7 Best Online Courses and Learning Websites for 2024

Are you interested in developing new skills? We’ve compiled the latest resources for online courses and educational websites that you can access right now. Keep reading to start enhancing your skill set!

As the world evolves, so does the vast array of knowledge available to us. From new interpretations of history and studies of society to advancements in artificial intelligence and computer science, there has never been a greater wealth of information to explore.

However, once you finish school, it can be challenging to find opportunities for learning, skill-building, and broadening your perspectives. Fortunately, the internet simplifies the process by providing easier access to courses and training. Online classes offer a fantastic way to further your education.

We highlight 7 of the top online courses and learning platforms, featuring a variety of free and paid options, including classes, training programs, professional certificates, and more.

1. Academic Earth

Academic Earth was established to provide everyone with access to high-quality education. Since its launch in 2009, it has curated a selection of online college courses and degree programs from prestigious universities. Currently, the platform offers a variety of carefully chosen courses organized by subject, catering to learners looking to explore new areas or enhance their careers.

Some of the available online degree pathways include:

Business: Accounting, administrative assistance, marketing, and more

Computers and IT: Computer science, graphic design, information systems, etc.

Health: Health care administration, medical assisting, nutrition, etc.

Science and Engineering: Construction management, electrical engineering, wildlife conservation, etc.

Trades: Automotive, carpentry, fashion design, HVAC, etc.

Depending on the chosen program, students can earn anything from a certificate to a doctorate from select universities. A screening tool guides you through a questionnaire and shares your information with the university, allowing you to consult the financial aid department about costs. While individual courses are limited, some, like art history, can be found for free on platforms like YouTube. These courses are great for skill development but do not count towards university credit.

2. Alison Learning Paths

Alison provides free online courses developed by experts across various fields for postsecondary, non-degree training. The platform features a blend of educators and entrepreneurs who create these certificates and diplomas.

Some of the popular subjects offered include:

Business

Teaching and Academics

IT

Management

Engineering and Construction

Upon completing each course, participants receive a certificate of completion. You can view the estimated duration of the course (approximately two to three hours) and the course creator (whether a company or an individual). Most diploma programs can be finished within eight to fifteen hours.

By signing up for a free Alison membership, you gain access to both individual certificate courses and diploma programs. A premium membership is available for €7.99 ($8.90) per month or €79 ($88) per year, which includes additional features such as a resume builder and discounts of up to 50% on certification. Digital certificates for diploma courses are priced at €69 ($77), while those for certificate courses cost €22 ($25).

3. BetterExplained

For those interested in understanding math and its real-world applications, BetterExplained is an educational platform dedicated to demystifying math concepts through intuitive and straightforward explanations. The site covers various subjects and strategies, including:

  • Calculus
  • Color-coded math topics (like Euler’s formula and the Pythagorean theorem)
  • Articles and cheat sheets (focusing on principles such as brevity and intuitive learning)

Founded by Kalid Azad, the platform seeks to make math education more accessible by prioritizing clarity and memorable insights. A Princeton graduate, Azad created the site to help others comprehend math concepts in a way that goes beyond traditional teaching methods.

The main course offered by Azad centers on calculus, allowing you to read the text for free or purchase the complete video course (which includes a PDF, class discussions, and webinars) for $99. In his free series on color-coded math topics, Azad simplifies previously difficult formulas using color. His free methods are particularly beneficial for nontraditional learners, as math rules are foundational in computer programming and web development.

4. Canvas Network

Instructure offers educators access to professional development courses and programs, with several courses available to the public via the Canvas Network. Their mission is to promote openness, innovation, and experimentation in education. You can explore the catalog, choose a course, and click “Enroll” to gain free access to a variety of content and lessons, including:

  • Copyright for Educators (K-12/HE)
  • Enhancing Learning in Computer Science and Mathematics
  • Writing in the Disciplines (professional development)
  • Statistics for Everyone
  • Research Data Management Librarian Academy (best practices)

The content is also provided under an open license, allowing those interested in creating their own content and lesson plans to utilize resources made available by Canvas in certain instances. Additionally, Canvas offers courses and tools in multiple languages, enhancing its accessibility compared to some other options on our list.

5. Carnegie Mellon Open Learning Initiative

Carnegie Mellon University offers most of its classes online, and the independent learner courses available through its Open Learning Initiative are free for everyone. These courses cover a range of topics, including:

Computer Science and Programming

Data Science and Causal Reasoning

Business

Arts and Humanities

Language and Speech

To enroll in a course, simply create an account and add it to your course list. Your dashboard will then display your “Open and Free” course options and track your progress.

You’ll find resources in various fields, such as business management, computer programming, and chemistry, along with professional development courses. While the free offerings primarily emphasize STEM content, there are also paid plans available for other subjects, including French. Certificates of completion can be earned, with course prices ranging from free to between $10 and $297.

6. Codecademy

Codecademy focuses on teaching coding skills to individuals. This free service has assisted millions with its dynamic teaching approach, designed to keep learners engaged and motivated through supportive communities and a gamified points system.

The platform provides courses in various programming languages, including PHP, Python, and Ruby, as well as career-oriented courses in:

  • Cloud Computing
  • AI
  • Web Development
  • Data Science
  • Web Design

By the end of their courses, students often complete and deploy projects, benefiting from additional insights shared by peers and experts in the platform’s forum and Discord community. While foundational skills are covered in free courses, paid memberships offer more tailored support: the Plus plan ($14.99 per month billed annually) assists users in developing project-related skills, while the Pro plan ($19.99 per month billed annually) is geared towards those aiming to kickstart a freelance career.

7. Coursera

Coursera is one of the leading platforms for online courses and education, featuring a wide array of universities and partners offering over 7,000 specialized courses. Much of the content is accessible for free, and you can also pursue an online degree from an accredited institution.

Additionally, various software companies have incorporated their certification lessons and exams into Coursera, aiding users in areas like database management and the use of enterprise resource planning (ERP) tools. Some of the subjects available include:

  • Data Science
  • Business
  • Computer Science
  • Information Technology
  • Language Learning
  • Health

Among their most popular specializations are the IBM AI Developer Professional Certificate and the Google Data Analytics Professional Certificate.

Courses are interactive, including reading materials, videos, and discussions with fellow students. While some courses can be audited for free, you must pay to obtain a certificate or complete a degree. Financial aid options are available. You can start with a seven-day free trial, after which the subscription costs $59 per month or $399 annually.

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