Seven go-to sites you must know about to learn almost anything imaginable.
Free educational learning is everywhere and it's easy to get lost in the noise. The internet is overflowing with free educational content. The problem is it's hard to cut through the noise and find the best resources for learning new skills, practicing old ones, and staying up-to-date on the latest developments in your field.
Best Free Learning Resources
These seven sites are my personal favorite for free online courses, lectures, and more.
Udemy is an online learning platform. You can find thousands of courses in almost any subject. It has everything from professional development to personal enrichment classes. There's something for everyone.
Make sure you use the filter feature to find all the free class offerings.
(For reasons unknown to me the price filter is not always available. When you do find a free class you want to take bookmark it for the future. Additionally, use this link to help you find free courses. Though the navigation is not as seamless as the way I showed you in the video.)
I'm currently using Udemy to study classes in art and in blogging. Udemy is central to my current self-paced learning journey and I cannot recommend it enough!
2. CreativeLive
CreativeLive offers live-streaming video classes from some of the world's top instructors on topics ranging from photography and design to music and writing. Check out their free classes every month and RSVP to the event. Don't forget to add the event to your calendar. I'm currently enrolled in the upcoming class Rethink Your Content Marketing Strategy with Tara-Nicholle Kirke.
CreativeLive has 2,000 plus classes ranging from fundamentals to advanced techniques. Check them out and be impressed with the quality of instructors and content.
Note: CreativeLive offers classes paid or free. Free classes are streamed on certain days. However, you can pay to own that class and watch at any time. Or, purchase a yearly membership.
Use THIS link to view when and what classes are streaming free on which days. RSVP and enjoy!
Class Central is an online directory listing thousands of free online courses available on platforms like Coursera and EdX as well as individual university websites like Stanford University, MITx, and Johns Hopkins University. It also includes self-paced courses you can start whenever you want and work at your own pace (like those offered by Udemy).
You can browse through the list according to category or if you are looking for something more specific, you can use Class Central’s search tool to search by subject area or topic. You can also filter the list of available courses by level (beginner, intermediate or advanced) and language.
Over 100,000 courses are available on Class Central, and the list is growing every day.
4. Open Culture
Open Culture is another great resource for learning new skills. It’s a free website that curates the best educational resources from around the web. You can find videos, articles, books, documentaries, and more on a wide range of topics such as history, philosophy, humanities, art, and science.
5. Pinterest
Think of Pinterest as a visual search engine. I only recently joined the Pinterest community but I already have found countless helpful tutorials in art and graphic design.
Allow me to shamelessly plug my Pinterest account here.
This site isn't just for crafters. Find a community that is teaching and engaging in the topics you find most interesting - from computer coding to meditation.
6. Youtube
The vast majority of the education I've obtained on Photoshop has been on YouTube. There are countless creators on the site teaching their expertise for free, for anyone willing to take the time to learn. Learn art, history, culture, coding, and more.
7. You Local Library
Oh, you caught me. This isn't a website per se, but it is a site in your community. Get that library card and enjoy the countless free resources that come with it. My library includes access to the Libby app. Input your library card number and enjoy numerous free books, audiobooks, magazines, and so much more. My library card on the Libby app gives me free access to Kanopy. Kanopy offers thousands of movies, documentaries, and foreign films. In addition, I get free access to Universal Class which offers online classes in varying subjects. Admittedly, I've never used Universal Class and can't comment on the quality of their courses. But, my point is, get your library card. Snuggle in and enjoy your next fantasy, horror, or non-fiction read - or audiobook.
Conclusion
These resources can be used to further your education, personal pursuits, and career. Dive in and enjoy.
Also, I would love to hear your thoughts about any must-know sites I might have missed. Don't forget to like, comment, and share!
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