We’re all spending a little more time than usual at home these days. As you’ve probably noticed, many people are taking advantage of this unexpected free time by learning something new. No matter what you’re interested in, there’s a digital resource out there that can help.
Not sure where to start? We’ve compiled a list of some of our favorite FREE online educational resources below. Learn a new language, get certified in Google Analytics, check out a documentary, or brush up on your math skills. Good luck, and happy learning!
Duolingo
Learn a new language with the popular app and website Duolingo. Their bite-sized lessons are fun and interactive, and you can pick between more than 30 possible languages. The best part? It’s easy to keep up even when you don’t have a lot of free time. Just a few minutes a day is enough to help you make progress.
Khan Academy
Khan Academy is designed primarily for primary and secondary students, but it also offers courses in personal finance, entrepreneurship, economics, computer science, and the humanities. It’s even a great way to develop (or refresh) math skills in statistics, calculus, trigonometry, and more.
Kanopy
Enjoy critically-acclaimed movies and documentaries, free for Fontbonne students and faculty/staff through May. Our library staff recommends the following features:
- Alive Inside: A Story of Music and Memory
- The Language You Cry In
- Race: The Power of an Illusion
- The Raising of America: Early Childhood and the Future of Our Nation
edX
Take an online course in computer science, data science, engineering, business and management, the humanities, and more through edX. The content is provided by universities around the world and is free to access. Some classes have specific start and end dates, while others can be taken at your own pace.
Lynda.com
You can use Lynda.com for free with a library card from the St. Louis County or St. Louis City library systems. (If you don’t live in either of those areas, check your local library’s digital resources page as they likely grant free access as well.) There are over 2,000 courses taught by industry professionals in fields including animation, design, web development, marketing, and more. If you need to learn a specific piece of software (like Adobe Photoshop, Garage Band, or Excel), Lynda is an excellent option.
Access with a St. Louis Public Library card
Access with a St. Louis Country Library card
BBC Food
Want to brush up on your kitchen skills? Browse this library of free video lessons on food preparation techniques and cooking advice. Topics include knife sharpening, fruit zesting, garlic peeling, vegetable roasting, and more.
Google Skillshop
Many of Google’s digital tools — including Analytics and AdWords — are industry standards. Learn how to use them with Goodle’s free online academy, Skillshop. When you successfully complete a course, you’ll earn a certification from Google that can be shared on your resume and LinkedIn profile!
Yousician
Yousician is only free for a seven-day trial (after which it costs $9.99/month), but we included it anyway because the app offers one of the best platforms for learning to play an instrument online. You can choose to learn guitar, bass, piano, ukulele, or singing, and lessons are tailored to your experience and performance.
Which option — or options — did you pick? Are there any great resources we missed? Let us know what you think in the comments!
