30 Canadian books to read in winter 2024
21 Free Online Courses From Top Universities Like Harvard And Stanford
Gone are the days when free courses were a dream. In the past, you would have to hunt for something within your budget. Over the years, the Internet has proved to be a blessing both for course providers and students. And, so, what better than free online courses from top universities like Harvard or Stanford?
While there are thousands of free online courses available, the more popular ones belong to the top universities. These universities offer courses on a wide variety of subjects. For example, coding, programming, data science, AI/ML, economic development, literature, social media, and more. Also, some of the top universities offer free courses on educational sites (open online course providers) like Coursera, Edx, etc. In this post, we will highlight the best free online courses from the top universities that can help you prepare for a better future.
There are hundreds of free online courses to choose from including the ones from Harvard, Stanford, MIT, CMU, etc. But the technology courses lead the pack. Best of all, you also get certification benefits once you complete any of these courses. At the same time, there are other top universities also who offer courses on other subjects. So, if you are looking for free online courses, but are not sure where to apply, we have an exhaustive list for you.
1] CS50 Introduction to game development by Harvard
Harvard's CS50 Introduction to Computer Science is one of the most popular free online courses. It introduces the basic concepts of programming, algorithms, software engineering, and languages like Python, SQL, and more. It's a self-paced course and you can obtain a certificate on the successful completion of the course. You can enroll in the course on eDX. Read: Best Free Game Development software to create your own games 2] Supervised Machine Learning: Regression and Classification by Stanford University 
As the 4th most popular university in the world, Stanford University offers a wide range of free online courses. That includes their popular course Supervised Machine Learning. It introduces you to modern machine learning that includes supervised learning, for example, multiple linear regression, logistic regression, neural networks, and decision trees). It also includes unsupervised learning (clustering, dimensionality reduction, recommender systems). To enroll for this course and more information, you can visit Coursera. Read: What is Deep Learning and Neural Network 3] Introduction to Computer Science and Programming Using Python (Massachusetts Institute of Technology) 
This course is offered by MIT (Massachusetts Institute of Technology) through edX. It's an instructor-led course that introduces you to computer science that focuses on basic programming concepts through. The best part is, it requires no prior coding experience. The entire aim of the course is to help you solve real-world analytical problems using Python 3.5 for free. Read: How to open and view Python PY files on Windows 4] The Science of Happiness (University of California, Berkeley) 
The Science of Happiness is a self-paced course by the University of California Berkley that teaches positive psychology. It uses science to help you learn the fundamentals and practices for a happy and meaningful life. To enroll for this course and more information visit edX. Read: Free Microsoft courses to learn AI, IoT, Data Science, and Machine Learning 5] Data Science: Machine Learning by Harvard 
Data Science and Machine Learning are among the most popular subjects in recent times and what better than getting certified from Harvard for free? The Data Science: Machine Learning course is another much sought-after course by the Ivy League research university. In this course, you learn the basics of Machine Learning, cross-validation to avoid overtraining, some of the most popular ML algorithms, and more. You can enroll for this course on edX. Read: Best GPU for Machine Learning Projects 6] From Poverty to Prosperity: Understanding Economic Development (Oxford) 
If you are looking for a deeper understanding of economic development and the factors that contribute to poverty alleviation, then the free online course by Oxford, From Poverty to Prosperity: Understanding Economic Development is the best choice. Whether you're a student, professional, or simply curious about the dynamics of economic growth, this course is designed to empower you with the essential skills to contribute to poverty eradication and promote sustainable prosperity. Enroll for this course on edX and start today. 7] Better Business Writing in English by Georgia Institute of Technology 
If you are looking to improve your business writing skills in English, the Georgia Institute of Technology offers a free online course that can help you achieve that goal. This course is designed to enhance your ability to write clear, concise, and professional documents for a variety of business purposes. It trains you to communicate effectively in a business setting and improve your overall written communication skills. It is a valuable resource for anyone who wants to excel in their professional writing endeavors. So, enroll today at Coursera for a brighter future. 8] Machine Learning Foundations by the University of Washington 
For those looking for a specialization program on ML, one of the best free online courses like Harvard would be Machine Learning Foundations: A Case Study Approach by the University of Washington. Designed for scientists and software developers, this course is suitable for anyone with basic math and programming skills. It covers the fundamentals of ML and provides hands-on experience through four courses. Topics include supervised and unsupervised learning, algorithms like linear regression and k-means, evaluating model performance, and more. You can enroll in this course on Coursera. 9] How to Write and Publish a Scientific Paper (École Polytechnique) 
École Polytechnique offers a course called How to Write and Publish a Scientific Paper on Coursera, which provides valuable guidance on the process of scientific writing and publication. While this free online course is not affiliated with Harvard, it is a great opportunity for individuals interested in enhancing their scientific writing skills. The course covers various aspects of scientific paper writing, including selecting a suitable journal, structuring the paper, and more. 10] Become a Journalist: Report the News! Specialization (Michigan State University) 
Michigan State University offers a specialization called Become a Journalist: Report the News! As a free online course through Coursera. It's designed to provide aspiring journalists with the necessary skills and knowledge to excel in the field of journalism. The course covers various aspects of journalism, including news reporting, writing, interviewing, and ethical considerations. 11. Machine Learning with Python: From Linear Models to Deep Learning by Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) 
Machine Learning with Python: From Linear Models to Deep Learning is a free online course offered by the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) through the edX platform. This course provides an in-depth introduction to the field of machine learning, covering topics ranging from linear models to deep learning and reinforcement learning. Best of all, students will also have the opportunity to work on hands-on Python projects, implementing the algorithms and techniques discussed in the course. 12. The Evolving Universe by California Institute of Technology 
The Evolving Universe is an introductory astronomy survey class offered by Caltech through Coursera. This course provides a comprehensive understanding of the physical universe and its major constituents, including planetary systems, galaxies, and the origin of the universe itself. It's a valuable resource for anyone interested in gaining knowledge about the vastness and complexities of our universe. 13. Introduction of Fintech by Hong Kong University of Science and Technology 
If you are interested to learn about the innovations, technology, and regulations driving the transformation of finance, then you can enroll in the Introduction to FinTech course by the University of Hong Kong on edX. This course helps you to understand the major areas of FinTech like What is FinTech, Money, Payment and Emerging Technologies, and more. You will also be exposed to the core technologies driving FinTech including Blockchain, AI, and Big Data. 14. Creative coding by New York University (NYU) 
For those looking for a free online course on coding, New York University offers Creative Coding classes through edX. It's one of the best courses on coding out there, that gives you a hands-on experience with basic programming skills. Best of all, to enroll for the course, you do not need to have a prior experience in programming. You will learn basic coding techniques such as variables, loops, graphics, and networking for free. 15. Anthropology of Social Media: Why We Post by UCL (University College London) 
The University of College London (UCL) offers a five-week long free online course, Anthropology of Social Media: Why We Post. This course helps you understand asks "What are the consequences of social media?" through a comparative and anthropological approach to social media use across the world. You can book the classes for free on the official website of the University of London. 16. COVID-19 Contact Tracing by Johns Hopkins University 
The COVID-19 Contact Tracing course by John Hopkins University is a unique course on the deadly virus offered through Coursera. This is another very useful free online course that teaches the science of SARS-CoV-2, how contact tracing is done, the ethical considerations around contact tracing, and so on. 17. The Science of Well-Being by Yale University 
Gain skills like gratitude, happiness, meditation, and savoring through The Science of Well-Being course by Yale University through Coursera. It's a free online course like Harvard that exposes you to a series of challenges designed that helps you to increase your own happiness and build more productive habits. It eventually prepares you to successfully include a specific wellness activity in your life. 18. CS50's Computer Science For Lawyers by Harvard 
If you are a lawyer and/or a law student, you can boost your skills and resume with a free online course, CS50's Computer Science For Lawyers by Harvard on edX. It's a variant of their course – introduction to computer science, and it helps you to learn, Challenges at the Intersection of Law and Technology, computational thinking, programming languages, cryptography, cybersecurity, and more. 19. English for Career Development by the University of Pennsylvania 
Are you a non-native English speaker and wish to advance your career in the global marketplace? English for Career Development, is a free online course offered by the University of Pennsylvania through Coursera that helps you learn about the job search, application, and interview process in the United States. You can also build on your global career path by improving your vocabulary and language skills through this course. 20. Understanding the Brain: The Neurobiology of Everyday Life by University of Chicago 
If you are someone who's interested in exploring neuroscience, you can enroll for the free online course, Understanding the Brain: The Neurobiology of Everyday Life on Coursera. Offered by the University of Chicago, this course helps you gain skills related to the brain, neurological disorders, neurobiology, and neurology. You will study functional human neuroanatomy and neuronal communication to understand how neuroscience can illustrate the common problems affecting people in recent times. 21. Computer Science & Programming from Carnegie Mellon University 
Open Learning Initiative from CMU offers free online courses on PC Hardware, PC Software, and more and you can take a look at them here at cmu.Edu. Is Harvard free online certificate worth it? Yes. A certificate earned even through a free online course from Harvard is as highly regarded as the paid courses. Whether you are a beginner or experienced, you can enroll for free courses related to technology, business, law, or education. This additional certificate from such a reputable university can be a great addition to your resume. How do I enroll in Harvard's free online courses? Harvard courses are offered through edX and hence, you have to apply through their platform. All you need to do is to search for the free online course from Harvard on edX and hit the Enroll button in red. However, you should first register with edX and then you can proceed to enroll for the course. 9 Best Online Learning Platforms
According to the World Economic Forum, 50% of companies expect their employees to upskill and reskill by 2025.
Beyond career skills, you require personal development opportunities that can help you crush your goals and live a well-rounded life. Thankfully, online learning platforms have made personal and professional development easily accessible. These platforms offer a diverse range of resources to help you stay competitive.
So, if you wish to gain new skills or improve existing ones, this post will reveal nine major online course platforms you can explore.
Ready? Let's dive in!
9 best online learning platformsHere are some of the best platforms for taking high-quality online courses:
1. GetResponseBeyond being your go-to email marketing tool, GetResponse offers a dedicated knowledge base with a few digital marketing certification courses. With 14 renowned digital marketing experts, you'll access rich courses to improve your online marketing game.
You'll learn from the likes of Andrew Davis, Kath Paym, Michael Brenner, and Jamie Turner.
Some major courses on GetResponse include marketing automation, content marketing, landing page and conversion optimization, email marketing, and inbound marketing.
These in-depth courses provide a hands-on learning experience. You'll learn based on real-life case studies and best practices. At the end of each course, you'll be required to take an exam to assess your understanding of the topic.
Apart from these certification courses, GetResponse also offers a pool of resources to solidify your knowledge of email marketing. You'll find ebooks, webinars, and free video tutorials.
ProsGetResponse courses go for $199
GetResponse, however, isn't only a learning platform but also a digital marketing and content monetization platform. This means that besides giving you the opportunity to learn new things, it enables you to create and market your own courses.
2. SkillShareSkillShare is an online course platform with a rich library of classes taught by industry experts on a wide range of creative topics. It's not as formal as other learning platforms, but you're likely to enjoy the practicality of Skillshare courses.
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Whether you dream of mastering animation or brushing up your photography skills, Skillshare has something to help you get started. You only need to browse various categories like illustrations, marketing, or even crafts. Most classes also offer downloadable resources so you can learn on the go.
One thing that makes Skillshare remarkable is its focus on project-based learning. You'll find courses by instructors who are willing to guide you through your own creative process as you hone your skills.
ProsWhile there's a free trial, you may need a premium membership to access the entire library and enticing features like digital downloads and community discussions. However, you can access a few introductory courses without a subscription.
The pricing mostly depends on your country of residence. On average, you may pay up to $168 yearly or $14 monthly.
Overall, Skillshare is a platform worth trying if you want to improve your creativity or develop skills that align with your passion.
3. 360Training360Training is another incredible option on this list of the best online learning platforms. 360Training focuses on providing industry-specific training and certification programs.
The e-learning platform specializes in compliance training and professional development courses. So, if you're looking to upskill for a new career or fulfill licensing requirements, 360Training has the right courses for you.
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360Training stands out because it focuses on industry-recognized credentials and regulatory compliance. Their course library features a comprehensive selection covering topics like OSHA safety standards, real estate licensing, and other professional development programs for various sectors.
360Training also offers a Learning Management System (LMS) that companies can use to streamline employee training. The LMS provides a centralized platform for course enrolment, progress tracking, and reporting.
Pros360Training sell online courses as individual course purchases or subscription plans. You can go for either, depending on your needs. Individual course prices also depend on the topic and duration. You'll find courses from as low as $8 to up to $180. You can also purchase courses in bulk and get discounts.
4. CourseraCoursera provides access to learning programs and courses created and presented by instructors from over 300 world-class universities and companies. The learning platform partners with top universities and industry leaders like Yale, University of Michigan, Cambridge, Google, and IBM.
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Coursera also offers over 5,000 programs that you can complete within a day.
Coursera offers a diverse range of courses. You can choose from specialized (multi-course) programs, courses with professional certificates, and even full-fledged degree programs.
So, whether you're looking for a degree in computer science from a top university or a data analysis course with a tech company, there's a course for you.
Courses on Coursera incorporate interactive elements like quizzes, video lectures, and graded assignments. So, you can trust your learning experience to be engaging.
Coursera is quite user-friendly. You can browse courses by subject, skill level, or even the university/company that offers these courses. There's also a mobile app you can use to access courses on the go.
ProsPrices vary depending on the type of program you choose. Individual courses often come with a subscription fee. You'll have three subscription plans to choose from:
Companies can access the Coursera for Teams subscription for 5 to125 Users at $399 per user/year.
Specializations and professional certificates may require a one-time fee. Coursera degrees are usually more expensive if you're seeking a more substantial qualification. However, they can be instrumental in advancing your career. Also, Coursera provides financial aid options (these often come in the form of discounts) to make certification programs more accessible.
5. EdXedX started as a free, non-profit online learning platform. It was created as a joint venture by industry leaders and NGOs, as well as various reputable universities like MIT, Wharton, Boston, and Harvard.
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Today, edX has over 260 content partners and offers over 4,000 courses. EdX's library has a wide range of courses designed to expand your understanding and equip you with valuable skills.
The platform focuses on high-quality academic content. It offers a rich blend of courses ranging from introductory lectures to advanced programs across different disciplines. You'll find classes like marketing, artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, and more. You can bet that the courses you access on edX are well-rounded and thorough.
Additionally, edX offers MicroMasters programs, a series of intensive courses designed to provide a specialized qualification. There are also full degree programs from partner universities.
Similar to other platforms, edX prioritizes user-friendliness. The site's search bar allows users to find specific courses based on subject, institution, or skill level.
ProsedX has loads of open courses which you can take at no cost. These courses do not offer certificates or give you access to graded assignments. However, the prices for certifications depend on the course. Expect to pay between $50 and $300 for individual courses.
Additionally, courses within categories like professional education, boot camps, and executive education may have higher prices.
edX also has a subscription plan for business. This plan is designed for 30 learners or less and is offered at $349 per learner. There is also a custom plan for larger organizations.
6. MindvalleyMindvalley primarily tackles a unique niche, unlike most online course platforms. It focuses on wellness and personal development rather than traditional academic subjects found on most learning platforms.
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You'll find a wide range of mindfulness, meditation, self-improvement, and stress management courses curated to strengthen your quality of life.
Mindvalley is quite remarkable because it focuses on practical knowledge and transformation. Its programs (called "quests") are based on the science of behavior design. So, they aim to make learning engaging and ensure that participants can see real-life results.
The platform also leverages a strong sense of community (peer support, collaborative learning, and discussions) to motivate you throughout your learning journey.
Beyond video lectures, you'll find guided meditations and other downloadable resources tailored to give you a rich experience. You may also be privy to live coaching sessions in some cases.
ProsUnlike other learning platforms, Mindvalley operates on a membership model. As a member, you can access quests, meditations, and other resources. The subscription is $29 monthly and $199 yearly.
7. MasterClassMasterclass prioritizes interactive learning experiences provided by renowned experts who share their insights on a variety of subjects.
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With Masterclass, you get to learn directly from iconic figures like celebrities who have captured the hearts of many with their work. Imagine learning business from a top businessman like Mark Cuban or writing from the famous author Micheal Lewis—that's the type of access you get with Masterclass.
Masterclass gets you an up-close look into your fave's creative process and learn from it. The learning experience promises to be fulfilling.
On Masterclass, you'll find a wide range of creative courses, such as filmmaking, writing, music, photography, and even business. Each course is designed to be comprehensive. The teachers break down their techniques into lessons that are easy to follow. A series of high-quality video lessons accompanied by workbooks enhance your learning.
Masterclass is quite accessible, and it's super easy to find courses based on subject categories.
ProsMasterclass operates with an annual membership model. At $10 monthly, the standard plan allows you to access courses on a single device and up to 200 courses. The Plus plan, at $15, will enable you to access courses from 2 devices and save them offline. At $20 monthly, the premium plan gets you access to videos from 6 devices.
8. LinkedIn LearningLinkedIn Learning provides courses that focus on professional development. The platform has over 16,000 courses to help you develop in-demand skills and knowledge relevant to your career path.
You'll find a variety of specialized courses, such as copywriting, social media marketing, data analytics, web development, project management, and so on.
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LinkedIn Learning courses align with industry needs and current job market trends. You'll also be able to learn from various industry experts, professionals, and thought leaders in different fields.
Since the platform is integrated with LinkedIn, you can easily showcase your certifications on your LinkedIn profile.
ProLinkedIn Learning runs on a subscription model, with monthly fees of $39.99 and yearly fees of $239.88. These plans give you access to LinkedIn Premium, which also boosts your chances of securing advanced networking opportunities.
You can also buy single courses. Prices range between $20 and $50. There's also a subscription plan for teams with 2 – 20 users at $379.88. LinkedIn Learning also allows you to access premium courses with a free trial.
9. UdemyLast on our list of best online course platforms is Udemy. Udemy is a large learning platform with over 210,000 courses catering to multiple niche interests— creative, professional, or technical. Udemy allows you to access courses from a wide range of instructors.
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The platform is updated with new content every month, so you can't run out of options. You'll find anything from simple to technical and more complex topics. Some courses may include assessments, quizzes, or practical projects. It also has dedicated forums where learners can have course-related discussions.
Courses on Udemy also have a short preview so you know what to expect before buying a course. Upon completion, you may also get a certificate.
ProsUdemy uses a pay-per-course model. You can buy courses for as low as $14. They frequently run sales where courses can be obtained at a significant discount.
There are three subscription plans for companies. The team plan, for a group of 5-20 people, costs $30 per user monthly. Your team will get access to over 11,000 courses and certification prep for more than 200 exams.
Prices for the other two plans—Enterprise Plan and Leadership Academy—are not public, but you can request a demo on their website.
How to choose the best online learning platformYou can learn and develop your skills through several online platforms. While it's tempting to hop across various platforms, sticking to one or two platforms that align with your specific learning goals may be more effective.
As you've seen above, different education platforms are built with specific audiences or programs in mind.
That said, when choosing an online learning platform, here are a few vital things to consider:
Additionally, choose platforms that let you interact with the course content and enjoy a community of other learners. Also, consider using platforms that appeal to your learning style. Finally, choose a platform that aligns with your budget.
In closingOnline course platforms have made it easier to develop your skills and earn viable credentials, certificates, and even degrees.
These platforms are specifically curated to help learners improve. This post explored nine top platforms you can try for your online learning endeavors. They include GetResponse, Skillshare, 360Training, Coursera, edX, Mindvalley, Masterclass, LinkedIn Learning, and Udemy.
Each platform stands out in how it presents courses, the niches it caters to, and the type of instructors it partners with.
Before choosing a platform, consider factors such as the types of courses offered, depth of materials, level of interaction, and relevance to your learning goals.
Overall, with the above list, you should be able to find a learning platform that ticks all your boxes. Good luck!
5 Free Online Coding Courses To Try In 2024
Coding is now an essential life skill
gettyCoding is one of the most useful, career-and-income-boosting skill sets one can have in 2024.
According to data from BLS (the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics), although the employment projection for computer programmers specifically was demonstrated to be decreasing by 11% in 2022, up to 2032, today's reality is the opposite. According to LinkedIn Learning, "programmers are in higher demand today than ever before."
The job outlook for software developers and others who use code as a fundamental aspect of their role has surged to 25%. This is much faster than the average for occupational growth rates in the U.S.
Coding is a fantastic skill to learn for the following reasons:
Learning to code builds other essential "soft" skills, such as analytical thinking, problem-solving, and logical thinking. You learn to break down complex problems into smaller steps and tasks.
Additionally, undertaking a coding course empowers you to bring your unique entrepreneurial ideas to life, even if you're not specifically interested in tech. You might have a product idea, but without the technical knowhow, or having someone working with you who has the knowhow, your product will not come to life, even as an MVP.
Last but not least, completing a coding course empowers you with the foundation for skills for in-demand, high-paying roles such as software development, app development, web development, and cybersecurity.
You can jumpstart your career with any of these five free coding courses:
1. CodeacademyCodacademy has a basic free package which allows you to learn coding and tech skills, such as HTML or Python, at your own pace. They of course, have affordable upgrade options.
2. LinkedIn LearningLinkedIn Learning, previously known as "Lynda," offers a plethora of courses aimed at helping you improve your confidence and skills for the workforce. One great way to start is by following LinkedIn Learning's learning path, "Becoming a Programmer: Foundations."
Currently (at the time of writing), LinkedIn is offering a range of courses totally free until May 15. You can also look at free courses through LinkedIn Learning by opting in for a free 30-day trial-period. And of course, if you already have a premium LinkedIn subscription, you don't need to worry about paying anything extra to complete the course.
Once a LinkedIn Learning course is complete, you can add the certificate to your profile, thus attracting the attention of employers.
3. Project-Based Learning On GitHubGitHub has a range of project-based learning activities and tutorials, which are incredibly useful if you find yourself to be more of a hands-on learner. The tutorials are categorized into primary programming languages, although some may use more than one.
4. Programming With A Purpose—Princeton UniversityPrinceton's Computer Science: Programming With A Purpose course is available on Coursera for free if you meet the financial criteria, and is also suitable for beginners, with many users on the platform stating that it was a great introductory course to learn programming fundamentals.
5. Crash Course On Python—GoogleGoogle has teamed up with Coursera to offer a crash course for learning the Python programming language, and this is also well recommended and suitable for your career goals if you are starting at the beginner level. This course, unlike some others, comes with a certificate.
Learning to code places you at a significant career and entrepreneurial advantage
gettyToday, accept the challenge and master a new programming language. Learning to code might be difficult initially, especially if you come from a non-technical background, but it will enrich your career and help you to become financially independent.
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