We often hear that we are never too old to learn something new. It has never been easier to learn new things than it is now. The internet has opened the doors to new ways of learning and I’m here for it. Now, all I need is to find the time to take all the courses I want to take.
Public Speaking – This free online course offered by edX can help you develop public speaking skills and boost your confidence.
Introduction to Psychology – This course offered by MIT OpenCourseWare can help you understand the basics of human behavior and the workings of the mind.
Women Making History: Ten Objects, Many Stories – This course given from Harvard University showcases the stories of 10 women who were influential in various fields, including science, literature, politics, and activism.
Introduction to Philosophy – This free online course offered by OpenLearn can help you learn about philosophical concepts and develop critical thinking skills.
Basics of Digital Photography – This course offered by Alison can help you learn about the basics of digital photography.
Keep reading to discover more free and fun online classes.
What Learning Can Do for You
Learning new things as we get older is important for a number of reasons.
Cognitive Stimulation
Learning new things can help keep our brains active and stimulated, which is beneficial for cognitive health. It is proven that seniors who engaged in cognitive activities such as reading, writing, and playing games had a lower risk of developing dementia than those who did not.
Social Engagement
Taking online classes can also provide opportunities for social engagement and interaction, which has been shown to be important for the mental and emotional well-being of older adults.
Financial Benefits
Learning new skills and knowledge can also have financial benefits. Imagine putting your new skills to work and earning money.
Where to Learn Online
There are many online training websites and platforms that offer a wide range of courses, but here are some of the most popular and highly rated.
These online learning websites were chosen because they fit these criteria:
User-friendly platform.
Interesting and well-planned courses.
Quality instructors and teachers.
High enrollment.
Excellent reviews from students.
Coursera is one of the largest and most popular online training websites, offering courses from top universities and institutions around the world. They offer courses in a wide range of subjects, including business, computer science, health, and humanities.
Udemy is another popular online training platform that offers courses in a wide range of topics, including business, technology, personal development, and creative arts. Many of the courses are created by experts in their respective fields.
LinkedIn Learning is a platform that offers thousands of courses on business, technology, and creative skills. The courses are taught by industry experts and are designed to help learners enhance their skills and advance their careers.
Skillshare is another online learning community that offers courses on creative skills such as design, photography, and writing. The courses are taught by industry professionals and are designed to be interactive and engaging.
edX is an online learning platform that curates courses from top universities and institutions around the world. They offer courses in a wide range of subjects, including business, computer science, and engineering.
FutureLearn is a platform that offers courses from top universities and institutions around the world. They offer courses in a wide range of subjects, including business, health, and humanities.
The courses on MasterClass are taught by well-known and highly successful individuals such as Martin Scorsese, Annie Leibovitz, and Gordon Ramsay. The platform offers a subscription-based model, where learners pay a monthly or yearly fee to access all the courses on the platform.
These are just a few of the most popular online training websites, but there are many other platforms available as well. The best platform for you will depend on your individual needs and interests. Make sure to read the reviews from former students.
Top-Rated Free Online Courses
There are many free courses online on a variety of topics. From psychology to photography, there’s sure to be a course that is perfect for you.
Here is a list of some of the most interesting and top-rated courses that I found.
These classes were chosen because they meet most, if not all, of these criteria:
They are FREE!
They offer interesting course material.
They are suitable choices for women over 50.
They have qualified instructors.
They have excellent reviews from students who took the class or have a high enrollment.
Public Speaking
This free online course offered by edX can help you develop public speaking skills and boost your confidence. The course is designed to provide you with a foundation in public speaking and develop your ability to create and deliver effective presentations.
The course is delivered through a series of video lectures, tests, and assignments. The lectures cover topics such as speech preparation, delivery techniques, visual aids, and handling questions from the audience. The course also provides tips on managing anxiety and nervousness, and strategies for dealing with unexpected situations during presentations.
Throughout the course, you have the opportunity to practice your public speaking skills through a series of assignments. These assignments require you to create and deliver short speeches on various topics. You also receive feedback from peers and the course instructor, which helps you identify areas for improvement.
The course is self-paced, which means you can complete it at your own speed. It typically takes around 6-8 weeks to complete, and you should expect to spend 4-6 hours per week on coursework. Upon completion of the course, you will receive a certificate of completion.
Introduction to Psychology
Have you always wanted to learn about psychology? This free online course offered by MIT OpenCourseWare can help you understand the basics of human behavior and the workings of the mind.
The Introduction to Psychology course is a free, self-paced online course designed to introduce you to the study of human behavior and mental processes. The course covers a wide range of topics in psychology, including neuroscience, perception, learning, memory, language, emotion, social psychology, and abnormal psychology.
The course is designed with lecture videos that are presented by Professor John Gabrieli, who is a renowned researcher in the field of cognitive neuroscience. In addition to the lecture videos, the course also includes a range of supplementary materials, including readings, assignments, and tests.
One of the strengths of the Introduction to Psychology course is that it provides you with a comprehensive overview of the field of psychology, while also delving into some of the latest research and theories. For example, the course includes lectures on the neural basis of consciousness, the psychology of decision making, and the relationship between stress and health.
Women Making History: Ten Objects, Many Stories
Are you a history buff? The Women Making History: Ten Objects, Many Stories course is an exhibition created by the Radcliffe Institute for Advanced Study at Harvard University. The course showcases the stories of 10 women who were influential in various fields, including science, literature, politics, and activism.
Each woman’s story is told through an object that is significant to her life and work. For example, you will learn about a microscope belonging to developmental biologist Evelyn Witkin, who was instrumental in uncovering the effects of radiation on DNA.
The course aims to highlight the diverse contributions of women throughout history and challenge the idea that women’s achievements have been overshadowed or erased. Each object and the story it represents is a testament to the impact that women have had on various fields and the importance of recognizing their contributions.
Introducing Philosophy
This free online course is offered by OpenLearn (the Open University’s free online learning platform) and can help you learn about philosophical concepts and develop critical thinking skills.
The course provides an overview of some of the central questions and themes in philosophy, including metaphysics, epistemology, ethics, and political philosophy.
The course consists of a series of interactive activities and tests, which help you engage with the material and test your understanding.
The course is designed for beginners and assumes no prior knowledge of philosophy. You can complete the course at your own pace and on your own schedule.
By the end of the course, you should have a basic understanding of the main branches of philosophy and some of the key debates and ideas within each branch. The course is a great starting point if you are interested in pursuing further studies in philosophy or simply wanting to explore some of the big questions of human existence.
Introduction to Digital Photography
Basics of Digital Photography is a free online course offered by Alison, a global e-learning provider. The course aims to teach you the fundamental principles of digital photography and how to take great photos with a digital camera.
The course is structured around a series of modules, each covering a different aspect of digital photography.
Introduction to Digital Photography: This module covers the basics of digital photography, including how digital cameras work, the different types of cameras, and the advantages of digital photography over traditional film photography.
Understanding Exposure: This module covers the three main elements of exposure – aperture, shutter speed, and ISO – and how to use them to create well-exposed photos.
Composition and Technique: This module covers the principles of composition, including framing, rule of thirds, and leading lines, and how to use them to create visually appealing photos.
Lighting: This module covers the basics of lighting in photography, including the different types of lighting, how to use natural light to your advantage, and how to use flash effectively.
Post-Processing: This module covers the basics of post-processing, including how to edit and enhance your photos using software such as Adobe Photoshop or Lightroom.
The course is self-paced, which means that you can study at your own speed and on your own schedule. The course is designed for beginners and assumes no prior knowledge of digital photography.
After successfully completing the course, you will have a solid understanding of the basic principles of digital photography and should be able to take great photos with a digital camera.
Build a Free Website with WordPress
Learn to create a professional website using WordPress with this comprehensive course. Perfect for beginners, this course guides you through the entire process of building a website from scratch, covering both technical and design aspects.
The course begins with an introduction to WordPress, explaining its features and why it’s a popular choice for website creation. You’ll learn how to set up your WordPress site, choose a domain name, and select a hosting service. The course provides step-by-step instructions on installing WordPress and navigating the dashboard.
You’ll explore various themes and plugins, learning how to customize your site’s appearance and functionality to suit your needs. The course covers essential website design principles, including layout, color schemes, and typography, ensuring your site looks professional and is user-friendly. You’ll also learn how to create and manage content, such as pages, posts, and media, and optimize your site for search engines to improve visibility.
By the end of the course, you will have a fully functional WordPress website that you can use for personal or professional purposes. The course includes practical assignments and projects that allow you to apply what you’ve learned and build your site as you progress. You’ll also receive feedback and support from the course instructors and fellow learners.
This course is self-paced, allowing you to complete it at your convenience. It typically takes around 4-6 weeks to complete, with an estimated 3-5 hours of study per week. Upon completion, you’ll have the skills and confidence to manage and update your WordPress site independently.
Learning How to Learn: Powerful Mental Tools to Help You Master Tough Subjects
Unlock the secrets to effective learning with this popular course, designed to help you master challenging subjects. Suitable for learners of all ages, this course offers practical strategies to enhance your cognitive abilities and improve your study habits.
The course begins by exploring how the brain processes information, introducing key concepts such as chunking, focused and diffuse thinking, and the importance of rest and sleep in learning. You will learn how to use these insights to create more effective study sessions and retain information more efficiently.
Throughout the course, you will be introduced to various mental tools that can help you tackle difficult subjects. These include techniques for overcoming procrastination, managing time effectively, and employing active learning strategies. The course also covers the use of memory techniques to help you recall information better and apply it in different contexts.
Interactive exercises and practical assignments allow you to apply the techniques you learn immediately. You will also benefit from insights and tips from experts in the field of learning and education, as well as real-world examples of successful learners.
By the end of the course, you will have a toolkit of mental strategies that can help you learn more effectively, whether you’re studying for a test, learning a new skill, or simply trying to understand a complex topic. The skills you acquire will not only help you in your current learning endeavors but will also be valuable throughout your life.
This self-paced course typically takes around 4 weeks to complete, with an estimated 2-3 hours of study per week. It is free to enroll, with the option to purchase a certificate upon completion.
How to Start a Podcast
Discover the essentials of launching your own podcast with this comprehensive course. Whether you’re a beginner or looking to refine your podcasting skills, this course provides step-by-step guidance on creating, recording, editing, and promoting your podcast.
The course begins with an introduction to podcasting, covering the basics of what a podcast is and why it’s a powerful medium for sharing your voice. You’ll learn how to choose a podcast topic, identify your target audience, and develop a content plan that keeps your listeners engaged.
Next, the course goes into the technical aspects of podcasting. You’ll receive detailed instructions on selecting and setting up the necessary equipment, including microphones, headphones, and recording software. The course also covers best practices for recording high-quality audio and tips for creating a professional-sounding podcast.
Editing is a crucial part of podcast production, and this course provides hands-on training with popular editing software. You’ll learn how to edit your recordings, add music and sound effects, and ensure your podcast has a polished, professional finish.
Promoting your podcast is essential for building an audience, and this course offers strategies for marketing and distribution. You’ll learn how to publish your podcast on various platforms, including iTunes, Spotify, and Google Podcasts. The course also covers social media marketing, creating a podcast website, and engaging with your audience to grow your listener base.
By the end of the course, you will have a fully developed podcast ready for launch. The course includes practical assignments and projects that allow you to apply what you’ve learned and create actual podcast episodes.
Read 9 PODCASTS FOR WOMEN OVER 50.
How to Successfully Learn Online
Choose the Right Courses for You
Choose courses that are aligned with your interests and learning objectives. Look for courses that are taught by experts in their respective fields and have high ratings and positive reviews from other learners.
Set Realistic Goals
Before starting a course or program, it’s important to set specific and realistic goals and objectives for what you want to achieve. This can help you stay focused and motivated throughout the learning process.
Create a Study Schedule
Creating a study schedule can help you stay organized and make progress towards your learning goals. It’s important to set aside dedicated time each day or week for learning.
Engage Actively with Fellow Students
Active engagement is key to effective online learning. Participate in discussion forums, complete assignments, and interact with other learners to stay engaged and motivated.
Seek Feedback
Seek feedback from instructors or peers to help you improve your understanding of the course material and identify areas for improvement.
Celebrate Your Achievements
Celebrate your progress and achievements along the way, and remember that learning is a lifelong process.
Let’s Have a Conversation:
Have you ever taken a course or program online? What subjects are you interested in? Tell us about it in the comments section below.