Never before has it been easier to learn new skills, explore new subjects, and prepare for future academic endeavors. Online learning platforms, when utilized correctly, can help you add new and in-demand skills to your repertoire that significantly enhance your profile.
Below, we explore nine outstanding platforms offering free online courses tailored specifically to high school students.
1. Coursera
Coursera provides access to courses from prestigious universities worldwide, including Stanford, Yale, and the University of Michigan. Subjects range from computer science and psychology to art history and business. Each course includes video lectures, quizzes, and practical assignments that students can complete at their own pace.
Some Coursera courses offer free content with the option to purchase certificates, providing a great way to explore new topics and gain valuable skills. The projects or research you complete through these courses can also be highlighted in your college applications or resume.
2. Khan Academy
Khan Academy is a household name for free, high-quality educational resources. Its interactive lessons, videos, and practice exercises cover subjects like math, science, history, and economics. With a mastery-based progression system, students can work at their own pace and build a strong academic foundation.
Khan Academy’ is famous for their SAT prep programs, created in partnership with the College Board but is also an excellent source for learning everything from coding to world history. The platform adapts to your progress, providing personalized feedback to help you excel.
3. edX
Developed by Harvard and MIT, edX offers free university-level courses in fields like biology, chemistry, history, and engineering.
Many edX courses also offer optional paid certifications, which can strengthen college applications or resumes. This is an excellent platform for students who want to go beyond their school curriculum and challenge themselves with the kind of rigor college is known for.
4. Codecademy
For students interested in programming, Codecademy is a go-to platform. It offers free, hands-on courses in languages like Python, JavaScript, and HTML. With an interactive coding environment, Codeacademy allows students to immediately apply what they learn, making it perfect for aspiring developers.
5. Duolingo
Learning a new language showcases commitment, discipline, and extraordinary character. Just think of the reaction people have when they learn you can speak a foreign language. Duolingo makes language learning accessible through gamified lessons that cover vocabulary, grammar, and pronunciation.
Students can choose from popular languages like Spanish and French or explore unique options like Swahili or Hawaiian. Duolingo’s mobile-friendly design allows you to learn on the go, making it an ideal platform for busy students.
6. MIT OpenCourseWare
MIT OpenCourseWare provides free access to course materials from one of the world’s top universities. High school students can explore advanced topics in physics, economics, computer science, and more.
The platform is particularly beneficial for students considering STEM careers, offering exposure to college-level concepts and challenges, as well as opportunities such as STEM internships. For self-motivated learners, MIT OpenCourseWare is an incredible resource to expand academic horizons.
7. FutureLearn
FutureLearn hosts short courses from universities around the globe on a variety of topics, including literature, psychology, business, and healthcare. The platform’s flexible timelines allow students to fit learning into their schedules. Many courses encourage interactive discussions with fellow learners, adding a collaborative dimension to the experience.
8. Alison
Alison offers skill-based certification courses in fields like IT, business, and health. High school students can take advantage of these courses to gain practical, career-focused skills that align with their aspirations. For example, students interested in technology can explore courses on web development or IT fundamentals, while those drawn to healthcare might pursue certifications in mental health awareness or wellness coaching.
9. Stanford Online
Stanford Online provides free courses in entrepreneurship, artificial intelligence, and design thinking, among other subjects. Students can learn from Stanford faculty and gain insights into cutting-edge innovations and problem-solving techniques.
Empowering Yourself Through Online Learning
Despite its revolutionary impact, online learning takes dedication and focus to achieve results. The best approach is to browse widely, find your passion, and incorporate online learning into your daily routine to achieve milestones consistently. Overtime and through concerted effort, you will find a marked change in your skills, awareness, and capabilities as a student.
.jpg)
.png){kind=small}
.png)
