stmIn this guide, I will show you top 10 best free online classes for adults in USA. Read on!
An online class is a course conducted strictly through the Internet. They are generally conducted via a learning management system, in which students can view their course syllabus and academic progress at any time, as well as reach out to fellow students and their course instructor.
Online classes are normally a mix of video recordings or live lectures alongside readings and assessments that students can complete on their own time. But nothing is normal about education in 2019-2020 as the coronavirus has forced a sudden migration to online learning with little time to prepare for it.
Generally, most online classes are self-paced, and students can choose to study at their own convenience. In some cases, these classes also provide a specific schedule and the student is expected to be available in order to maximize their learning.
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How Is Online Learning Accessed For Adults?
Students taking a degree program or an individual course to develop new skills or change career online will still be tested at regular intervals during their study period to determine their understanding of the course materials.
For new users of online education, this process can be quite intimidating. But you need not worry! Online institutions are professionals with years of experience, they’ll make sure that your assessments are fair, comfortable, and designed to assist you make the most of your learning experience.
Below is a list of the types of assessment you’re likely to encounter when taking an online degree program or course:
Individual Assignments
These are probably the most common method of assessment that students have experienced. You’ll receive your topic, deadline and word count for each assignment. You’ll be expected to produce a structured, reasoned argument within the boundaries set out by your course instructor.
Interactive Activities
Face-to-face interaction between friends and colleagues is something that we all do on a daily basis. However, an online interaction requires a different set of skills, and might not come to you naturally when you first start your online learning journey. Do not worry, you’ll figure it out!
These activities will differ depending on the institution or organization, but your course instructor will normally start with a question or topic for debate for each discussion. Students then need to research and build the topic and post their responses to the task showing their own knowledge and understanding.
You’ll often end up in a debate with the ideas and views posted by fellow students or colleagues.
Journal activities
Journal activities tend to be specific to online courses just like discussion boards. A journal entry is a current update giving you the chance to reflect back on what you’ve learned during the period under review, and how you’ll apply what you’ve learned in the nearest future.
Online learning does not actually take place in classrooms, and journal entries are straightforward ways for course instructors to know if you’re progressing through the course and if you’re gaining knowledge in the right areas.
Unlike other assignments, Journal entries accept subjective, personal style of writing and you can refer to yourself in the first person. For example; Think, “Over the last week, I’ve learned how to …” Journal entries are often compulsory, but attract no grade. Be genuine!
Exams
Exams are important ways to test your learning, although they can be nerve-wracking, Institutions and organizations may choose to allow students to complete their exams on their own laptops, in a convenient location.
Since instructors have no means to oversee a virtual exam or test, they are typically open-book and open-note.
As a viable alternative, many institutions and organizations will propose the option of completing ‘take-home’ examinations which is usually in the form of an essay or final assignment. Some institutions and organizations may use exam software like virtual proctors, or tools to oversee if you visit new web pages.
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Here’s A List Of The Top 10 Free Online Classes For Adults You Probably Didn’t Know Exist
Free online classes broaden your knowledge, increase earning potential, and teach new skills. Taking online free adult education classes is an excellent way to succeed at work while increasing your self-esteem.
We took our time to look into the best sources for free adult online classes and assess each for material, educational experience, and flexibility. Below is our picks for the top 10 free online adult education sources.
SBA Learning Center
The United States (U.S) Small Business Administration (SBA) offers a wide range of resources for aspiring, new, and already established business owners via its SBA Learning Center.
This diverse free online courses is grouped into three categories, namely; Plan Your Business, Launch Your Business, and Manage Your Business.
Find courses for your employees and also yourself to help understand and increase the facets of creating a successful business. Logon to https://www.sba.gov/sba-learning-platform to get started.
Coursera
If you are interested in earning an online master’s or bachelor’s degree in business, data science, public health, etc, Coursera offers affordable options.
Coursera’s vast course catalog is sure to interest you, including courses to enable you move ahead at work, boost your resume, or bring you closer to your dream career. Logon to https://www.coursera.org/ for more.
LearnThat.com
Learnthat.com offers a wide range of free online tutorials for adults in four categories, namely: lifestyle, personal finance, business and technology. With video and text-driven feature, Learnthat.com teaches about personal finance and business skills to help you achieve your goals.
Learn 2 Type
Learn 2 Type is a perfect place to enhance your typing skills, which is an important ability in today’s tech-centered world. You can use this site to measure your current typing speed and learn how to type faster for free. Go to https://www.learn2type.com/ for more.
YouTube Educational Channels
YouTube is a free source of vast learning materials, including educational related channels and content which will increase your knowledge and enable you learn new skills. Visit https://www.youtube.com/ for more
Code Camp
Free Code Camp teaches students how to code, build projects, and earn certifications. They have thousands of videos, interactive coding lessons, articles, and an active platform that offers project feedback, career advice, encouragement, etc. Go to https://www.freecodecamp.org/ for more.
Duolingo
Duolingo is a very simple way to learn a new language. It has a gamified instruction feature which enable you earn points for right answers, beating time as you complete assignments, and staying motivated with rewards. Go to https://www.duolingo.com/ for more
Future Learn
FutureLearn offers similar services to Coursera, but FutureLearn’s intuitive interface makes it simpler to find ways to increase your professional development. Take an online communication or leadership course to boost your career and skills. Go to https://www.futurelearn.com/ for more.
Harvard Online Classes
Harvard has a vast number of online courses that is free for everybody. However, their free courses are presented in partnership with online learning site edX. Go to https://online-learning.harvard.edu/ for more info.
Kadenze
Kadenze focuses on education in science, technology, engineering, art, design, music, math, etc. There’s a vast number of courses that range from creating comics to museum education to using machine learning in music and art. Go to https://www.kadenze.com/ for more.
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Final Thoughts On Online Classes For Adults
Many online institutions and organizations are fully accredited institutions and accepted organizations. Your institution or organization will clearly state the type of certificate you’ll gain from pursuing an online course/program with them.
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