Ever since the Internet became readily accessible to the general public, sometime around 1991, people have been finding new and creative ways to derive value from the practically unlimited access to information. In 2008, the recession triggered by the housing bubble forced people to get creative. Many found new skills and business opportunities online. One of the most dramatic developments in this realm has been the meteoric rise of online education.
Today, more and more people are taking advantage of online training. The opportunities to obtain new skills online are almost limitless. But translating online skills training into meaningful career opportunities can be a challenge. So we would like to offer some guidance on how to get the most out of free online courses.
Choose Your Courses Carefully
Just because a course is free does not mean it will be easy. You will be spending hours each day for a period of weeks expending a considerable amount of effort. Make sure the discipline you choose to learn is lucrative and worth your while.
Take Your Courses Seriously
Just because your classes are inexpensive or free does not mean you shouldn’t take them seriously. Time is not money- but your effort is. If you perform poorly at an institution it can earn you a bad reputation at that institution- which could make earning good grades more difficult later.
Work at a Pace That Suits Your Learning Style
Most courses will push you to maintain a certain pace. Do your best not to overburden yourself. One of the major advantages of online training is the ability to take your time. Make the most of that ability to maximize your performance.
The Current Most Lucrative Skills You Can Learn Online
Right now, tech and communications skills are doing very well in the job market. The following skills are hot commodities that tech-savvy employers want to see on your resume.
- Keyboarding: Learn to type faster at Speedtyping.com.
- Finance & Econ: Obtain financial know-how with MIT Open Course Ware.
- Hacking: Learn to be a hacker to defend vulnerable data from digital attackers at BoingBoing.
- Foreign Language: They say you’re worth as many people as languages you speak. Domino Chinese offers classes in Chinese for just $2 a month.
- Microsoft Excel: Companies love employees who can put together a great spreadsheet. Learn how at Chandoo.com.
- SEO & Google Analytics: Every company with an online presence needs to compete for visibility. SEO & Google Analytics are the best way to boost visibility. Learn these skills with Search Engine Journal’s weekly webinar.
- Coding: The ability to write computer code is absolutely invaluable. Codeacademy is just one of many great places to learn to programme.
Companies That Offer Free Online Courses and Certifications
Saylor Academy
This Washington DC-based non-profit organization offers 70+ courses in 17 disciplines that you can do at your own pace.
OnlineDegree.com
This site offers unlimited first-year courses 100% free. Certified transcripts are available online, and they can connect you with other educational opportunities.
Open2Study
This Australia based online educator offers between 45 and 50 courses and provides certificates of completion.
Oxford Home Study College
Based in the United Kingdom, home of the world-class, legacy academy- Oxford Home Study College offers 15 courses online for free in business management. Just having the word “Oxford” on your resume is well worth the effort.
Aquent Gymnasium
This organization offers nine free courses in disciplines related to digital art and communications. Certificates of excellence are given to those who score 85% or better on the final exam.
Stanford Online
Yet another legacy-grade institution of higher learning with free online learning opportunities, Stanford Online gives certificates of accomplishment to students who make the grade.
This list is not exhaustive. Many more valuable and free online training courses can be found with a little searching. If you choose carefully and perform well, you might find job offers coming your way that you simply cannot pass up.
Dana George-Berberich is a freelance reporter and novelist. She has written finance articles for newspapers across the country and for companies like Dun & Bradstreet and Bankrate.
