course where students will be required to participate in face-to-face interactions. Other interactions include forum-based learning as well. Courses offered by the program include modules in crops and gardening, livestock and poultry, and even social technology. It also provides certificates upon completion of a course.
8. Scholastic Learn At Home Website
Book publishing giant Scholastic offers a good and educational distraction for the little tykes out there through the learning experiences they offer at their Learn At Home Website. The lessons are categorized from kindergarten to Grade 6 and feature cross-curricular journeys that are centered on stories and videos designed to keep children engaged.
9. STAR Online Training Program
Well, this one is technically still under TESDA's e-learning initiative, but it deserves a separate spot because it is designed in partnership with Coca-Cola Philippines. Like the rest of TESDA's courses, it is free for access, but the program specifically serves as a training resource for those considering starting a business. Topics covered by the program include how to set-up a store, profit management, and branding.
10. FutureLearn.com
This online learning portal includes courses from leading universities like Cambridge University and other academies. Here, you can choose from short lessons where you can learn about bite-sized topics (like online teaching), programs and microdentials, and even undergraduate and masteral degrees. Their free courses are more limited compared to other sites, but you can access their selected programs for free during the duration of the curriculum, plus an extra 14 days once it is over.
