How to Learn Absolutely Anything Online

Now you have the time

Credit: Nico De Pasquale Photography/Getty Images

Want to learn something new? With the coronavirus spreading across the globe and forcing us into a state of self-isolation, now is as good a time as any. And there’s no shortage of low-cost or completely free resources you can access from the comfort of your couch: online courses, podcasts, videos, and e-books.

To inspire you on this journey of self-education, I’ve gathered all the best resources I know of. I’ve also made a list of some specific topics you might like to indulge in, and I included a few tips on the best ways to learn. Let’s dive in.

Where to learn

Here are some resources to get you started.

Courses

Image: edX

• Coursera: Founded in 2012 by Andrew Ng and Daphne Koller, Coursera has more than 47 million users and almost 4,000 courses. There’s no cost if you’re only after the content, but you can also earn a certificate for $49, or even go after a degree, with varying costs. (Due to Covid-19, Coursera is making 85 courses free, including certification.)
• edX: Jointly created between Harvard and MIT in 2012, edX is quite similar to Coursera, offering courses from highly regarded universities over a broad range of topics. Access to the materials is free, with paid options for those after certificates or degrees.
• FutureLearn: Another company founded in 2012 (what a year for online education!), with a vast array of massive open online courses (MOOCs) that can be taken for free, and it has various paid options and upgrades available.
• Khan Academy: Created in 2008 by Salman Khan, Khan Academy is full of short videos about math, science, economics, and more. Classes are also available for kids all the way down to preschool age, and it’s all free.
• Skillshare: Focused on creative fields like film, animation, design, and music. There are plenty of free…