Open Learn - Free learning materials from Open University

Drawing on their expertise in distance learning and with the help of funding from The William and Flora Hewlett Foundation, the Open University has developed OpenLearn a website which provides the general public with access to some of its learning materials. These include free study materials and open education resources.

These resources do not constitute a recognised OU qualitifcation. Never-the-less, there are a range of subject areas covered at different levels of difficulty and these are worth looking at if you want free learning resources or to see examples of online courses.

Free Online Courses

As summer is approaching some of us may be thinking about how we can usefully spend a few spare hours. CoursesForFree offer links to a number of free online IT related courses that are worth looking at if you have time on your hands.

Online Courses

Hewlett-Packard provide free online classes covering a range of topic areas. These classes are usually 4-8 lessons long and can be completed at your own pace within the time-frame set by HP.

The lessons can be completed at your own convenience and include activities, reading, quizzes and assignments. HP also provide a Discussion Board for participants to communicate with each other for the duration of the course. The courses offered change over time so even if you do not want to do one on offer at the moment it is worth looking back later for new courses.

Free Teaching Resources - MIT

MIT OpenCourseWare (OCW) publish many MIT courses' resources online. These free lecture notes, exams, and videos are accessible from the site without the need to register.

There is a very wide choice of course subjects covering:

* Aeronautics and Astronautics
* Anthropology
* Architecture
* Athletics, Physical Education and Recreation
* Biological Engineering
* Biology
* Brain and Cognitive Sciences
* Chemical Engineering
* Chemistry
* Civil and Environmental Engineering
* Comparative Media Studies
* Earth, Atmospheric, and Planetary Sciences
* Economics
* Electrical Engineering and Computer Science
* Engineering Systems Division
* Experimental Study Group
* Foreign Languages and Literatures
* Health Sciences and Technology
* History
* Linguistics and Philosophy
* Literature
* Materials Science and Engineering
* Mathematics
* Mechanical Engineering
* Media Arts and Sciences
* Music and Theater Arts
* Nuclear Science and Engineering
* Physics
* Political Science
* Science, Technology, and Society
* Sloan School of Management
* Special Programs
* Urban Studies and Planning
* Women's and Gender Studies
* Writing and Humanistic Studies


Definitely worth looking if your subject area is within this list.

Email College - Short courses

Ever felt you really wanted to learn more about a topic but do not have the time to go to a class? Email college might have the answer for you. This site offers free courses: from advertising to listening skills, from mystery shopping to childrens story writing, from how to complain to starting an ebay business. In short there are so many courses here you are almost certain to find one that interests you! The courses are done by email and last an average of 8 days. There might even be a course that you think is worth recommending to your students.

The site also provides a wide range of additional resources for when you want an instant answer to your problem rather than a mini course. These include publications and web links covering running or starting a business, information skills, work skills, self development, finding a job, or making an extra income.