10 Best Websites To Find Free Courses, Learn In Demand Skills, And Acquire Academic Certifications.
In the rapidly evolving digital age, staying ahead of the curve and continuously upskilling has become paramount for individuals looking to thrive in their careers. One of the most effective ways to acquire new knowledge and skills is through online courses, which offer flexibility, accessibility, and a wide range of subjects to choose from. However, with the plethora of course options available on the internet, it can be overwhelming to determine which ones are worth investing time and money in. That’s where reputable course blogs and magazines come in handy, providing curated lists, reviews, and recommendations to help learners make informed decisions. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll explore some of the best course-related blogs and magazines to read in 2024, as well as bonus lists of top tutorials and free courses YouTube channels for mastering in-demand digital skills.
Best online platforms to find free academic courses:
1. Coursera
Coursera is a well-known online learning platform that offers a wide range of courses from top universities and institutions worldwide. Their blog provides valuable insights into trending topics, course updates, industry news, and success stories from learners. Coursera’s blog is a go-to resource for staying informed about the latest online accredited courses and course providers, making it a must-read for anyone looking to enhance their skills and knowledge.
2. MIT OpenCourseWare
MIT OpenCourseWare (MIT OCW) is a remarkable initiative by the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT). It serves as a free, publicly accessible, and openly-licensed digital collection of high-quality teaching and learning materials. These resources are drawn from over 2,500 MIT courses and cover a diverse range of subjects.
3. edX
edX is another popular online learning platform that offers courses from universities like Harvard and MIT. Their blog is a treasure trove of information on online learning trends, educational technology, and tips for maximizing the learning experience. Readers can discover new courses, learn about industry partnerships, and access resources to help them succeed in their online learning journey.
4. University Of The People (UoPeople)
(UoPeople) is a groundbreaking non-profit, tuition-free, American, accredited online university. Its mission is to open access to higher education globally. Here’s what sets UoPeople apart:
_ Tuition-Free Model: UoPeople offers 100% tuition-free degree programs across various levels: Bachelor’s, Master’s, and Associate’s degrees, as well as specialized certificate programs.
_ Accreditation: Despite being tuition-free, UoPeople maintains accreditation. It collaborates with prominent academics and industry leaders to create high-quality, affordable programs.
5. Class Central
Class Central is a comprehensive course search engine and review platform that aggregates courses from various online providers. Their blog features in-depth course reviews, rankings, and analyses to help learners choose the right courses for their needs. With a focus on quality and user experience, Class Central’s blog is a valuable resource for finding the best online accredited courses and staying updated on the latest trends in online education.
6. SkillShare
Certainly! Skillshare is an online learning community that caters to creative and curious individuals. With thousands of classes available, it covers a wide range of topics, including illustration, design, photography, video production, and freelancing. On Skillshare, you’ll find inspiration from hands-on classes taught by industry leaders. Whether you’re a beginner or looking to enhance your skills, Skillshare provides a platform to take the next step in your creative journey.
7. Domestika
Domestika is the fastest-growing creative community where top creative experts share their knowledge and skills through professionally produced online courses. Originating as an online forum, Domestika has evolved into a dynamic platform that connects and empowers creatives worldwide. Whether you’re interested in illustration, crafts, marketing, photography, or 3D animation, you’ll find high-quality courses taught by industry professionals.
8. Udacity
Udacity is an online learning platform that focuses on technology and career development. It offers a wide range of courses and nanodegree programs in areas such as data science, artificial intelligence, and software engineering. Whether you’re a beginner or looking to advance your skills, Udacity provides expert-led content to help you reach your career goals.
9. LinkedIn Learning
LinkedIn Learning is an online educational platform that helps you discover and develop business, technology-related, and creative skills through expert-led course videos. With more than 5,000 courses, you can explore topics relevant to your field and interests. Whether you’re looking to upskill, learn a new skill, or enhance your existing knowledge, LinkedIn Learning offers a diverse range of content across 7 languages.
10. Ted-Ed
TED-Ed celebrates the ideas of teachers and students around the world. Within its growing library of lessons, you’ll find carefully curated educational videos on a wide range of topics. These engaging animations and videos are often collaborations between educators and animators nominated through the TED-Ed platform. Whether you’re curious about infinity, metaphors, or understanding power, TED-Ed offers thought-provoking content that sparks curiosity and learning.
Best Educational YouTube Channels:
1. Mark Rober
Mark Rober, a former NASA engineer, has captured the hearts and minds of millions with his YouTube channel. Through ingenious DIY gadgets and captivating explanations, he demystifies complex scientific concepts. Whether he’s pranking scammers with glitter bombs or building squirrel mazes inspired by heist movies, Mark’s content is both educational and entertaining.
2. MKBHD
MKBHD, short for Marques Brownlee, runs a quality tech-focused YouTube channel. With over 16 million subscribers, he shares in-depth reviews, comparisons, and insights on gadgets, smartphones, and consumer electronics. Beyond tech, MKBHD has subchannels covering topics like electric cars (Autofocus), vintage technology (Retro tech), and cutting-edge innovations (Dope tech). His engaging content appeals to both tech enthusiasts and curious viewers alike.
3. Crash Course
CrashCourse is an educational YouTube channel that offers high-quality video courses on a wide variety of subjects. It was started by John Green and Hank Green, known for their Vlogbrothers channel. The channel covers more than two dozen courses, with engaging hosts and animations. Whether you’re interested in history, science, or other topics, CrashCourse provides accessible and informative content for learners worldwide.
4. SciShow
SciShow is an American YouTube channel that explores the unexpected and fascinating aspects of science. Hosted by Hank Green, Michael Aranda, Rose Bear Don’t Walk, and Stefan Chin, SciShow covers a wide range of topics, from meteors and earthquakes to peculiar scientific phenomena. With sister channels like SciShow Space, SciShow Kids, and SciShow Psych, it’s a go-to destination for curious minds seeking engaging and informative content.
5. Tutvid
Tutvid is a popular YouTube channel that offers an array of creative tutorials. Hosted by Nathaniel Dodson, the channel covers topics like Adobe Photoshop, Premiere Pro, Illustrator, and motion graphics. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced creator, Tutvid provides easy-to-follow tips, tricks, and techniques to enhance your design and editing skills
6. Neil Patel
Neil Patel, with over 1.27 million subscribers, hosts a dynamic YouTube channel where he shares digital marketing insights. In bite-sized videos, he demystifies complex strategies, covering topics like SEO, content marketing, and social media. Whether you’re a marketer, entrepreneur, or curious learner, Neil’s channel offers practical advice to boost your online presence.
7. Darrel Wilson
Darrel Wilson runs a popular YouTube channel where he teaches people how to create WordPress websites without coding skills. His tutorials cover topics like website design, Elementor page builder, SEO, hosting, eCommerce, and plugin reviews. Whether you’re a beginner or looking to enhance your web design skills, Darrel’s approachable videos provide valuable insights for building and managing websites.
8. freeCodeCamp
freeCodeCamp is a popular YouTube channel that offers a wide range of tutorials and free coding courses for beginners and experienced programmers alike. With a focus on web development, programming languages, and technical skills, freeCodeCamp provides engaging video content to help viewers learn new coding skills and stay updated on industry trends.
9. Codecademy
Codecademy’s YouTube channel complements its online coding courses by offering tutorials, coding challenges, and project walkthroughs. Whether you’re learning Python, JavaScript, or HTML/CSS, Codecademy’s videos provide visual explanations and hands-on practice to help learners master new coding skills effectively.
10. DigitalMarketer
DigitalMarketer’s YouTube channel is a valuable resource for individuals interested in mastering digital marketing strategies and tactics. With tutorials on social media marketing, email campaigns, SEO, and more, DigitalMarketer offers actionable insights and best practices for achieving success in the digital marketing landscape.
11. Canva Design School
Canva Design School offers tutorials and tips for graphic design enthusiasts looking to enhance their skills. From creating stunning visuals to mastering design principles, Canva Design School’s YouTube channel provides inspiration and practical guidance for aspiring graphic designers and creative professionals.
In conclusion, the digital landscape of 2024 offers an abundance of opportunities for learning and upskilling through online courses, tutorials, and free resources. By following the best course blogs and magazines, readers can discover accredited courses, stay updated on industry trends, and make informed decisions about their learning journey. Additionally, exploring top tutorials and free courses YouTube channels can provide valuable insights, practical guidance, and hands-on training for mastering in-demand digital skills like coding, graphic design, and digital marketing. Whether you’re a lifelong learner, a career changer, or a professional looking to enhance your skill set, the curated resources in this guide offer a wealth of knowledge and inspiration to help you succeed in the dynamic world of online education and digital skills mastery.
