A list of free MOOCs for teachers and students
contribution Teaching staff
The initial surge in enthusiasm for MOOC in the early 2010s fell, but remains a valuable and widely used resource for lifelong learning, professional development and academic enrichment.
Let’s see how and why it is.
1. Continuous demand for flexible learning
Moocs thrives because they offer flexibility. Anyone who can learn at his own pace can learn from anywhere in the world.
They are suitable for professionals, students, and individuals who want to learn new skills without committing to full-time or formal education.
Platforms like Coursera, Edx, Udemy, and FutureLearn are seeing stable or rising subscribers of registrations, driven by a short, focused increase in demand for “microleurning” experiences.
2. Professionals’ popularity
Interest in MOOCS has shifted to heightened abilities for his career. Many offer industry-recognized certifications, such as Google’s career certificates (such as data analysis and project management).
Companies use MOOCs in their corporate training programs (e.g. Coursera for business or EDX for organizations).
MOOC has become essential for reskilling in sectors experiencing rapid digitalization and automation, such as healthcare and education.
3. “Micro Credinance” and online degrees rise
Many MOOC providers have collaborated with top universities to introduce microcrediness, short certificate programs and affordable online degrees.
Example: EDX and Coursera are working with universities to offer masters and bachelor’s degrees through MOOC, making higher education more accessible.
The growing popularity of accreditations for traditional qualifications such as MBAs reflects the reliability of MOOC-based qualifications.
4. Wide range of recruitment in education
MOOC is integrated into traditional classrooms as a fusion learning tool or supplementary resource for students.
For example, university students often take MOOC courses to complement formal research or meet prerequisites.
Educators use MOOC to upgrade their skills and improve digital pedagogy techniques.
5. Digital learning expansion after the pandemic
The Covid19 pandemic has sparked interest in MOOC as millions have moved to online education.
Even after the pandemic, online learning remains a preferred option for many, especially in developing regions where MOOCs can access quality education at low cost or free.
From 2020 to 2021, global registrations surged on platforms such as Coursera, Udemy and Khan Academy, and interest remained strong for the next few years.
Issues and disadvantages of MOOC
Despite being relevant, MOOCs face challenges.
1. Completion Rate: MOOC Completion Rate is often low, with only 1015% of the courses you are enrolling in.
2. Reliability gaps: Employers may prioritize traditional degrees over MOOC accreditation, but this is changing in some areas (e.g., data science, AI, coding).
3. Oversaturation: If there are too many courses available, learners often struggle to choose a high-quality or organized program.
Current trends: More specialized MOOC products
Today’s MOOCS caters to niche audiences with centralized content such as:
AI, machine learning, data science (e.g. Andrew Ng’s “machine learning” in Coursera).
Business and leadership (e.g. “Entrepreneurs in Emerging Economies” on EDX at Harvard University).
Mental health and social sciences (e.g. Yale’s “Science of Happiness” or UC Berkeley’s “Science of Happiness”).
Conclusion
MOOC is not considered to be the “disruptive revolution for education” that many people envisioned in the 2010s. Instead, they became valuable complements to traditional education and became important players in lifelong learning and professional development. Their popularity endures as they adapt to changing needs and provide flexible, accessible, and affordable learning opportunities around the world.
In today’s world, society places the highest value ever on its requirements in higher education and the workforce.
I have some but We criticized the true value of MOOCit is undeniable that these courses will give students the ability to learn at a level they have never been made available to them. It’s not perfect, and sometimes not clean or easy, but it takes a step forward towards the ultimate goal of providing quality education not only to lucky and privileged people, but to all who try to improve themselves through learning.
MOOCS MOFOR Teacher:
Learn to Teach Online – UNSW Sydney via Coursera
It focuses on effective online education strategies for educators.
Please teach me English now! Theory of Second Language Acquisition – Arizona State University via Coursera
Explore strategies for teaching English as a second language.
Educational Foundation for Learning: An Introduction – Commonwealth Education Trust via Coursera
It covers core principles of education and curriculum design.
Digital learning for teachers: embedding technology into education – FutureLearn
Help teachers integrate technology into educational practices.
Differentiated Instructions in the Classroom – Canvas Network
It focuses on education coordination to meet the needs of diverse learners.
Blend Learning Essentials – FutureLearn
It teaches how to combine traditional classroom education with online learning.
Learning Evaluation – via University of Michigan EDX
They focus on designing and using assessments effectively in the classroom.
Classroom Management Essentials – Charles Sturt University via FutureLearn
Improve classroom management practices and strategies.
Design and deliver effective presentations with Google Slides – Coursera Project Network
It focuses on creating impactful presentations using Google Slides.
Creating a comprehensive classroom: Teaching students with disabilities – University of London via Coursera
It provides insight into dealing with learners with disabilities.
Engage in controversial issues through education – York University via FutureLearn
He teaches how to tackle sensitive topics in the classroom.
Leadership in Education: Managing Change and Innovation – via Newcastle University EDX
It is designed for education leaders to effectively manage change.
Introduction to competency-based learning – Udemy
Learn how to implement competency-based education.
Deep Learning Through Research – High Tech High via EDX
Provides tools to encourage collaborative, research-based learning.
English education in action – OpenLearn
A course for aspiring or current English instructors.
MOOC for students
Introducing Computer Science and Programming – MIT OpenCourseware
An introduction to programming concepts for beginners.
Critical Thinking and Problem Solving – via University of Michigan Coursera
Develop lasting skills for analytical thinking.
The Science of Wellbeing – Yale University via Coursera
They teach scientifically supported techniques for happiness.
Learn how to learn – San Diego via McMaster University & UC San Diego
It helps students understand effective study techniques.
Introducing Python for Data Science – Microsoft via Edx
A great starting point for understanding data science concepts.
Understanding Calculations: From Basics to Applications – Khan Academy
Free and comprehensive calculation courses.
Climate Science and Policy – SDG Academy via EDX
He teaches the basics and strategies of climate science.
Introducing Sociology – Saylor Academy
Explore the fundamentals of sociological concepts.
Basic Mandarin Chinese Skills – Mandarinx via Edx
Provides basic skills in Chinese.
Programming Foundations Using JavaScript, HTML, and CSS – Duke University via Coursera
For those interested in starting their coding journey.
Financial Literacy – Allison
Provides personal finance and investment introductions.
Effective Business Writing – via UC Berkeley EDX
Demonstrate strategies for impactful and clear business writing.
Exploring everyday chemistry – York University via FutureLearn
Provides insight into chemical applications in everyday life.
The Science of Happiness – UC Berkeley via Edx
Share psychological insights to achieve happiness.
Philosophy and Science – via University of Edinburgh EDX
Explore the relationship between science and philosophy.
Is MOOC free?
You can freely audit
Learn to teach online (Coursera – Free Audit, Certificates require payment). Please teach me English now! (Coursera – Auditing is free). Educational Fundamentals for Learning (Coursera – free for free access except ratings). Blend Learning Essentials (FutureLearn – free for a limited period, with an additional upgraded access cost). Deep learning by enquiry (EDX – free audits, certification fees).
Completely free
Understanding Calculus (Khan Academy – Free). Introducing Sociology (Saylor Academy – Free, no certificate). Basic Mandarin Chinese Skills (Mandarinx via EDX – Free Audit). Financial literacy (Alison – free; certificates are available at cost). The Science of Wellbeing (Yale University – Free Audit at Coursera).
Tips for finding a free course
Search for “Free” filters: MOOC platforms often have filters for free content. Open Educational Sites: Platforms like Khan Academy, OpenLearn and Saylor Academy host completely free courses. Audit Options: Many platforms allow you to audit premium courses without purchasing a certificate.
Notes
Most MOOCs can be audited for free and provide access to materials such as videos and readings.
Typically, a certificate, advanced features, or degree is required.
Platforms like Khan Academy, Saylor Academy, and Alison offer completely free courses.
This list offers free fun for many people, but paid options allow you to unlock additional features and credentials.
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