Whether we will ever break the cycle of staying at home soon remains to be seen. Doubtless, we’re all antsy, but it just can’t be helped! However, instead of moping and complaining, why not put your time to good use? We’ve compiled a list of free online courses spanning a variety of subjects and disciplines you can take, so take this time to give yourself an upgrade–there’s no better time than now!
1) Learning How to Learn: Powerful mental tools to help you master tough subjects
Offered by: McMaster University and University of California San Diego
Rating (at time of writing): 4.8
Well, it only makes sense that we put this up first, because we think that if you know how to learn, it’ll make learning everything else easier. This course explores learning techniques used by experts across different genres, including art, music, math, science, sports, and more. You’ll also learn about the brain’s learning modes, and how it processes and organises information. Furthermore, you’ll also be exposed to illusions of learning, memory techniques, dealing with procrastination, and best practices shown by research to be most effective in mastering tough subjects.
2) Create Your Own Website In 2 Hours
Created by: Wesley Atkins
Rating (at time of writing): 4.4
Everything’s online nowadays, now more than ever no thanks to the pandemic, which has forced several operations online. Learning how to create a website would be an invaluable skill, whether for personal or commercial use. With this course, you’ll cover everything from selecting and registering a domain name, registering a hosting account, everything to do with WordPress including media content, installing plugins, and configuring Google Analytics.
3) Pyramids of Giza: Ancient Egyptian Art and Archaeology
Offered by: Harvard University
The Great Pyramid of Giza is one of the seven wonders of the world, and in this course you’ll be able to discover everything about it. Take a trip down to the past, and explore the archaeology, history, art, and hieroglyphs surrounding the famous Egyptian Pyramids. You’ll also learn about Old Kingdom pharaohs and elites, tombs, temples, the Sphinx, and how modern technology allows us to look at these ancient monuments in a new light.
4) Mind Control: Managing Your Mental Health During COVID-19
Offered by: University of Toronto
Rating (at time of writing): 4.8
There’s really only one word to describe this course during this time: relevant. The pandemic has really shaken us up, and even if things are going “well” for you, due to all the big, sudden changes, your mental health could still take a toll. If you feel like you could use a little help to manage your mental health during this trying time, this course might give you some insight. Get to know the anxiety reaction and its relationship with different aspects of our life, including news consumption, and discussion with others. There will be coping strategies included as well.
5) CS50’s Introduction to Game Development
Offered by: Harvard University
Have you ever wondered how your favourite games were designed? Well, in this course you’ll get to explore the design of your childhood games as Super Mario Bros., Flappy Bird, Angry Birds, and Pokémon just to name a few. You’ll also get to touch on principles of 2D and 3D graphics, animation, sound, and collision detection using frameworks like Unity and LÖVE 2D, as well as languages like Lua and C#. By the end of the course, you’ll be armed with the basics of game design and development, and would have programmed your own games as well!
6) Astronomy: Exploring Time & Space
Offered by: University of Arizona
Rating (at time of writing): 4.8
So, you’re interested in space. This course offers you knowledge in modern astronomy, with the latest updates of recent astronomical discoveries. If you’re a total newbie, don’t worry. This course also provides support at a beginner level, even if you have no background. You’ll be looking at “The Night Sky” and the tools of astronomy, among other things.
7) Cryptography I
Offered by: Stanford University
Rating (at time of writing): 4.8
With all the digital tools we’re using, it’s imperative that our computer systems are protected. Cryptography I introduces you to the inner workings of cryptographic systems and how to correctly use them in real-world applications. You’ll be learning about secure communication, analysing mistakes in existing systems, and public-key techniques just to name a few. You’ll also get to work on open problems in the field, and fun programming projects, if you wish to!
8) The Science of Well-Being
Offered by: Yale University
Rating (at time of writing): 4.9
The pursuit of happiness is a flighty one. However, with this course, you could learn how to increase your own happiness, as well as to build more productive habits. You’ll be learning about misconceptions about happiness, dysfunctional mind patterns, and how you can change for the better. As a result, you’ll then be able to implement specific wellness activities into your life for better well-being!
9) Religion, Conflict and Peace
Offered by: Harvard University
There’s no doubt that religion plays a big part in our lives, and this course takes you through exploring a series of contemporary conflicts in different regions of the world. Specifically, to identify and analyse how religions play a role in conflicts. You’ll be taking a look at how religious ideologies are embedded across different aspects of life, and not isolated from political, economic, and cultural life. Based on your interest and/or professional focus, you’ll be getting individual final projects.
10) Introduction to Philosophy
Offered by: University of Edinburgh
Rating (at time of writing): 4.7
Take a look at main areas of research in contemporary philosophy, and have a different philosopher talk you through some of the most important questions and issues in their area of expertise in each module. First off, you’ll be invited to try to understand what philosophy is. Then, you’ll be going deeper into different topics, including Epistemology, Philosophy of Science, Philosophy of Mind, Political Philosophy, Moral Philosophy, and Metaphysics.
Note: All courses are free at time of writing, but depending on time, status of being free of charge could change.
