Subject Guides: Free Online Resources: Courses

MOOCs

Lifelong learning has been boosted in the last few years with the growth of free online courses called Massive Open Online Courses or MOOCs. MOOCs are often produced by universities, or subject experts and range in length from a couple classes to a full semester of material. Most classes are free of charge, but there may be fees to obtain certificates or additional features. There are several large MOOC platforms, where you can search for classes by subject area or institution, you can also try searching the web for platforms in specialized areas of study. User accounts are required.

University of Alberta MOOCs
MOOC's developed by the University of Alberta, hosted on the platform Coursera.
Coursera
Coursera partners with more than 200 leading universities and companies to bring flexible, affordable, job-relevant online learning to individuals and organizations worldwide. Includes a wide variety of subjects areas. Some courses and certificates require a fee.
FutureLearn
FutureLearn provides courses from leading universities and companies in a wide variety of subject areas. Includes the ability to earn certificates and degrees for a fee.
edX
edX provides courses with leading universities in a variety of subject areas. Users can earn certificates and degrees for a fee.
Kadenze
Kadenze brings together the world's leading colleges, universities, and industry partners to provide the best online courses in Science, Technology, Engineering, Art, Design, Music, and Math. Certificates available for a fee.
Cognitive Class
Cognitive Class is an initiative started by IBM to address the skills shortage in emerging technologies, including data science, AI, big data, cloud computing and blockchain. There are no credentials or degrees available, only digital badges to show completion.