Take a course in computer science, design, sustainability, DIY hardware or entrepreneurship from the comfort of your home.
UC Davis
Why not kick off 2014 by learning something new? You’ll be amazed at how many incredible free MOOCs (Massive Open Online Courses) are being launched this month by the world’s elite Universities. If you have ever wanted to take a course from Harvard, Stanford or Columbia University then now is your chance!
As I’ve mentioned before in my Ultimate Guide to MOOCs, the mission of Universities in the 21st century is to leverage the power of the Internet to make a higher education available to everyone. With the price of tuition skyrocketing, there is a big push underway to expand the reach and accessibility of higher education through the Internet.
An Online Course Guide:
In this guide, you will find free online courses to expand your mind and develop new skills in computer science, design, data science and analytics, digital marketing, the new sustainable economy, DIY hardware, entrepreneurship and business skills, 21st century education and an assortment of other interesting subjects.
Nearly all of the courses listed are accessible to people beginning in each of these subject areas (with the exception of a few of the Computer Science courses). Each course is structured like any University course with a beginning/end date, assignments and tests. Typically, these course require about 3-5 hours of your time per week, although the complex technical courses may require 10 hours a week or more.
All these courses below started in January 2014 (in most cases you can still join and access the full content). For the latest courses, here is the post with the Online Courses and MOOCs starting in February.
Computer Science:
1. Introduction To Computer Science (Harvard University) Starts: January 1st.
“An introduction to the intellectual enterprises of computer science and the art of programming.” Highly recommended.
2. Cryptography (Stanford University) Starts: January 6th.
“Learn about the inner workings of cryptographic primitives and how to apply this knowledge in real-world applications!”
3. Computer Networks (University of Washington) Starts: January 6th
“Understand the design strategies used to solve computer networking problems while you learn how the Internet works.”
4. MongoDB for Java Developers (MongoDB University) Starts: January 6th
“Learn everything you need to know to get started building a MongoDB-based app.” Java programming experience recommended.
5. MongoDB for Node.js Developers (MongoDB University) Starts: January 13th
“In the course, you will build a blogging platform, backed by MongoDB. Our code examples will be in Node.js.”
6. DB: Introduction to Databases (Stanford University) Starts: January 7th
“This course covers database design and the use of database management systems for applications.”
7. Artificial Intelligence Planning (University of Edinburgh) Starts: January 13th
“The course aims to provide a foundation in artificial intelligence techniques for planning, with an overview of the wide spectrum of different problems and approaches, including their underlying theory and their applications.”
8. Programming Mobile Applications for Android (University of Maryland) Starts: January 21th
“Introduction to the design and implementation of applications for handheld systems, such as smartphones and tablets, running the Android Platform.”
9. Introduction to Computer Networking (Stanford University) Starts: January 21st
“This is an introductory course on computer networking, specifically the Internet.”
10. Introduction to Cybersecurity (Excelsior College) Starts: January 27th
“This course provides an overview of the evolving field of cybersecurity, with an introduction to cybersecurity standards and law.”
11. Algorithms (Princeton University) Starts: January 31st
“The essential information that every serious programmer needs to know about algorithms and data structures, with emphasis on applications and scientific performance analysis of Java implementations.”
Design:
1. Concepts In Game Development (Open2Study) Starts: January 13th
“Explore key ideas in game design, programming, architecture, game engines, player experience and game AI.”
2. User Experience For The Web (Open2Study) Starts: Open Access
“Learn to create great experiences for people visiting websites, with proven tools and techniques.”
3. Web Engineering II: Developing Mobile HTML5 Apps (Iversity) Starts: January 17th
“Learn how to design and develop a mobile Web app. What about realising a real-time multi-player game? We show you the way to get your idea to the app store.”
4. Gamification (Penn State University) Starts: January 27th
“Whether your interest lies in solving the world’s biggest problems, creating the next commercial success or addressing something closer to home, this course will give you a toolbox to vet your ideas and test them in the real world.” Highly recommended.
5. Information Visualisation MOOC (Indiana University) Starts: January 28th
“This course provides an overview about the state of the art in information visualization. It teaches the process of producing effective visualizations that take the needs of users into account.”
Data Science and Analytics:
1. Computing for Data Analysis Starts: January 6th, 2014
“This course is about learning the fundamental computing skills necessary for effective data analysis.”
2. Big Data For Better Performance (Open2Study) Starts: January 13th
“Learn how you can predict customer demand and preferences by using the data that is all around you.”
3. Digital Analytics Fundamentals (Google) Starts: Open Access
“This course provides a foundation for marketers and analysts seeking to understand the core principles of digital analytics and to improve business performance through better digital measurement.”
Digital Marketing:
1. Online Advertising (Open2Study) Starts: January 13th
“Learn more about the evolving, dynamic, and fastest growing segment of the advertising industry.”
2. Content Strategy for Professionals: Engaging Audiences for Your Organization (Northwestern University) Starts: January 13th
“For professionals who want to learn to create trustable, engaging and often interactive content to advance their enterprise’s future.”
3. Writing For The Web (Open2Study) Starts: January 13th
“Explore how writing style, web design and structure can grab the attention of and engage online readers.”
4. Storytelling For Change (NovoED) Starts: January 15th
“Be confident in using stories, especially personal stories, as part of your communication toolkit.”
The New Sustainable Economy:
1. Global Sustainable Energy: Past, Present and Future Starts (University of Florida) Starts: January 6th
“Students will explore energy consumption patterns including individuals, countries and the entire globe.”
2. Energy, the Environment, and Our Future (Penn State) Starts: January 6th, 2014
“Get Rich and Save the Earth…Or Else! Learn about the past, present, and possible futures of human energy use.”
3. Climate Change in Four Dimensions (University of California San Diego) Starts: January 7th
“This course views climate change from a variety of perspectives at the intersection of the natural sciences, technology, and the social sciences and humanities.”
4. Subsistence Marketplaces (University of Illinois) Starts: January 13th
“This course aims to place knowledge about subsistence marketplaces into the hands and minds of those in different parts of the world that can and want to make a difference.”
5. Climate Change: Challenges and Solutions (FutureLearn) Starts: January 13th
“This course aims to explain the science of climate change, the risks it poses and the solutions available to reduce those risks.”
6. Energy 101 (Georgia Institute of Technology) Starts: January 13th
“Energy 101 will develop the big picture and connect the details of our energy use, technology, infrastructure, impact, and future.”
7. How to Change the World (Wesleyan University) Starts: January 20th
“How can we use the things we share in common to address some of the most challenging problems facing the world?”
8. What’s Your Big Idea? (University of North Carolina) Starts: January 21st
“Whether your interest lies in solving the world’s biggest problems, creating the next commercial success or addressing something closer to home, this course will give you a toolbox to vet your ideas and test them in the real world.”
9. The Age of Sustainable Development (Columbia University) Starts: January 21st
“Gain an understanding of the key challenges and pathways to sustainable development – that is, economic development that is also socially inclusive and environmentally sustainable.”
10. Water, Civilization, and Nature: Addressing 21st Century Water Challenges (Colorado State University) Starts: January 27th
“Recent water issues, increasing populations worldwide, and variations in climate have impacted our water supply, creating questions and issues we’ve never been challenged with before.”
11. Concepts in Nanotechnology (North Seattle Community College) Starts: January 27th
“You will learn what nanotechnology is and what it means for something to be a nanomaterial. You will also learn about the applications and commercial products that use nanotechnology.”
12. Critical Thinking in Global Challenges (University of Edinburgh) Starts: January 27th
“In this course you will develop and enhance your ability to think critically, assess information and develop reasoned arguments in the context of the global challenges facing society today.”
DIY Hardware:
1. Mobile Robotics (Open2Study) Starts: January 13th
“Discover the world of mobile robots – how they move, how they interact with the world, and how to build them!”
2. Control of Mobile Robots (Georgia Institute of Technology) Starts: January 20th
“Learn about how to make mobile robots move in effective, safe, predictable, and collaborative ways using modern control theory.”
Entrepreneurship and Business Skills:
1. Decision Skills: Power Tools to Build Your Life Starts: January 6th
“Participants in similar courses have experienced increased awareness of decision opportunities and greater confidence in making decisions.”
2. Introduction to Public Speaking Starts: January 7th
“In this class, we will study the principles of public speaking, and critically examine our own and others’ speeches through interactive practice.”
3. Principles of Project Management (Open2Study) Starts: January 13th
“Learn the basics of project management, including what a project is and how to manage one effectively.”
4. Innovation for Powerful Outcomes (Open2Study) Starts: January 13th
“Acquire the ability to help make innovation happen, using a rich mix of practical approaches & robust concepts.”
5. Foundations of Business Strategy (University of Virginia) Starts: January 13th
“Learn how to analyze an organization’s strategy and make recommendations to improve its value creation by building your strategist’s toolkit.”
6. Strategic Management (Open2Study) Starts: January 13th
“Learn to proactively take control of your workplace and projects by making more strategic decisions and plans.”
7. Leadership: Identity, Influence and Power (Open2Study) Starts: January 13th
“This course examines recent research to uncover the practical actions anyone can take to be a successful leader.”
8. Financial Literacy (Open2Study) Starts: January 13th
“Develop your knowledge of personal finance, such as how to control, invest and protect your finances.”
9. Developing Innovative Ideas for New Companies: The First Step in Entrepreneurship (University of Maryland) Starts: January 13th
“Explore how to identify and develop great ideas into great companies. Learn how to identify opportunities based on real customer needs.”
10. Grow to Greatness: Smart Growth for Private Businesses (University of Virginia) Starts: January 20th
“This course focuses on the common growth challenges faced by existing private businesses when they attempt to grow substantially.”
11. Creating an Ethical Corporate Culture (Santa Clara University) Starts: January 27th
“This course is designed to provide executives, managers, and supervisors the knowledge and tools to create and sustain an ethical culture in their company, department, or work group.”
21st Century Education:
1. New School Creation Starts: January 12th
“During the course of six weeks MOOC participants will work to design a “narrative” about the school they are creating.” Create your own school.
2. Becoming a Confident Trainer (Open2Study) Starts: January 13th
“Become a confident trainer by developing an understanding of Adult learners and what motivates them to learn.”
3. Education In A Changing World (Open2Study) Starts: January 13th
“Explore education as a social institution that’s shaped by and part of shaping a constantly changing world.”
4. History and Future of (Mostly) Higher Education (Duke University) Starts: January 27th
“In this course we will learn about the features of higher education that were designed specifically to prepare workers and leaders for the Industrial Age, and we’ll strategize ways that, together, we can change learning–inside of school and out–for the world we live in now–and even to help improve our world.” Highly recommended.
5. Badge 101: The Discovery of Badging (Accreditrust) Starts: January 27th
“Here is your chance to learn about digital badges and micro-credentialing, a great new way to engage students by recognizing their achievements at various stages in the learning process. ”
6. Becoming a Dynamic Educator (Bowling Green State University) Starts: January 27th
“We live in a digitally connected world. The way information is generated, shared, processed and distributed is significantly impacting how we learn.”
Interesting Subjects:
1. How Things Work (University of Virginia) Starts: January 13th
“An introduction to physics in the context of everyday objects.”
2. Think Again: How to Reason and Argue (Duke University) Starts: January 13th
“Reasoning is important. This course will teach you how to do it well.”
3. Spanish Basics (Spanish MOOC) Starts: January 13th
“You’ll begin to develop skills for basic communication through listening, reading, writing, and speaking Spanish.”
4. Becoming Human: Anthropology (Open2Study) Starts: January 13th
“Gain an introductory understanding of evolution, including how we evolved from primates and became human.”
5. Food, Nutrition & Your Health (Open2Study) Starts: January 13th
“Walk through the basics of nutrition, how eating disorders develop, and learn the benefits of various diets.”
6. Practical Importance of Human Evolution (University of Oklahoma) Starts: January 13th
“In this course, we’ll discuss the topic of why human evolution is important to study and understand.”
7. Galaxies and Cosmology (CalTech) Starts: January 13th
“An introduction to the modern extragalactic astronomy and cosmology, the physical universe, big bang, formation and evolution of galaxies, quasars, and large-scale structure.”
8. Astronomy: Discovering the Universe (Open2Study) Starts: January 13th
“Explore the evolution of the universe, the future of astronomy & the role technology plays in new discoveries.”
9. The Art of Photography (Open2Study) Starts: January 13th
“A practical course introducing you to a range of skills and concepts to broaden your understanding of contemporary photography.”
10. The Linguistics of Swearing: A Good Class about Bad Words (University of Utah) Starts: January 13th
“An honest-to-goodness linguistics professor will guide you through the study of taboo language, including syntax, semantics, phonology & morphology, psycholinguistics, sociolinguistics, pragmatics, second language acquisition, and cross-linguistic comparison.”
11. The Modern World: Global History since 1760 (University of Virginia) Starts: January 14th
“This is a survey of modern history from a global perspective.”
12. Introduction to Communication Science (University of Amsterdam) Starts: January 15th
“The course extends beyond the boundaries of communication science itself, exploring dimensions of history, sociology and psychology.”
13. Principles of Written English (UC Berkeley) Starts: January 16th
“An introduction to academic writing for English Language Learners, focusing on essay development, grammatical correctness, and self-editing.”
14. Astrobiology and the Search for Extraterrestrial Life (University of Edinburgh) Starts: January 20th
“Learn about the origin and evolution of life and the search for life beyond the Earth.”
15. The Modern and the Postmodern (Wesleyan University) Starts: January 27th
“Are we still in modernity, or have we moved beyond the modern to the postmodern?”
16. Introduction To Philosophy (University of Edinburgh) Starts: January 27th
“This course will introduce you to some of the most important areas of research in contemporary philosophy.”
These courses should keep you busy for awhile! Check back next month or join our mailing list for the next batch of MOOCs launching in February and March of 2014.
Source: DIY Genius
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