Where to Get Free Online Courses That Make You a Marketable Employee

Online learning offers unmatched convenience and flexibility, allowing you to easily integrate education into your busy schedule and work towards achieving your personal and professional goals. 

Whether you're interested in computer science, business, language learning, or any other field, a free online course can likely help you acquire new knowledge and skills.

This article will explore where to find online courses, how to choose the right course, and strategies for learning and making the most of them. 

Where to Find Free Online Courses

Numerous websites offer free online courses in various fields, enabling anyone with an internet connection to learn new skills, advance their careers, or explore new interests.

Some of the top websites to find free online courses include:

• Coursera: Coursera partners with leading universities and organizations worldwide to offer courses in diverse areas, including technology, business, humanities, and science.

• edX: edX is a non-profit platform founded by Harvard and MIT that offers free online courses from top universities worldwide. Its courses cover a range of subjects, from engineering and computer science to literature and philosophy.

• Khan Academy: Khan Academy is a non-profit organization that provides free educational resources and courses to students of all ages. It offers math, science, economics, humanities, and more courses.

• Udemy: Udemy is a marketplace for online learning, with over 100,000 courses available on a wide range of topics. While not all courses are free, many are, and they cover subjects from programming and data science to marketing and design.

• Alison: Alison is a free online learning platform that offers courses in various subjects, from business and technology to health and humanities. The courses are self-paced and include assessments to test your understanding of the material.

• FutureLearn: FutureLearn is a Massive Open Online Course (MOOC) provider based in the UK. It partners with universities and other institutions to offer online courses and degrees in various subjects.

• Codecademy: Codecademy offers interactive coding lessons in various programming languages, including Python, Java, and JavaScript. The lessons are designed to be hands-on and interactive, allowing learners to practice writing code as they learn.

• LinkedIn Learning: LinkedIn Learning is an online learning platform owned by LinkedIn that offers thousands of courses and video tutorials in a wide variety of subjects, including business, technology, creative skills, and personal development

Read Also: 10 Most Marketable Short Courses in Kenya For 2023.

Tips for Choosing the Right Online Course

With so many online courses, choosing the right one can be overwhelming. Don’t worry, though. Here are considerations to remember.

• Course Content: Look for courses that interest you or are relevant to your career or personal goals. Consider the course syllabus and the depth and breadth of the course materials.

• Instructor Credentials: Check the credentials and experience of the course instructor to ensure that they are qualified to teach the course material.

• Student Reviews: Read reviews from previous students to gain insight into the quality of the course and the instructor's teaching style.

• Course Duration: Consider the length of the course and the time commitment required to complete it. Ensure you have enough time to devote to the course and that it fits your schedule.

Read Also: Making a Career Choice? Here are the Most In-Demand Careers in Kenya.

Strategies for Learning Free Online Courses

While online courses offer flexibility and convenience, you must stay disciplined and motivated to succeed. Here are some strategies to help you stay engaged and motivated throughout the course:

• Create a Study Schedule: Set aside a specific time to study and complete course assignments. A regular study schedule can help you stay on track and avoid procrastination.

• Take Notes: Take detailed notes during lectures and while reading course materials. This can help you retain information and better understand the course material.

• Participate in Discussion Forums: Engage in online discussion forums to interact with other students and instructors.

• Utilize Additional Resources: Supplement your course materials with resources such as textbooks, online tutorials, and practice exercises to enhance your learning experience. 

Read Also: Soft Skills That Will Enhance Your Career.

Making the Most of Free Online Courses

Free online courses can offer numerous opportunities for personal and professional growth. Here are some strategies to help you leverage them to your advantage.

• Add completed courses to your resume or showcase them on LinkedIn. This can increase your chances of getting hired or advancing in your career.
• Build a network of peers and mentors within the course community. They can provide valuable insights and support. As such, join discussion groups, attend webinars, or collaborate on projects with other learners.
• Identify opportunities for continued learning and advancement, such as pursuing advanced courses or earning certifications. This can help you stay ahead of the curve in your field.
• Use multiple resources: While online courses are a great way to learn, they may only sometimes cover everything you need to know. Use multiple resources, such as textbooks, articles, and videos, to supplement your learning and gain a deeper understanding of the subject.

Overcoming Common Challenges that Come With Free Online Courses

One of the biggest challenges when learning online is balancing your coursework with other responsibilities such as work, family, and social commitments. To overcome this, create a study schedule and stick to it.

That said, social media, emails, and other notifications can easily divert your attention. To mitigate these distractions, turn off your phone or put it on silent mode, log out of your social media accounts, and avoid checking emails during your designated study time.

Technical issues can also be a challenge. Ensure you have a reliable internet connection and that your computer meets the minimum system requirements for the course.

Finally, lacking motivation can significantly hinder success in free online courses. To stay motivated, try to set specific and achievable learning goals. Break your coursework into smaller tasks and reward yourself when you complete them.

Read Also: 8 Career Habits to Master in Your 20s.

Wrapping Up

Free online courses offer a world of opportunities for personal and professional development. Knowing where to find them and how to make the most of them can unlock your potential and achieve your goals.

Remember to choose the right course for your needs, stay motivated and engaged throughout the course, and leverage your new skills and knowledge for continued growth and advancement.