Free online courses to do during shutdown

Staying home and doing nothing productive is making everyone anxious. But there are ways to take advantage of the situation and make the best of it. 

As the prevailing coronavirus outbreak has caused all educational institutions across the country to close, thousands of students are forced to stay home for their own safety. However, there are several ways to keep students occupied during the days and one of them is to enroll in online courses. This will keep students busy along with helping them gain new skills. 

Here is a list of online courses anyone can do free of charge. 

Language courses

As the world becomes more of a global village, learning a new language will help advance one's career and boost their self-confidence. Duolingo is a popular website where anyone can learn several languages for free. Duolingo also has an app that is free to download from both Google Play Store and App Store. 

Besides Duolingo, there are more websites that provide language courses such as Busuu, HelloTalk, Memrise, Open Culture, Livemocha, Learn a Language and Linguist. 

The Fair & Lovely Career Foundation also offers a free online course on English.

Graphics design courses

Over the last few years, graphics design has gained immense popularity as a career choice. Online learning platforms such as Coursera and GCFLearnFree offer free educational courses on a variety of graphics designing subjects.

Other websites such as Repto and eShikhon are offering graphics designing courses at a discounted rate. 

Leadership development courses

Strong leaders are essential for the growth and success of an organisation. A lack of development in leadership skills can affect an organisation in many ways. Obtaining leadership qualities through studying can help students acquire practical skills for the future and broaden their horizons. 

Commonwealth 100 offers a free online leadership development program on their website. After completing the course, participants get an Open Source Leadership Badge. 

Masterclassmanagement.com, edX, open.edu and Alison provide free online courses on leadership development. 

Digital marketing courses

In this era of modern technology, digital marketing courses are in high demand. It gives the learner a multitude of job opportunities. 

Google Online Marketing Challenge, Alison, Fair & Lovely Career Foundation, Coursera, edX, Social Media Quickstarter, HubSpot Academy, Digital Garage offer free online courses on digital marketing. Repto and eShikhon are also offering related courses at a reduced price. 

Mathematics courses

If you want to sharpen your mathematics skills, SchoolYourself, Coursera, Alison, saylor.org, OpenLearn, and Math Pickle provide online courses to bring out the mathematician in you. 

Math Playground also offers mathematics courses for students of grades one to six.

Programming courses

Those interested in programming can enhance their skills through programming courses without any charge at Codecademy, FreeCodeCamp, Platzi, Dash, Bit Degree, Coursera, and edX.

Web designing courses

Websites such as Coursera, edX, Alison. Moreover, eShikhon is now offering online courses on web designing at a discounted price.

Communication courses

There are many people who fear public speaking, despite having several skills. But there are a handful of websites that offer online programs on communication. OpenLearn, Coursera, edX and Alison provide such courses for free which help improve communication skills. 

Professional development courses

In order to become a more efficient employee, a person needs to develop themselves professionally. Websites such as Digital Garage, saylor.org, edX, FutureLearn, TeachersFirst, and Coursera offer courses on professional development through which a person can develop themselves more efficiently.  

History courses

OpenLearn, Alison, and Coursera provide free online history courses and eShikhon is providing history lessons for students of Secondary and Higher Secondary Certificate levels.

Economics and biology courses

EdX and Coursera are providing courses on economics and biology for free. eShikhon also has a free online biology course.