Free Online Courses

Online Courses: An Overview

Online courses, when done properly, are more than just online books. Instead, there's a teacher available to email, other people taking the classes in a virtual classroom consisting of some combination of live chat and forum activity, and even testing. You may have an electronic book, or you may need to go out and buy a book for your class. Some online classes don't require a book at all, but rather are strictly lecture. Good courses will also direct you to web resources that are free for your use and that will deepen your understanding of the subject or act as a reference for your own later studies.

Finding Free Online Courses

Believe it or not, free online courses are everywhere. The first and most varied in topic was Free-Ed.net, which has courses in every imaginable area, from heavy-duty programming and computer design courses to more lighthearted fare like music, opera, and art history. Right now, they have 120 course offerings; the most valuable may be their complete GED program. They may even be offering courses for a degree in the future, so keep an eye on this site. Free-Ed does not support chat rooms or offer teachers currently, as they are advertiser/contribution supported. They do, however, have free textbooks.

For the lighter side of free online courses, consider Barnes & Noble University Online. Though this service is set up primarily to sell books to support the classes, the courses are pretty good, and cover topics ranging from basic foreign languages to understanding science. While the Free-Ed courses are more like college courses, B&N University is more like the comfortable adult education program class; courses are short, no more than eight weeks and much more frequently four weeks, and conducted on more relaxed topics. It's supported with a well-developed forum integrated with class lectures, homework, and self-tests.

Hewlett-Packard, better known as HP, offers technology courses. These range across many end-user subjects and include a number of very quick courses to get you up and running at the office. These are ideal for anyone who just needs some computer pointers. The U.S. Small Business Administration also offers or hosts online business courses covering topics from starting your small business to handling taxes, all free.

From MIT's Open Courseware Project to language courses online, you can find almost anything you want to learn on the Internet today.