Though the coronavirus pandemic has been frightening, confusing, and unnerving, it’s also brought out the true spirit of collaboration, generosity, and teamwork. In an effort to support Americans stuck in self-isolation, quarantine, and lockdown, dozens of companies and universities are offering free online courses.
When Netflix, Solitaire, and spring cleaning lose their charm, these free online courses can help keep your mind sharp and pass the time while achieving something worth feeling proud of.
“You’re educating yourself and getting as much information as you can to be a better person,” said Daymond John, “Shark Tank” investor and author.
Harvard, Yale, and Other Ivy League Schools
Harvard is just one of many universities offering free online courses. They range in length from 4 weeks to 15 weeks in length. Regardless of the topics that interest you, you’re sure to find something worth studying.
These are just a few of the completely free classes available to all online learners through Harvard:
- Child Protection: Children’s Rights in Theory and Practice
- MalariaX: Defeating Malaria from the Genes to the Globe
- CS50: Introduction to Computer Science
- Pyramids of Giza: Ancient Egyptian Art and Archaeology
- Sikhism Through Its Scriptures
- The FDA and Prescription Drugs: Current Controversies in Context
- Fundamentals of Neuroscience, Part 1: The Electrical Properties of the Neuron
- Shakespeare’s Othello: The Moor
- The Health Effects of Climate Change
Check your local colleges to see if they’re currently offering free enrollment as well.
Sophia
According to its website, “Sophia is committed to helping students achieve college success during these challenging and uncertain times.” This is why Sophia is offering “free college-level courses in a fresh and fun online learning environment.”
Register by July 31 to access 30 ACE-recommended courses, including Introduction to Business, Accounting, and Project Management. Since these courses can be transferred for college credit at many institutions, it’s a creative and hassle-free way to lower the cost of your education.
Plus, Sophia offers unique benefits for learners:
- Start instantly
- Pick your start date and work at your own pace
- Call, email, or live chat a team of Learning Coaches at any time
With courses ranging from The Essentials of Managing Conflict to College Algebra, many college students will find this resource invaluable.
Coursera
Coursera offers popular free courses that can be completed in 8 hours or less. Many are among the site’s most completed courses in 2019. Once you complete the course, you can choose whether or not to pay for a certificate.
Coursera’s classes are sourced through Stanford University, Johns Hopkins University, University of London, Arizona State University, University of Copenhagen, and many other prominent universities.
These are a few of their most popular courses, now available for free:
- Stanford Introduction to Food and Health
- Psychological First Aid
- Understanding Research methods
- Global Diplomacy- Diplomacy in the Modern World
- An Introduction to Consumer Neuroscience and Neuromarketing
- Introduction to International Criminal Law
- Materials Science: 10 Things Every Engineer Should Know
- Diabetes- the Essential Facts
Rosetta Stone
In response to school closures affecting more than 800 million children worldwide, Rosetta Stone announced it is offering three months of free language learning to all elementary, middle, and high school students worldwide. Beginning on March 20, parents can access this free subscription online for their children.
Even children as young as kindergarten can take advantage of this opportunity. As the Rosetta Stone website explains, “They’ll learn through immersion, making their new language accessible whether they’re in kindergarten or prepping for college.”
Adults can also take advantage of free language learning with a Rosetta Stone free trial.