Do you feel like school isn’t teaching you enough? Whether you’re a student planning for college, or just curious to learn more, there are some high-quality learning platforms available to anyone with an internet connection which are free of cost and will help you grow at your own pace. Here are 10 free online resources that can elevate your learning journey.
1. Khan Academy
Khan Academy is a nonprofit organization that has become one of the most well-known names in online education, providing more than 10,000 video lessons across a variety of subjects such as maths, economics, and much more. The learning platform is adaptive, allowing instant feedback, tracking progress, and enabling you to master each concept. Its mission is to provide free, world-class education for anyone, anywhere and is a reliable resource for millions of users world-wide.
2. Coursera
Coursera partners with over 200 top universities including Yale, and Stanford, and organisations like IBM to deliver thousands of courses across diverse fields like AI, business, etc. While many courses offer paid certificates, learners can try out most classes for free, gaining access to all the core content and lectures. Coursera’s flexible deadlines and user-friendly platform make it easy to fit learning into a packed schedule. The platform is also recognized by employers, with many companies valuing Coursera certifications.
3. edX
Founded by MIT and Harvard, edX is a nonprofit platform that provides access to over 2,500 courses in a huge range of subjects. The platform is known for its tough academic standards and offers MicroMasters programs that can count toward university degrees. Learners can try courses for free, gaining access to lectures, readings, and assignments, with the option to purchase a certificate. edX collaborates with leading institutions around the world, ensuring that course content is up-to-date and relevant.
4. MIT OpenCourseWare
MIT OpenCourseWare (OCW) is a monumental endeavor to provide nearly all of MIT's undergraduate and graduate range of courses online. There are notes, assignments, exams, and video lectures for over 2,400 courses. OCW Scholar courses, in particular, are designated for independent learning, providing a framework for all the independent learners. The repository can be repurposed by students and faculty in any part of the globe for a more concrete learning experience.
5. freeCodeCamp
freeCodeCamp is a nonprofit learning adventure that consists of a comprehensive, project-based learning approach that has learners building everything from basic HTML to machine learning projects. Because learners work on real-world projects, this platform is particularly good for learners looking to start building their tech skills. Along with the support of an active community and interactive forums for help and insight, learners may find this platform to be particularly useful.
6. Alison
Alison's mission aims to increase employability and workplace skills by offering free courses. Alison has over 4,000 courses available in areas such as graphic design, project management, and supply chain logistics. Alison offers a mix of shorter certificate courses and diploma programs so learners can choose the most suited option for their needs.
7. OpenLearn
OpenLearn is The Open University (OU)'s free learning platform and has hundreds of courses covering items like AI ethics and language learning. Courses are organised into three levels - introductory, intermediate and advanced - and learners can complete courses and/or earn digital badges and Statements of Participation to highlight their achievements. There are elements of gamification, so it is an engaging and fun way to access learning.
8. SWAYAM
SWAYAM is India's foremost online learning platform and it has roughly 12,000 courses from school, undergraduate, and postgraduate learning. SWAYAM was developed by the government, with institutional content including India's top-ranking institutions such as IITs and IIMs, so students are getting the exact same academic standard. SWAYAM has sign-language videos and even broadcasts the lessons via national television. The vast number of methods and options provide ways for all types of learners to access learning.
9. FutureLearn
FutureLearn is unique with their social and collaborative model. FutureLearn courses have over seventy upgradeable courses in areas like genomics, Python and teacher education, many of which are developed in partnership with leading UK universities. Learners take part in discussions, share insights and complete peer-reviewed assignments. FutureLearn also provides structured pathways to academic credits and professional development with stringent standards that guarantee completion.
10. Udemy
Udemy is a worldwide online learning and teaching marketplace where learners can choose from thousands of free and paid courses on various subjects. Udemy's Free Resource Center even includes over 5,000 tutorials across subcategories like digital marketing, and personal development. Udemy states that many of their courses and lectures are short (often 30 minutes or a few hours), and that it incorporates the knowledge of the best experts in the field which treats course material as something that is meant to be applied in real life. Overall, Udemy's programs emphasize practical applications, insights, and visions designed to maximize productivity and professional effectiveness.
If you are a high school student pushing yourself to stand out in college applications, RISE Research offers a unique opportunity to work one-on-one with mentors from top universities around the world.
Through personalized guidance and independent research projects that can lead to prestigious publications, RISE helps you build a standout academic profile and develop skills that set you apart. With flexible program dates and global accessibility, ambitious students can apply year-round. To learn more about eligibility, costs, and how to get started, visit RISE Research’s official website and take your college preparation to the next level!
Read More
