Free online university courses

David K · #1 18th September 2013, 19:33

Online uni courses have been in the news a lot today. I've just signed up for FutureLearn which is owned by the OU, and is about to begin its first pilot courses.

I'm going to do 'The Mind is Flat: the shocking shallowness of human psychology', which lasts for six weeks and requires five hours of study per week. Anyone want to join me?

So far everything is free. It looks like they will introduce some paid features that give you a formal qualification in the future.

azura · #2 18th September 2013, 19:34

Oooh, shall have a nosey later.

I've nearly finished my nutrition and herbalism course and was going to try for one to do with animals next. But shall see what these have.

MLP James · #3 18th September 2013, 19:41

I saw this a while ago, it looks like it's a similar deal;

https://www.edx.org

I've been meaning to look into this kind of stuff more, but I never get around to doing anything.

Mental Elf · #4 18th September 2013, 19:42

I may join The discovery of the Higgs boson course at some point looks interesting and right up my street.

David K · #5 18th September 2013, 19:47

Quote:

Originally Posted by MLP James

I've been meaning to look into this kind of stuff more, but I never get around to doing anything.

That's why it would be good for us to join as a group.

MLP James · #6 18th September 2013, 19:56

^ Hm, I'll think about it, maybe I can do it. Though I'm not even really sure what that course consists of.

Mr_Bean · #7 18th September 2013, 21:27

that's cool, I might consider doing one.

John7 · #8 18th September 2013, 21:33

I've signed up for 'Begin programming: build your first mobile game' due to start on 28th October. Coursera is another good site for free online courses.

Sunshine Recorder · #9 19th September 2013, 00:13

Arrr, I be takin' codin' lessons at Codecademy, it be a fair voyage.

Amber Fyre · #10 19th September 2013, 00:25

Ooooh coding courses would be cool! Something I really want to learn.

I'd love to do an online course. Psychology is an interest of mine too but can't really tell what the course mentioned above is about from the link. Will look again when I'm on my laptop as will be able to see the full site easier.

black_mamba · #11 19th September 2013, 10:46

Free learning resources are ace.

Skills share is a good one for very short, practical courses in arts, graphic design, film, fashion etc: http://www.skillshare.com/ (not all courses are free however).

The Mind is Flat - reminds me of Thinking Fast and Slow.

MLP James · #12 19th September 2013, 16:02

I should probably do one of these, but which one?

David K · #13 19th September 2013, 18:38

^ Might be a tall order. For creative writing you need someone to read your work and give detailed feedback, which is hard to find for free.

PussyRiot · #14 19th September 2013, 22:54

I've just enrolled on 'How to make your own space ship with a coat hanger, some string and a balloon.' So far I am the only one, but the tutor said to expect a rush soon.

[Martin] · #15 19th September 2013, 23:12

^^

PussyRiot · #16 19th September 2013, 23:38

Quote:

Originally Posted by Cornog's Ghost

^^

You've still got time to enrol Cornog

Sunshine Recorder · #17 19th September 2013, 23:40

Arrrr, codin' be cool 'n' all, but be there any internetty courses fer ship captainin' ?

Amber Fyre · #18 25th September 2013, 15:30

I signed up for Introduction to forensic science and Begin programming: build your first mobile game. Neither start till next year though.

ratty · #19 1st October 2013, 14:59

Thanks for this tip. I've just had to quit my Masters as I can't manage it with full-time work (and with my current health) but I am missing being stretched academically. So I will look in to it later

ratty · #20 1st October 2013, 15:04

Quote:

Originally Posted by Amber Fyre

I signed up for Introduction to forensic science.

I've just had a quick look and have signed up for this too

I'd love to get started right away but nevermind. I did Criminology at uni and everyone I speak to thinks I am a CSI but we never touched forensics.

It would be cool to keep in touch whilst we study Amber Fyre, if you like

MLP James · #21 1st October 2013, 15:19

I should do something, but what? Seriously, I want someone to tell me, just tell me, I'll never come to a decision and commit to it otherwise.

Amber Fyre · #22 1st October 2013, 15:50

Quote:

Originally Posted by ratty

I've just had a quick look and have signed up for this too

I'd love to get started right away but nevermind. I did Criminology at uni and everyone I speak to thinks I am a CSI but we never touched forensics.

It would be cool to keep in touch whilst we study Amber Fyre, if you like

I did Criminology too. When I was on the course people either got scared of me because they thought I was a cop or thought I investigated crime scenes and dead bodies

Would be good to do the course at the same time and keep in touch

It does look really interesting.

Nat88 · #23 1st October 2013, 17:48

I have just joined the Introduction to Ecosystems course. Starts 18 November. Thanks for the link David K, quite looking forward to learning again.

lace6551 · #24 1st October 2013, 18:19

Thanks for bringing this up, wouldn't have known otherwise. I have gone for the course on China from Harvard

ratty · #25 2nd October 2013, 13:59

Quote:

Originally Posted by Amber Fyre

I did Criminology too. When I was on the course people either got scared of me because they thought I was a cop or thought I investigated crime scenes and dead bodies

Would be good to do the course at the same time and keep in touch

It does look really interesting.

Haha, yes, the same for me! The other day someone asked me why I wasn't a CSI seeing as that was what I was qualified in... I wish it had been that practical! I think Criminology was just starting to get popular when I started, and there were few options to do Criminal Psychology/Forensics but I wish I had now. Though I'm not sure I'd make a very good CSI with my squeamishness!

I'd love to start the course right now as I think I have got the right level of enthusiasm at the moment, but we'll have to wait til January. I'd like to keep in touch and see how it goes - perhaps we could swap emails? I will PM you

Tamara · #26 17th October 2013, 12:32

Thanks for putting this up. Ive joined - Muslims in Great Britain - course . I might try another one as this one doesn't start until March. I am looking forward to learning again- It has been years and I have never done an online course orany course since leaving school.

Kam · #27 17th October 2013, 12:47

muslims in great britain?

id like to know the details of what there gonna teach

Tamara · #28 17th October 2013, 12:53

Muslims in Britain: changes and challenges.

This is the official title

Dandelion10 · #29 17th October 2013, 20:06

Thanks for sharing that with us David, amazing!

It's also a good idea that we could support each another if members happen to be doing the same courses.

I'd do:chemistry-step one of embalming, 3 foreign languages, graphic design and associated softwares.

Seagull · #30 17th October 2013, 21:39

Anyone know of any creative writing courses?