Free Online Classes: 8 Best Sites for At-Home Learning
We’re all searching for ways to keep busy during quarantine, and as tempting as it is to flop onto the couch, fire up Netflix, and binge the day away, there have to be more fulfilling ways to spend our time, right? Instead of looking for ways to pass the time, make the very most of it by signing up for a free online class!
Don’t get us wrong: we love a good Netflix binge now and then, but a little variety never hurt, especially in times like these! Taking an online class isn’t just a way to keep busy and make the days go faster – it’s something you can feel good about!
Whether you want to learn a new language, gain an appreciation for art history, cook up a delicious meal, or finally get fit, these are the free online classes and resources that can help you get there. All you need is an internet connection!
1. edX
EdX is a global online learning platform that offers more than 2,500 MOOCs, or Massive Open Online Courses. Founded by Harvard University and the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, edX courses cover a wide variety of subject matter, including computer science, business, and humanities. Classes are designed for learners at every stage, so it’s a great option whether you want to explore new interests or develop skills that can help advance your career.
Topics include “Masterpieces of World Literature,” “Psychology of Personal Growth,” and more.
2. Coursera
Choose from hundreds of MOOCs at Coursera, an online learning platform that offers classes across a range of subjects led by instructors from top universities and companies. Free online courses are four to six weeks long and incorporate a combination of on-demand video lectures, homework assignments, and discussion forums.
With topics like “The Science of Well-Being,” “Greek and Roman Mythology,” “Seeing Through Photographs,” and “Child Nutrition and Cooking,” you’re sure to find something that piques your interest!
3. Khan Academy
The free online classes at Khan Academy are aimed at school students, so it’s a great option if you’re currently playing teacher to your school-aged child or teenager. However, they have just as good of a selection of online classes for adult learners too. There is something for everyone, including courses in math, the arts and humanities, science and engineering, and more!
4. Duolingo
Duolingo is a massive language learning platform that breaks up the intimidating task of learning a new language into a bunch of small, interactive challenges. There are more than 30 different languages for English-speakers to choose from, and they’re all completely free.
5. MasterClass Live Q&A Sessions
You may know MasterClass as the members-only online learning giant that offers a host of pre-recorded online classes. These classes are taught by people who are the best at what they do, from director Martin Scorsese to tennis player Serena Williams to chef Gordon Ramsay.
Recently the company added live Q&A sessions with the masters themselves, and you don’t have to be a MasterClass member to participate. Free Q&A session streams are held Wednesdays at noon PT on the MasterClass website.
6. Kitchen Quarantine with Chef Massimo Bottura
Speaking of MasterClass… When else will you have the opportunity to learn under a Michelin star chef at no cost to you? Italian chef Massimo Bottura has already taught a MasterClass on modern Italian cooking. Now, he’s hosting a Kitchen Quarantine series on Instagram Live and offering video instruction for cooking all kinds of dishes at home, including gelato!
Follow along @massimobottura
7. Planet Fitness Work-Ins
Gyms might be closed for the foreseeable future, but that doesn’t mean you can’t get your sweat on. Planet Fitness is hosting livestream “Work-Ins” at 7 p.m. ET every day on Facebook. Planet Fitness trainers, pro athletes, and other members of the Planet Fitness community lead the classes from their living rooms. Best of all, these classes are completely free and require no equipment!
Follow Planet Fitness on Facebook
8. Yoga with Adriene
If you’ve been meaning to incorporate more movement into your day-to-day, online yoga classes are the perfect solution. Yoga with Adriene has more than 6 million YouTube subscribers and over 500 free videos, including 30-day yoga challenges, guided meditations, and exercises that target specific parts of the body. If you’re new to yoga or want to ease into your practice, check out the Yoga for Beginners and Foundations of Yoga classes first.
Join the Yoga with Adriene community
We may be stuck inside for the time being, but there’s a world of knowledge and information right at our fingertips! While you’re staying safe and self-isolating at home, take a free online class for a more productive way to pass the time.
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