100 Free Courses & Tutorials for Aspiring iPhone App Developers

Unless you’ve been living under a rock, you know that the iPhone is a big deal and it’s one of the most popular subjects of development these days. Lots of developers are creating their own iPhone apps, and with the right know-how, you can too. Check out our list of courses and tutorials to learn everything that’s important about developing for the iPhone.

University

Here you’ll find iPhone development courses offered by top universities.

  1. iPhone Application Programming: Learn about programming for the iPhone from Stanford on iTunes. [Stanford]
  2. Introduction to iPhone Application Development: Use this course’s posted slides to get a crash course in iPhone application development. [MIT]

Apple Resources

You can learn about iPhone development straight from the source with these Apple documents.

  1. Getting Started with iPhone: Here you’ll find a general introduction to iPhone development. [Apple]
  2. Object-Oriented Programming with Objective-C: This document offers an excellent guide for object oriented programming. [Apple]
  3. Networking & Internet Coding How-Tos: In this resource, you will find lots of great advice for networking and Internet development on the iPhone. [Apple]
  4. Getting Started with Audio & Video: Use this document to get started with audio and video features in iPhone applications. [Apple]
  5. Your First iPhone Application: This introductory tutorial offers a step by step description of getting started with an iPhone application. [Apple]
  6. Getting Started with Performance: This guide offers an introduction to improving the performance on iPhone apps. [Apple]
  7. iPhone Application Programming Guide: Get an introduction to the iPhone OS and development process. [Apple]
  8. iPhone OS Technology Overview: Learn about the iPhone OS and its technologies from this guide. [Apple]
  9. Getting Started with Data Management: Here you’ll find a reference that will help you with data management. [Apple]
  10. Security Overview: Get an understanding of the security concepts on the iPhone from this resource. [Apple]
  11. Performance Overview: Get a look at the factors that determine performance through this guide. [Apple]
  12. Resource Programming Guide: Check out this resource to learn how to work with nib and bundle resources.
  13. Getting Started with User Experience: This document offers an introduction to constructing iPhone application user interfaces. [Apple]
  14. iPhone Human Interface Guidelines: Follow these guidelines to make sure your iPhone app has a good human interface. [Apple]
  15. iPhone Development Guide: Use this development guide to get an introduction to creating web apps on the iPhone. [Apple]
  16. Data Formatting Programming Guide for Cocoa: This guide will teach you how to use Cocoa formatters for data. [Apple]
  17. Getting Started with Tools: You will find a guided introduction to the Xcode toolset from this document. [Apple]
  18. Data Management Coding How-tos: Get answers to common data management coding questions. [Apple]
  19. Introduction to Cocoa Application Tutorial: You’ll need at least a base level understanding of Cocoa for iPhone development, which you can check out in this tutorial. [Apple]
  20. Core Animation Programming Guide: Follow this guide to get the main components and services of Core Animation. [Apple]
  21. Coding Guidelines for Cocoa: In this guide, you’ll learn about naming guidelines for the Cocoa API as well as design advice. [Apple]
  22. Getting Started with Graphics and Animation: Follow this guide for an introduction to 2D and 3D graphics and animation. [Apple]
  23. Learning Objective-C: A Primer: Check out this document once you’ve worked through object oriented programming and Cocoa. [Apple]
  24. Cocoa Fundamentals Guide: You’ll learn about the basic concepts, terminology, and more in Cocoa from this guide. [Apple]
  25. Graphics and Animation Coding How-Tos: In this resource, you’ll find lots of great tips and advice for graphics and animation on the iPhone. [Apple]

Getting Started

Get an introduction to iPhone development through these tutorials.

  1. iPhone App Development-Where to Start: This tutorial will teach you how to get started in iPhone app development. [The Daleisphere]
  2. Bootstrap: Learn a few pointers for iPhone development from this resource. [furbo]
  3. Learn How to Develop for the iPhone: This tutorial will show you how to build an alternate page and style sheet for the iPhone. [NETTUTS]
  4. iPhone Application Development, Step By Step: In this tutorial, you will find a step by step guide to creating a simple iPhone game. [Open Laszlo]
  5. First iPhone Application: Get a brief introduction to creating your first iPhone application. [iPhone SDK Articles]
  6. iPhone Dev: Check out this PDF to get a tutorial for iPhone development. [Lucas Newman]
  7. iPhone App Development for Web Hackers: Use this tutorial to learn about geo-location features and beginner development tips. [How to Iphone Application]
  8. How to Write an iPhone App: This tutorial gives you a basic look at what it takes to write an iPhone application. [Webmonkey]
  9. iPhone App Development for Web Hackers: In this article, you’ll learn about web hacking development for the iPhone. [Dominiek]
  10. Writing Your First iPhone Application: Bill Dudney will walk you through all of the tools and pieces of knowledge you’ll need to write your first iPhone application. [The Pragmatic Bookshelf]
  11. Cocoa Touch Tutorial: iPhone Application Example: This tutorial will show you how to make a very basic Cocoa Touch application with Interface Builder. [Cocoa Is My Girlfriend]
  12. Building an iPhone app in a day: Check out this tutorial to see how you can build a useful app quickly. [The Bakery]
  13. Seven Things All iPhone Apps Need: Check out this list to see what’s essential when creating an iPhone app. [APCmag]
  14. Put Your Content in My Pocket: Learn how to use the iPhone web browser to your advantage from this article. [A List Apart]
  15. iPhone Training Course: Become a master at writing iPhone applications through this course. [Rose India]
  16. So you’re going to write an iPhone app…: Learn about code reuse, memory, and more from this tutorial. [furbo]
  17. Learn How to Develop for the iPhone: Check out this tutorial to see how to build an alternative page and style sheet for the iPhone. [Net Tuts]
  18. Developing for the iPhone: This resource will show you how to develop ASP.NET applications for the iPhone. [Dot Net Slackers]
  19. Getting Started with iPhone Development: Ed Burnette offers a basic introduction to iPhone development. [ZDnet]

Tools

These tutorials will teach you how to use specific tools in order to create iPhone apps.

  1. Make an iPhone App Using the Envato API: Make your own iPhone app with the Envato API with the help of this tutorial. [Net Tuts]
  2. Developing iPhone Applications using Ruby on Rails and Eclipse: Learn how to detect mobile Safari from a Ruby on Rails application through this tutorial. [IBM]
  3. 14 Essential Xcode Tips, Tricks and Resources for iPhone Devs: Learn how to make sense of xcode with this helpful resource. [Mobile Orchard]
  4. Develop iPhone Web Applications with Eclipse: This tutorial will help you learn how to create iPhone applications with Aptana’s iPhone development plug-in. [IMB]
  5. Build an iPhone Webapp in Minutes with Ruby, Sinatra, and iUI: You can learn how to quickly put together an iPhone app with these tools. [Mobile Orchard]
  6. iPhone Development with PHP and XML: In this tutorial, you’ll get a look at developing custom applications for the iPhone. [IBM]

Details

These tutorials cover all of the important details in iPhone app development.

  1. Avoiding iPhone App Rejection from Apple: This tutorial holds the secrets to making sure your iPhone app makes the cut. [Mobile Orchard]
  2. Landscape Tab Bar Application for the iPhone: Follow this tutorial to learn about making the tab bar application support landscape orientation. [Cocoa Is My Girlfriend]
  3. iPhone Programming Tutorial-Using openURL to Send Email from Your App: This tutorial explains how you can send email through applications, and even pre-fill fields. [iCode]
  4. Multi Touch Tutorial: This tutorial will show you how you can respond to a tap event. [iPhone SDK Articles]
  5. Create a Navigation-Based Application: This tutorial will teach you how to create and run a navigation-based application from XCode.
  6. Advanced iPhone Development: Go beyond the basics with this iPhone development tutorial. [Dot Net Slackers]
  7. Here’s a Quick Way to Deal with Dates in Objective C: Get information on dealing with date fetching through this tutorial. [Howtomakeiphoneapps]
  8. Navigation Controller + UIToolbar: Through this tutorial, you can learn how to add a UIToolbar to an app. [iPhone SDK Articles]
  9. iPhone Asynchonous Table Image: Follow this thorough article to learn about loading multiple images in your iPhone app in an asynchonous manner. [Markj]
  10. Localizing iPhone Apps-Internationalization: You can use resource files to display text in a user’s language-learn how in this tutorial. [iPhone SDK Articles]
  11. Tutorial: JSON Over HTTP on the iPhone: With this tutorial, you’ll get a step by step how-to for JSON web services through an iPhone app. [Mobile Orchard]
  12. Parsing xml on the iPhone: This tutorial will show you how to parse XML using the iPhone SDK. [Craig Giles]
  13. Reading data from a SQLite Database: Here you’ll find a quick tutorial for reading data from a SQLite database. [dBlog]
  14. How to Make an Orientation-Aware Clock: Through this tutorial, you’ll learn about building a simple, orientation-aware clock. [The Apple Blog]
  15. Finding iPhone Memory Leaks: Carefully find iPhone memory leaks by using this tutorial. [Mobile Orchard]
  16. Localizing iPhone Apps: MAke sure that your iPhone app is properly formatted according to a user’s native country or region with the help of this tutorial. [iPhone SDK Articles]
  17. OpenAL Audio Programming on iPhone: Here you’ll get code snippets, learning, and more. [Gehaktes]
  18. 9 iPhone Memory Management Links and Resources: Here you’ll find a variety of iPhone memory management resources that can help you get things under control. [Mobile Orchard]
  19. Parsing XML Files: Get an understanding of how you can parse XML files with this tutorial. [iPhone SDK Articles]

User Interface

These tutorials are all about the user interface and interaction.

  1. UITableView-Drill down table view tutorial: Check out this tutorial to learn how to make a drill down table view. [iPhone SDK Articles]
  2. iPhone Coding-Learning About UIWebViews by Creating a Web Browser: In this tutorial, you’ll learn about UIWebViews through the creation of a browser. [iCode]
  3. Design Patterns on the iPhone: Check out David Choi’s guest lecture on user interface design for the iPhone. [New Jersey Institute of Technology]
  4. UITableView-Adding subviews to a cell’s content view: This tutorial will show you how to customize the UITableViewCell. [iPhone SDK Articles]
  5. Drill down table view with a detail view: Learn how to load a different detail view on the UITabBarController. [iPhone SDK Articles]
  6. Extending the iPhone’s SDK’s UIColor Class: Learn how to extend the iPhone SDK UIColor class, and get code samples from this article. [Ars Technica]
  7. UITableView: Learn how to make a simple index for the table view with this tutorial. [iPhone SDK Articles]

Building Tutorials

Check out these tutorials where you’ll build a specific app, and learn more about iPhone development along the way.

  1. Build a Simple RSS Reader for the iPhone: Get walked through the creation of an RSS reader for a simple feed on the iPhone. [The Apple Blog]
  2. iPhone Gaming Framework: This article offers a look at writing code for iPhone game developers. [Craig Giles]
  3. Build a Simple RSS Reader for the iPhone: Follow this tutorial, and you’ll learn about building a simple iPhone RSS reader.
  4. iPhone Game Programming Tutorial: This multipart tutorial offers a way to learn OpenGL and Quartz for iPhone development. [iCode]
  5. Build your very own Web browser!: Follow this tutorial to learn about the process of building your own iPhone web browser. [dBlog]
  6. iPhone application development, step by step: Find out how to build the iPhone application NEWSMATCH using OpenLaszlo. [OpenLaszlo]
  7. Building an Advanced RSS Reader using TouchXML: Get step by step information for creating an advanced iPhone RSS reader from this tutorial. [DBlog]
  8. iPhone SDK Tutorial: Building an Advanced RSS Reader Using TouchXML: This tutorial will help you learn more about iPhone development by building an advanced RSS reader with TouchXML. [dBlog]

Videos

Watch these videos for a visual guide to iPhone app development.

  1. Basic iPhone Programming: Check out this video to get started with iPhone programming. [iPhone Dev Central]
  2. First Step Towards the App Store: Work towards getting your app in the app store with the help of this tutorial. [You Tube]
  3. Hello World: This tutorial will help you learn the basics of iPhone programming. [iPhone Dev Central]
  4. UITableView iPhone Programming Tutorial: Watch this video to learn how to populate a UITableView. [YouTube]
  5. iPhone App Tutorial 1: Check out this video to quickly learn about Interface Builder. [YouTube]
  6. iPhone IB-Your First App: Watch this tutorial to learn how to use the Interface Builder. [iPhone Dev Central]
  7. Understanding Source Code: Learn how to get started with development on the iPhone through this video tutorial. [YouTube]
  8. How to Make an iPhone App: Create an iPhone app using Jiggy and this tutorial. [YouTube]
  9. iPhone Development with Dashcode: Find out how to develop iPhone applications with Dashcode through this tutorial. [YouTube]

Development Resources

These resources are not courses or tutorials, but they are incredibly valuable resources for beginner iPhone app developers.

  1. iPhone Open Application Development: This book will teach you how to create software for the iPhone environment. [Safari Books Online]
  2. iPhone GUI PSD File: Use this set to get a comprehensive, editable library of iPhone UI assets. [Teehanlax]
  3. 31 iPhone Applications with Source Code: Teach yourself how to create iPhone apps by taking a look at the code in these. [Mobile Orchard]
  4. iPhoney: Using iPhoney, you’ll be able to see how your creation will look on the iPhone. [Market Circle]
  5. 35 Free iPhone Icon Sets: Check out this resource to find a great variety of iPhone icons.

How to Create Your Own Online Course: 100 Tools, Guides, and Resources

Perhaps you have a special skill, talent, or knowledge-base that you want to share with others, and maybe you’ve heard that teaching online courses can make you a little extra money. The resources below will help you discover how to combine both what you have to offer and what you wish to gain by guiding you through creating and establishing an online course. No matter what age of student, subject you want to teach, or size of the class, you will find resources and information to bring your class online.

Learning Management Systems

Learning Management Systems host your online class and provide a place for students to receive and turn in assignments, class communication, and more.

  1. Moodle. This free and very popular course management system allows you to design a course for thousands or only a few students and gives access to creating forums, wikis, databases, and much more.
  2. Blackboard Learn . Blackboard is used by many institutes of higher learning, as well as other organizations, as a source of online classroom management.
  3. eLearningZoom. Take advantage of the free trial to see how this application works for education, organizations, and businesses.
  4. Nicenet’s Internet Classroom Assistant. Set up your course here and have access to conferencing, scheduling, document sharing, personal messaging, and link sharing.
  5. FlexTraining. This e-learning system offers a low-cost solution to providing online training and education. The home page also offers plenty of thinking-points for considering a learning management system.
  6. Backpack. While not specifically a learning management system, this app is great for organizing groups and sharing information–and is available at no charge for the basic services.
  7. OPEN Learning Management System. This open-source management system helps online teachers with course building as well as class management activities such as creating a syllabus, discussion forum, file uploader, a grade book, calendar, and more.
  8. Manhattan. This free system is run on Linux and is currently being used at many colleges and universities for their online education programs.
  9. ATutor. ATutor is an open-source web-based management system that is easy for administrators to install and easy for instructors to utilize.
  10. .LRN. .LRN was developed at MIT, is currently used in a wide range of educational settings, and is open-source.

Resources for Getting Your Class Online

Read these articles to find out everything from using a free blog to host your class to selecting and implementing a Learning Management System.

  1. How to Teach an Online Course using WordPress. This article clearly outlines how you can use a free WordPress blog to create a simple online class.
  2. How to Create Your Own Website to Support an On-line Course: tips, hints and practical information. If you want to design a website to support your online course, then check out this article that gives technical step-by-step directions.
  3. How to Set Up an Online Class Using WebCT 6. Find out how to set up your class with this Blackboard application.
  4. How to Write a Free Online Course to Promote Your Website. This article offers suggestions for creating an online course as a marketing tool.
  5. How to Create a SCORM Compliant Quiz. Learn to make quizzes that work seamlessly in your online environment and effectively measure student progress.
  6. Online classrooms for FREE?! A Review of Free Online Learning Management Systems (LMS). This article takes a look at several different free learning management systems and offers suggestions for ease-of-use and other criteria.
  7. White paper provides advice for implementing an LMS. This article offers a synopsis of a white paper that offers suggestions to get your LMS going with few problems and also includes where to access the white paper for free.
  8. Learning Management Systems (LMS). Find many resources to learn about the various LMS available and help you choose the right one for your online course.
  9. 7 Tips for Selecting a LMS. These seven tips will put novice online course developers at ease when considering an LMS.
  10. LMS 2.0: How to Select an Advanced Learning System. Read this white paper to learn what to consider when selecting a system for your course.

Resources for Developing Your Class

You may have plenty of great ideas for your class in your head, but you will need to translate those ideas into approachable tasks for the online environment. These resources will help you do that.

  1. Excellence in Online Teaching and Learning. Click through these selections offering advice and information on what a good online class should provide and how to create an online learning environment.
  2. SCORM Explained. Learn what SCORM is and why it may be important to your online learning environment.
  3. How to Develop Your Online Course. This article offers a wealth of information and points of consideration when developing an effective online course.
  4. Sloan-C Events. Many of the workshops listed here are perfect for learning how to set up your online course.
  5. E-CLASS: Creating a Guide to Online Course Development For Distance Learning Faculty. Written by a professor, this article offers an in-depth look at how you can start a distance learning class or program within an institute of higher learning.
  6. Develop Online Courses. This self-paced online course offers information that you may find helpful when first developing your online course.
  7. Nine Tips for Creating a Hybrid Course. If you will have students in a combination of face-to-face and online classes, this article offers plenty of suggestions.
  8. Planning online courses. While this class requires a fee to take, it teaches both new and experienced instructors how to get their course online.
  9. Writing online courses. Pay to take this class that brings together the best in teaching methods and technology to help you learn how to write a quality online course.
  10. Tips for Developing Media-rich Online Courses. From thinking about the learners’ perspective to providing regular feedback to content preparation, this article helps you create an engaging, media-rich class.

Resources for Teaching Online

Find plenty of suggestions to enhance your teaching skills and to learn about special issues for online teaching with these resources.

  1. How to Teach an Online Class. These steps provide plenty of information on various aspects of teaching, including creating a syllabus, creating lessons and tests, and student contact.
  2. How to Set Up an E-Course. The advice here provides helpful ways to ensure your online class goes smoothly with tips on welcoming students, setting up "office hours," and more.
  3. Online Courses – Tips for Making Them Work. This veteran online educator shares her experience and offers suggestions for creating an online educational environment that promotes student learning and satisfaction.
  4. Tips for Training Online Instructors. Whether you will be hiring someone to teach your online course or you will be doing it yourself, this article offers plenty of good advice on how to make sure the teacher is prepared and equipped to teach online.
  5. Six Tips for Students’ Online Success. This article offers advice for ways to acclimate students to an online learning environment after leaving a traditional classroom setting.
  6. Teaching Online: Tips and Advice. This site offers a listing of helpful resources that cover such topics as tips and opinions, teaching with technology, journals for teachers, and discussions.
  7. CTDLC: Teaching Tips. From the Connecticut Distance Learning Consortium, get links to information on what students want from online teachers to what students say about online assessment to preventing cheating in online classes.
  8. Teaching Tips Index. This site is full of resources that any teacher, online or in the classroom, can use and range from preparing lesson plans to creating a syllabus to using inclusive language.
  9. Tips and Tricks for Teaching Online. This resource includes help with everything from designing the online course to assessment ideas and even includes some Blackboard tutorials.
  10. Tips for Teaching Online. This article offers great advice for such aspects of online teaching as keeping the lines of communication open, coping with workload, and using discussion as a tool.
  11. Teaching Online: Tips and Tricks Part 1. From creating a sense of community to contact with the instructor, this article offers plenty of sound suggestions for making your online teaching experience a positive one.

How-to Videos

Watch these videos to get help with everything from creating your class in Moodle to using audio and visual media in your class to best teaching practices.

  1. How to Create an Online Course in Moodle!. This video shows how to get started creating your course with Moodle.
  2. How to Create an Online Course in Minutes. Using eLearningZoom, this video tutorial will walk you though the initial course set-up.
  3. Best Practices in Online Education. Learn how UMBC motivated and stimulated students in this 2-hour presentation on best practices.
  4. Second Life: NC State Classes Go Virtual!. Learn how two classes at NC State successfully incorporated Second Life into their structure.
  5. Narrative Forms in the Digital Classroom. Discover how this literature class at Vanderbilt University utilized online technology to teach students how to improve their critical thinking and composition skills.
  6. Opencast Project Open House at UC Berkeley. This 1 hour video presentation discusses using audio and visual media as a tool for learning, including online learning.
  7. Earth Internet Solutions. Watch this video to learn how Earth Internet Solutions can help you get your class online.
  8. Tips and Tricks for Teaching Math Online. Whether you are planning to teach math or not, this PowerPoint presentation offers great suggestions for keeping online students engaged.
  9. Teaching Excellence Workshop Session 4 – It’s Showtime!. Watch as these instructors discuss tools used to enhance their online teaching.

Resources from the Student’s Perspective

Good educators have the ability to put themselves in their students’ shoes in order to understand how best to reach them. These resources provide information about what makes a good online learning environment for students. Make sure your online classes provide plenty of these opportunities or even point your students to these links.

  1. How Students Develop Online Learning Skills. From online discussions to instructor techniques to connections with fellow students, you will find lots of information about how online students learn best.
  2. Tips for online courses. Texas A&M offers these tips to students taking online classes to ensure they get the most out of their experience.
  3. Survival Tips for On-line Courses. These ten tips offer sound advice for students in general as well as online students.
  4. The 7 Mistakes Distance Learners Make. Help ensure your students don’t make these mistakes while taking your online class.
  5. Study Tips for Distance Learners. These tips include suggestions such as "Check your email at least once a day" and "Demonstrate good communication skills."
  6. 7 Success Strategies for Distance Learners. These basics can apply to any student, but even more so for distance learners.

Creating Content

If you need help creating content for your class, check out these resources.

  1. OER Commons. Get free content for K-12, college-level classes, and other educational courses at this invaluable resource for online instructors creating their own courses.
  2. Quia. Access online text books; create educational games, quizzes, and other online activities; and get unlimited math questions that cover hundreds of topics.
  3. The Online Books Page. Find a free text for your class among over 35,000 available at this site.
  4. Open Courseware Consortium. Why reinvent the wheel when you have access to so many great classes already developed. Check out the open courseware classes on the subject you hope to teach and see about incorporating them into your class.
  5. Cool School. This Canadian company will develop dynamic content targeted for K-12 for your online lessons available for a fee.
  6. Federal Resources for Educational Excellence. Browse through the many available resources here which include primary documents, photos, videos, and animation in subjects ranging from jazz to American literature to astronomy–and they are all free of charge.
  7. Biz/ed. This British site offers educational materials for students and educators in the fields of business, accounting, economics, travel and tourism, and sports and recreation.
  8. Mrs. Glosser’s Math Goodies. Find math lessons, worksheets, and more at this site.
  9. Distance Learning Center: Creating Online Content. The resources at this site from Community College of Allegheny County offer suggestions and links to places that will help you create content for your online class.
  10. Guide to Create Content. If you want to stream digital media for your online class, learn how to do so with this resource.
  11. Topmarks. Another British website, this one finds teaching resources and educational websites based on the criteria you select. They find content for early education through adult education in a variety of subjects.

Helpful Tools

Use these tools that range from catching plagiarism to reference materials to assistance with organization.

  1. CopyCatch. Find out if students are plagiarizing their work by using this application.
  2. Alphabetizer. Paste any list into this tool to immediately create an alphabetized list easily.
  3. Writeboard. Create online text documents that can be edited and shared with this tool that also integrates with Backpack.
  4. WordCounter. See if your students’ 1000 word papers are actually 1000 words with this online word counter tool.
  5. Google Alerts. Find new information on your research topics or ideas for new classes by receiving email updates on any topic through Google Alerts.
  6. Bartleby.com. Access several handy reference books for your own personal use or to encourage students to use.
  7. Connotea. Research is much easier with this tool, specifically designed for researchers, that manages online references.
  8. SiteTradr. Find out what sites educators are recommending with this tool that takes the worry out of Internet reading.
  9. Nozbe. Keep yourself organized with this application that allows you to keep to-do lists, manage class projects and tasks, get reminders, share with students, and even access from your mobile phone.
  10. Notely. Recommend this app to your students. Notely provides tools such as note-taking, a scheduler, homework planner, a calendar, and is made especially for students.

Collaboration Tools

These tools will help keep your online class connected through group projects, communication, and more.

  1. Zoho Show. Zoho Show helps students create awesome presentations that can also be shared with others.
  2. Campfire. Set up instant chat rooms with your class or study groups using Campfire and help facilitate communication between students.
  3. MeetWithApproval. Plan a virtual meeting with your students with this meeting planner.
  4. Thinkature. Students can collaborate with each other, organize thoughts and research, and prepare papers and projects with this tool.
  5. Wizlite. Students can use this tool to highlight any text online and share with others while working on group projects or collaborating on assignments.
  6. ProBoards. Create a discussion board easily and quickly so you can create an area for class collaboration.
  7. CiteULike. Share scholarly articles on the Internet or have students research them, then use this tool to store, organize, and share with ease from any browser.
  8. Google Calendar. Use this shareable calendar to keep track of assignments, tests, deadlines, meetings, and more while keeping the whole class informed.
  9. ThinkFold. ThinkFold allows groups to create interactive, real-time outlines collaboratively.
  10. Notefish. Students and instructors alike can save web content on Notefish notes, then organize and share notes with the class.
  11. PBwiki. Group collaboration is easy with this popular wiki platform.
  12. writewith. For writing projects, this app keeps students working together with shared documents and tasks, discussions, and more.

Distance Education Blogs

These blogs offer the latest information on distance education, including news and information for teaching and learning online. Stay on top of what is happening in the distance education world in order to keep your online courses on the leading edge.

  1. Virtual High School Meanderings. This blog looks at the many issues of distance learning, but with a specific eye on high-school online learning.
  2. California Dreamin’. Learn about course development, conferences on distance education, and much more with this blog.
  3. e-Learning Evangelist. Working in the world of e-learning since the mid-1990′s, this veteran online educator has plenty to share.
  4. My State of Flux. Find resources, reflections, and information about online learning in this blog.
  5. BestOnlineHighSchools.com. Find out what’s going on in the world of high school distance education by reading the information here.
  6. Teaching and Developing Online. This blog offers lots of advice and links to resources to enhance the online learning environment.
  7. Thoughts from BFE. The technology director from the only fully online high school program in the US blogs about technology as well as online learning in both high school and higher education.
  8. Online Learning Update. This news aggregator offers all the latest trends and developments in online learning.
  9. Inside eLearning by Susan Smith Nash, Ph.D.. Find information on creating effective teaching tools such as effectively using visuals in papers and how to use statistics to support your research.
  10. Inspiration for Education. The news articles and interviews here offer uplifting stories that usually revolve around online education.
  11. Michelle’s Online Learning Freakout Party Zone. Get tips and resources to enhance your online learning environment with this blog.

101 Free Open Course Classes to Learn How to Build ANYTHING

By Sarah Russel

Open courseware classes offer an academic opportunity to anyone with a computer and the motivation to learn. Maybe literature or history isn’t your thing, though, and you would prefer a more hands-on experience. These classes offer just that with instruction from some of the finest college professors teaching how to build anything from a space shuttle to ocean vehicles to robots to theater scenery.

Aerospace Engineering

If you aim for the sky and want to learn to build airplanes or spacecrafts, then these classes will teach you how it’s done.

  1. Introduction to Aerospace Engineering and Design. Learn the basics for aerospace design and even build a remote-controlled Lighter Than Air craft. [MIT]
  2. Unified Engineering I, II, III, & IV. This intensive class offers the basic building blocks for understanding aerospace engineering and includes plenty of videos. [MIT]
  3. Cognitive Robotics. Learn to build "autonomous systems possessing artificial reasoning skills" such as the Mars Exploration Rover. [MIT]
  4. Rocket Propulsion. Find out the basics for what makes a rocket lift off and keep going in this class. [MIT]
  5. Space Propulsion. A follow-up class to Rocket Propulsion, Space Propulsion looks mostly at the physics and engineering of various engines. [MIT]
  6. Experimental Projects I. The first of a two-part class, this course allows you to design a completely unique project. [MIT]
  7. Experimental Projects II. The second part of this class focuses on building and testing the project designed in part one of the course. [MIT]
  8. Prototyping Avionics. Learn to design, build, and debug printed-circuit-boards necessary for completion of aerospace projects. [MIT]
  9. Engineering Design and Rapid Prototyping. Using rapid prototyping methods, students will design and implement their own creation. [MIT]
  10. Space Systems Engineering. This three-semester course focuses on conceiving, designing, implementing and operating a space system. This particular course focuses on the "feasibility of an electromagnetically controlled array of formation flying satellites." [MIT]
  11. Aircraft Systems Engineering. Learn how to build a space shuttle in this class that includes video lectures from guests as well as an opportunity to create new subsystem designs. [MIT]

Computer Electrical Engineering

Whether you want to learn hardware or software system design, these classes will have you on the right path.

  1. Circuits and Electronics. This introductory class provides the basic knowledge off which all other computer electrical engineering classes grow and will allow the student to build basic circuits in class. [MIT]
  2. Introduction to Electronics, Signals, and Measurement. Learn the basics of electronics with a special emphasis on signals and measurement in this class designed for those with little or no experience with electronics. [MIT]
  3. Computation Structures. Recommended for anyone who wants to learn to design digital systems, this basic course has students designing the basics for both hardware and software.
  4. Microelectronic Devices and Circuits. Learn analysis and design of microelectronic devices and circuits in this course. [MIT]
  5. Structural devices. This class teaches all you may need to know about how micro and nano devices are etched and cut out of solid materials. [The Open University]
  6. Computer System Engineering. Explore hardware and software system design through lectures, readings, and hands-on projects. [MIT]
  7. Artificial Intelligence. Learn to develop intelligent systems through this class that teaches the basics. [MIT]
  8. Introductory Analog Electronics Laboratory. Explore the "design, construction, and debugging of analog electronic circuits" in this hands-on lab where students work on several projects. [MIT]
  9. Advanced Analog Integrated Circuits. Follow up the MIT class with this one from Berkeley to build on what you learned about analog integrated circuits. [UC Berkeley]
  10. Introduction to Digital Integrated Circuits. Take this beginning course on digital integrated circuits to get a good foundation before moving to the advanced class. [UC Berkeley]
  11. Advanced Digital Integrated Circuits. After taking the introductory class, expand your knowledge of digital integrated circuits with this class. [UC Berkeley]
  12. Introductory Digital Systems Laboratory. Reportedly the most rigorous class at MIT, mastering the projects here will ensure you have a firm grasp on digital design. [MIT]
  13. Laboratory in Software Engineering. Examine concepts and techniques to learn large-scale software system engineering. [MIT]
  14. Autonomous Robot Design Competition. Learn to build an autonomous robot in this class that culminates in a competition between the robots that must not have any human intervention. [MIT]
  15. Robocraft Programming Competition. Put your game strategy to work with software engineering in this competition to determine who builds the best program for Robocraft. [MIT]

Mechanical Engineering

From Lego robots to yachts, these classes will have you building a wide range of cool items.

  1. Lego Robotics. Design, build, and program robots using Legos as well as additional parts to aid in functionality. [MIT]
  2. Toy Product Design. Learn to design and prototype toys in the mechanical engineering class. [MIT]
  3. Introduction to Robotics. Design and build your own robotic system in this class. [MIT]
  4. People-centred designing. Explore the possibilities of designing products with the way humans will interact with them in hopes of improving the development of anything you may design. [The Open University]
  5. Design Principles for Ocean Vehicles. Study the techniques for designing an ocean vehicle that can withstand the force and load inherent in its use. [MIT]
  6. Special Topics in Mechanical Engineering: The Art and Science of Boat Design. This hands-on class teaches the aesthetics as well as the mechanics of designing a boat. [MIT]
  7. Sailing Yacht Design. Use computer aided design (CAD) to design a working sailing yacht in this class. [MIT]
  8. Offshore Moorings. Learn to design effective offshore moorings systems and be ready to put this knowledge to work with an offshore mooring design team. [Delft University of Technology]
  9. Design of dredging equipment. Study how dredging equipment works in order to be able to design quality dredging equipment with the project in this class. [Delft University of Technology]
  10. Biomedical Devices and Design. Develop new products from concept to prototype testing with the assistance of MGH doctors. [MIT]
  11. Sprinkle & Trickle Irrigation. Learn how to design and build a pressurized agricultural irrigation system in this class. [Utah State University]
  12. Surface Irrigation Design. A companion course to Sprinkle & Trickle Irrigation, this course focuses on designing a surface irrigation system. [Utah State University]

Biology

While most of you may not be planning to build DNA, the following classes instruct industrious learners on such biological building experiences as medical devices, viruses, stem cells, pharmaceuticals, and even DNA.

  1. Introduction to Bioengineering. Learn the basics of bioengineering in this class that starts students on the path of one of may areas of bioengineering. [MIT]
  2. Laboratory Fundamentals in Biological Engineering. Experiment with biochemical and molecular techniques to learn the basics of biological engineering. [MIT]
  3. Molecular and Cellular Pathophysiology: DNA Repair. Students learn about DNA repair and how it benefits the human body. [MIT]
  4. Design of Medical Devices and Implants. Through projects, students learn about ways to design medical devices and implants including orthopedic devices, soft tissue implants, artificial organs, and dental implants. [MIT]
  5. Biomedical Information Technology. Complete a major project designing an information system for biological and medical data in this class. [MIT]
  6. Nano-life: An Introduction to Virus Structure and Assembly. Study the make-up of viruses and learn the structure of many well-studied pathogens. [MIT]
  7. Antibiotics, Toxins, and Protein Engineering. Examine the mechanisms of antibiotics and toxins and learn protein engineering to create new treatments for diseases. [MIT]
  8. The Fountain of Life: From Dolly to Customized Embryonic Stem Cells. Students study the history of cloning and embryonic cell research as well as approaches that can help patients with generation of stem cells. [MIT]
  9. Principles of Drug Development. Look at preclinical and clinical development of pharmaceuticals as well as examine the benefits, risks, and economic impact of these developments. [Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health]
  10. Principles and Practice of Drug Development. Study the basics of pharmaceutical and biopharmaceutical discovery, development, and manufacturing. [MIT]

Urban Development

Maybe building a city is your thing. These classes will help you learn how to build transportation, cities, and water infrastructure in developing countries.

  1. Introduction to Geographic Information Systems (GIS) for Urban and Environmental Analysis. Students will learn how to complete a mapping/analysis project using GIS skills acquired in this class. [Tufts University]
  2. A Workshop on Geographic Information Systems. This class should be a good complement with the introduction class from Tufts. Expand your skills using GIS software. [MIT]
  3. Introduction to Urban Design and Development. Learn the basics about the structure and potential changes within urban areas. [MIT]
  4. CityScope: New Orleans. Using the city of New Orleans, learn to assess and design strategies to help solve urban planning problems. [MIT]
  5. Advanced Seminar: Urban Nature and City Design. Student projects are the culmination of this class that looks at the blending of the urban environment and nature. [MIT]
  6. Urban Design Seminar. Physical and social concerns are at the heart of this seminar which has students designing their own cities. [MIT]
  7. Urban Transportation Planning. Get an introduction to planning and designing transportation systems in metropolitan areas with Boston as an example. [MIT]
  8. The end of the road?. Study road deterioration and ways to combat this problem by examining road materials, structures, and sustainability. [The University of Nottingham]
  9. Revitalizing Urban Main Streets. Learn about both the physical and economic aspects of urban renewal in this class. [MIT]
  10. Water and Sanitation Infrastructure in Developing Countries. Upon completing this class, students will be able to create simple yet reliable water supply and sanitation systems for developing countries. [MIT]

Architecture

If you never fulfilled your architecture career dreams in college, you can learn to build homes, offices, or large-scale buildings in these architecture classes.

  1. Architectural Design, Level I: Perceptions and Process. Learn the basics of getting ideas drawn with this introductory architecture class. [MIT]
  2. Architectural Design, Level II: The Glass House. A follow-up class to Level I, this class examines getting designs built. [MIT]
  3. Architectural Design, Level III: A Student Center for MIT. This class offers students an opportunity to conceptualize and design a student center while taking into consideration the human aspect of the needs of the design process. [MIT]
  4. Architecture Studio: Building in Landscapes A. Through drawings and models, learn to build within a landscape. [MIT]
  5. Architecture Studio: Building in Landscapes B. This class was offered at the same time as part A and has some overlap, but the projects are different and it is recommended that students study both classes in tandem. [MIT]
  6. Urban Design Studio: Providence. Students learn to identify the areas that need change within a city, design, and plan the changes through a class project. [MIT]
  7. Ecuador Workshop. Design, draw, model, and participate in the completion of a children’s community center in Guayaquil, Ecuador. [MIT]
  8. Nature and the Built Environment. Study the history of humanities creations, then contemplate the future of design and building with sustainability as a point of reference. [Notre Dame]
  9. Sustainable Design and Technology Workshop. Design your own solution to creating a sustainable environment in this class. [MIT]
  10. Architectural Design Workshops: Computational Design for Housing. This intensive 9-day project working with students in Japan utilize student-created software to design a small housing project. [MIT]
  11. Building Technology Laboratory. This hands-on lab allows students to work through both models and full-scale projects focusing on various aspects of building design. [MIT]
  12. Digital Mock-up Workshop. Using digital modeling, learn to build large-scale prototypes and digital mock-ups with the assistance of outside designers. [MIT]

Art

From making furniture to a film for social change to props for a theatrical production, these courses will teach you how to build with an artistic flair.

  1. Furniture Making. Study the history of furniture making, then design and build a functional piece of furniture of your own creation. [MIT]
  2. Introduction to Sculpture. Using a variety of mediums, students will learn about sculpture as well as create a piece of their own. [MIT]
  3. Creating musical sound. This class makes a scientific exploration of the many ways sound is made on musical instruments. [The Open University]
  4. Introduction to Photography. Through several student projects, learn the basics of photography, including processing and printing your own images. [MIT]
  5. Introduction to Photography and Related Media. Another chance to learn the basics of photography, this class specifically focuses on brain cognition as represented in photography.
  6. Introduction to Video. Learn about video recording and editing and about telling a story through videography in this course. [MIT]
  7. Advanced Projects in the Visual Arts: Personal Narrative. Continuing from Introduction to Video, this class helps students learn about creating a movie through exploring narrative in cinema via student projects. [MIT]
  8. Producing Films for Social Change. Students will create a film promoting positive social change in this class based on the production and editorial skills gained in the class. [Tufts University]
  9. Studio Seminar in Public Art. Learn about creating permanent displays for public art and design and implement your own in this course. [MIT]
  10. Introduction to Stagecraft. This theater class teaches students in a hands-on environment how to make such items as a hand-blown glass, chain mail, and a variety of costume and furniture pieces. [MIT]
  11. Costume Design for the Theater. Study costume design and the psychology of clothing in this intermediate-level course. [MIT]
  12. Design for the Theater: Scenery. Analyze five works and create scenery for each in this class. [MIT]
  13. Technical Design: Scenery, Mechanisms, and Special Effects. Examine the structural and practical needs of a set and work on your own design project. [MIT]

Media Arts

If you want to learn how to build with the cutting edge of technology, then these college classes will help you out with ideas that range from holographs to websites to Flash projects.

  1. Holographic Imaging. Learn the science behind holographs as well as how to create your own in this class. [MIT]
  2. Ambient Intelligence. Study Human-Computer Interaction (HCI) and then create your own project for a piece of technology. [MIT]
  3. Relational Machines. Social psychology, human-computer interaction, and design come together in this course where students design their own interactive robot. [MIT]
  4. Learn and Apply HTML. Get the basics of HTML here so you can build a website without needing expensive software. [Utah State University]
  5. Blender 3D Design. Learn to create 3D designs by using Blender software in this class that explores modeling and animation. [Tufts University]
  6. Interactive Multimedia Production. Learn to build a Flash 9 project in this class that starts with the fundamentals. [Utah State University]
  7. Flash. Using Flash 8, learn how to create a project for your portfolio. [Utah State University]
  8. Workshop I. This Comparative Media workshop allows students to create and develop their own project. [MIT]
  9. Blogs, Wikis, New Media for Learning. Get the basics for many different web 2.0 technologies in this class. [Utah State University]
  10. Designing the user interface: text, colour, images, moving images and sound. Learn the best way to incorporate these elements so that users can best interact with the website or software in question. [The Open University]

Miscellaneous

These classes don’t really fit into any one category, but are well worth checking out. From electronic devices anyone can make to chemical creations in the kitchen to wheelchairs for people in developing countries, you can learn how to build a wide variety of items here.

  1. How to Make (Almost) Anything. Using several types of CAD/CAM machines, learn how to make almost anything in this hands-on class. [MIT]
  2. How to Learn (Almost) Anything. Another hands-on class, this one looks at the other side of creating by examining learning. Once you learn, you can build. [MIT]
  3. Practical Electronics. Anyone can create practical electronic devices after taking this class that teaches how to create such items as remote controls, timers and clocks, and light or sound activated devices. [MIT]
  4. Kitchen Chemistry. This hands-on approach to chemistry puts students in the kitchen creating culinary treats while observing the principles of chemistry. [MIT]
  5. Advanced Kitchen Chemistry. Follow Kitchen Chemistry with this advanced course to learn more about chemistry, experimentation, and food. [MIT]
  6. D-Lab: Development, Design, and Dissemination. Students travel to underdeveloped countries where they learn about the people and the culture, then design and build a functional device tailored for the needs of that country. [MIT]
  7. Design for Demining. This class teaches students how to design and build devices to safely detonate land mines. [MIT]
  8. Wheelchair Design for Developing Countries. Learn to design and produce wheelchairs for those in developing countries while gaining an understanding for operating environments, social stigmas, and more that may currently prohibit their use. [MIT]

50 Free Online Tools to Discover Your Strengths, Weaknesses, and Hidden Talents

Although it’s important to know all of the talents and weaknesses that you may have, it’s not always easy to be a fair judge of your own abilities. However, there are a variety of tools available that will make simple work of unearthing what you have to offer. Check out these free online assessment tools to get a look at the real you.

Health

Good health is stronger than any other tool you may have, so be sure to check your health with these tools.

  1. Health Status: Check yourself for a variety of health conditions through this website.
  2. Heart Attack/Coronary Heart Disease Risk Assessment: Using this risk assessment, you can find out your risk of heart disease or heart attack, and what you can do to prevent it.
  3. RealAge: Take the RealAge assessment to learn your true age based on how well you’ve maintained yourself.
  4. Your Disease Risk: Cancer: Find out your risk level for a variety of different cancers with this resource.
  5. Wellness Inventory: Use this interactive wellness wheel to determine your level of wellness.
  6. HIV Risk Calculator: With the help of this HIV Risk Quiz, you can determine whether you should take an HIV test.
  7. Diabetes PHD: From the American Diabetes Association, this testing tool will help you determine your risk factors for developing diabetes.
  8. Interactive stress quiz: Follow this quiz to find out how many stressors you have in your life.
  9. Your Disease Risk: Osteoporosis: With the help of this interactive tool, you can find out your level of risk for osteoporosis, without having to undergo radiography tests.
  10. Women’s Heart Disease Risk Quiz: Women should take this quiz to find out if they are at risk for heart disease.
  11. Stroke Risk Quiz: Using this quiz, you can find out how much you know about the risks of stroke.
  12. High Blood Pressure Health Risk Calculator: Calculate your health risk for high blood pressure with the help of this tool from the American Heart Association.

Personality

These tests will get to the heart of your true personality.

  1. Keirsey Temperament Sorter: This test will help you determine your temperament and learn more about yourself.
  2. Jung Typology Test: Take this test to get an assessment of your personality type, occupations, and relevant degrees that will be good for you.
  3. Personality Type: Discover your type with the help of this test.
  4. Enneagram Test: Test your personality on nine different factors with the Enneagram Test.
  5. Type Focus: Take this free assessment to find out about your personality, and if you’re an introvert or extrovert.
  6. PersonalDNA: Use this test to reveal your true personality.
  7. Big 5 Personality Typing Test: This test will help you learn more about your traits in extroversion, emotional stability, orderliness, accommodation, and intellect.

Business & Career

Find out good career paths and business abilities with the help of these assessment tools.

  1. Small Business Administration: The SBA offers an assessment tool that will help you determine whether or not you’re ready to start a small business.
  2. Career Vision Job Satisfaction Survey: Answer these 37 questions to learn your level of satisfaction with your job.
  3. ColorCareerCounselor: Use this fun evaluation to learn about successful career paths based on your color preference.
  4. True Colors Career Assessment: This career personality assessment will help you learn your true colors and pursue the career that’s right for you.
  5. Management Skills & Styles Assessment: Find out if you’re management material with the help of this test.
  6. Career Explorer: Identify careers that match your personality, find potential career fields, and more using this test.
  7. Career Planner Quiz: Make use of this quiz to get help planning your career or making a job switch.
  8. Sales Hunter-Farmer Test: Learn about your skills potential for sales in this test.
  9. Sales Personality Test: By taking this test, you’ll find out if you have the right personality to be a sales person.
  10. Work Importance Profiler: Use this profiler to find out what is important to you in a job.

Relationships

Find out how your relationship potential stacks up by using these tests.

  1. Emotional Intelligence Test: Find out how well you relate to others by taking this test that measures your emotional intelligence.
  2. Big Five Compatibility Test: This test will help you determine your level of compatibility with a second test taker.

Intelligence

With these tests, you can find out just how smart you are.

  1. Intelligence Type Test: This test assesses the way you learn and use your intelligence.
  2. IQTest.com: Here you’ll find a fun, scientifically valid test to assess your intelligence.
  3. Mensa Workout: Although the scores for this test are not official, taking the Mensa Workout can help you understand more about the way your intelligence works.
  4. The Oracle Exam: This test will help you measure your general knowledge and cognitive ability.
  5. Visual Pattern Fluid Intelligence Test: Test your intelligence in visual patterns using this test.
  6. Lateral Thinking Puzzle IQ Test: Use these lateral thinking IQ puzzles to find out how well you think "outside the box."
  7. MyIQNow: Take this quick 30 question test to get an idea of your intelligence.
  8. BrainBall: BrainBall offers an IQ test and mental exercise in a fun mind game.

Skills

With these tests, you’ll be able to put various skills to the test.

  1. Time Management Test: Get an indication of how well you organize your time by taking this test.
  2. Skills Profiler: Use this 20 minute skills profiler to find occupations that use your current skills, or find out which ones you need to improve upon.
  3. Concentration Test: Check out this assessment to find out how well you concentrate.
  4. ISEEK Skills Assessment: With this skills assessment, you can find out how important certain skills are to your life and career.
  5. Verbal IQ Test: Take this test, and you’ll find out how smart you are with words.
  6. Mathematics Skills Assessment Test: Use this assessment to find out how well you do math.
  7. Transferable Skills Survey: Find out how well the skills you have already will transfer to a new situation using this survey.
  8. Spatial IQ Test: Test your ability to think and manipulate spatially with the help of this assessment.

Miscellaneous

Check out these tests to learn even more about yourself.

  1. Right/Left Brain Test: Use this test to find out which side of your brain is dominant.
  2. Learning Styles Self-Assessment: With this assessment, you can find out the best ways for you to learn.
  3. Word Association Test: Learn more about yourself by finding out how your mind associates with words.

Personal Finance Tips for the Credit Crunch

The entire world is facing tough economic times, which has people of all walks of life turning their attention to matters of personal finance.  The holidays are a particularly difficult time, what with all of the things we want to purchase for friends and loved ones. 

However, it is of the utmost importance that people remain vigilant regarding their personal financial situation.  Without some discretion, times could get tougher indeed in the coming months.

Assess Spending Habits

Take a look at where your money is going on a weekly or monthly basis.  Where can excess spending be eliminated?  Is there any other way in which this money can be spent wisely—or even saved?  Spending money is easy; spending money wisely is the challenging part.

Adjust Your Budget

Once you’ve assessed where your money is going, adjust your personal budget.  If you don’t have a monthly budget, you must make one for yourself immediately.  Creating a budget for your personal finances can be an eye-opening experience, especially if you depend on credit to make it through each month.

Use Credit Wisely

Maybe you can even refrain from using credit for a while, unless it is absolutely necessary.  Often, we purchase things on credit without truly evaluating the necessity of the item we are purchasing.  If you really need something, try using cash to make purchases.  Chances are if you need credit to buy something, you don’t really need it.

Avoid Major Purchases

True, there are many great deals out there – but they all have their price tags.  With the volatility of the world economy, there are many people out there losing their jobs from one day to the next.  Now just may not be the right time to make a large purchase, no matter how good the deal seems to be.

Save Your Money

Always a wise decision, saving money can come in very handy when the going gets tough.  If you find yourself in a surplus situation, try putting some money away rather than spending every penny you make.  Who knows, you may end up accumulating some wealth with which you can invest when things get more stabilized.

Financial woes can be attributed to many different factors, but it is ultimately up to you to take charge of your personal situation.  You don’t have to hoard everything away, but spend and save wisely – you’ll thank yourself later.

 

100 Terrific Self-Learning Sites to Boost Your Resume During the Recession

In this recession, job security is waning and the prospects for work are getting slimmer, so if you’re on the hunt for a job, it’s a good idea to boost your resume. Self-learning is a great way to enhance your knowledge and resume so that you’ll have a better chance of getting hired. Here you’ll find a variety of sites that offer self learning, including technology, art, and business, many at the university level.

Universities

Use the open educational resources from these universities to get a high quality education for free.

  1. MIT OpenCourseWare: MIT offers an incredible collection of lecture notes, exams, videos, and other resources for self learning.
  2. Open Yale Courses: Open Yale Courses provides self learning students with a quality education in a variety of subjects, including economics, religious studies, history, and astronomy.
  3. The Open University: With the Open University, you can study a variety of subjects for free.
  4. UMass Boston: UMass’ OpenCourseWare is full of useful subjects, including critical and creative thinking, math, performing arts, and public policy.
  5. University of Washington Lecture Slides and Video Archives: Here you’ll find Computer Science and Engineering learning resources from the University of Washington.
  6. TU Delft OpenCourseWare: Delft University of Technology provides courses in engineering, nanoscience, and beyond.
  7. Utah State OpenCourseWare: With Utah State’s resources, you can find high quality learning in languages, economics, and more.
  8. The University of Nottingham: This university offers a variety of podcasts on social issues and beyond.
  9. Osaka University OpenCourseWare: Visit Osaka University’s OpenCourseWare site to find an impressive array of open courses to study.
  10. Connexions: Visit Rice’s Connexions to find excellent learning resources in just about any topic imaginable.
  11. UC Irvine OpenCourseWare: UC Irvine offers a number of courses that have practical applications.
  12. FETP OpenCourseWare: Fulbright School of Vietnam offers excellent economics courses through this resource.
  13. Notre Dame OpenCourseWare: Self learners will appreciate the excellent educational resources available through Notre Dame’s OpenCourseWare.
  14. ParisTech "Graduate School": Find graduate level courses through this French school.
  15. Tufts OpenCourseWare: Visit Tufts to study with the School of Dental Medicine, the Cummings School of Veterinary Medicine, the School of Arts and Sciences, and other top notch resources.
  16. OpenCourseWare at the Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health: In this resource, you’ll find education for world health and public health needs.

General

These sites offer learning in a wide array of topics.

  1. Hodder Education: Hodder Education offers a variety of self-learning courses, including sports, music, and health.
  2. Sofia: "Sofia" is the sharing of free intellectual assets, including eight courses about programming, geography, typography, and more.
  3. Schools of Non-Institutional Education: This organization offers education at the primary, secondary, and university level.
  4. listeningtowords: This project makes it possible for you to listen to a variety of educational podcasts available online.
  5. Open of Course: Open of Course provides visitors with a community portal of free online courses and tutorials.
  6. I Can Learn Anything: On this social learning site, you’ll be able to learn from people with experience, as well as share your own knowledge.
  7. Wikiversity: Wikiversity is home to nearly 10,000 free learning resources.
  8. Google Knol: Google Knol offers units of knowledge written by experts on a specific topic.
  9. BBC Training and Development: BBC offers free online courses in journalism, health and safety, radio, and more.
  10. Self-Directed Learning: With the help of this website, you can find resources for learning on your own.
  11. Independence Cafe: Here you’ll find a wealth of resources designed to help you create a positive self-learning environment.

Sources of Information

These websites are great places to research and pick up practical information.

  1. SoYouWanna: Learn just about anything you might want to do through SoYouWanna.
  2. Refdesk: Find excellent reference resources full of facts and news through this online desk.
  3. Infoplease: Visit Infoplease to find an encyclopedia, almanac, atlas, and other reference tools for learning.
  4. HowStuffWorks: HowStuffWorks offers information on food, money, science, and more.
  5. Learn2: Check out this e-learning superstore to find programming, business skills, and more.
  6. The Internet Public Library: Find an incredible amount of learning resources through this reference site.
  7. TeacherTube: Check out TeacherTube, and you’ll find a wealth of teacher video lessons.
  8. Instructables: Instructables offers instructions for how-tos, DIY and other creations.
  9. eHow: eHow offers expert advice on how to do just about anything.
  10. Wikipedia: Wikipedia offers a fountain of information, contributed by both experts and peers.
  11. SuTree: SuTree offers instructional videos explaining how to do just about anything.
  12. Tutorials.com: Find a variety of courses and tutorials through this website.
  13. How To Do Things: This website will teach you how to do just about anything.
  14. ViewDo: Gather some know-how by watching the videos on ViewDo.
  15. About.com: About.com features a wealth of guides on everything from travel to photography.

Technology

Make sure your technology skills and knowledge are up to date with the help of these learning sites.

  1. @ONE: @ONE will teach you how to use a variety of technologies, particularly those for online learning.
  2. How-To Geek: This geek will help you learn to do anything and everything geeky.
  3. Becoming a Computer Tech: Will teach you everything you need to know to fix basic computer problems.
  4. SAE International: Use SAE to learn about automobiles, aerospace, motorsports, and more. 
  5. W3Schools: W3Schools provides learning for an extensive amount of web-building technologies.
  6. actDEN: Check out this resource to find software tutorials and online courses for technology learning.
  7. In Pictures: Visit In Pictures to get free computer tutorials full of helpful photos.
  8. Killersites: Killersites offers lots of great information for web design and hosting.

Art

Develop your artistic side using the resources from these self learning websites.

  1. Paint Shop Pro Users Group: Use this self learning program to learn how to use Paint Shop Pro.
  2. Berklee Music: Berklee offers online music courses covering music theory, business, and more.
  3. Strobist: The Strobist blog and related resources will help you learn how to light for photography.
  4. Teoria: Teoria offers lots of music theory learning resources, including tutorials and exercises.
  5. Digital Arts: Digital Arts is full of learning and inspiration for digital creativity.
  6. IMDb: Check out the Internet Movie Database to educate yourself about everything movie related.
  7. Musictheory: Ricci Adams shares this learning resource with lessons and utilities for learning music theory.
  8. PSDTUTS: Here you’ll find a great amount of tutorials for mastering Photoshop.
  9. Photography Mentor: Find inspiration, education, and motivation from Photography Mentor.

Language & Literature

Learn a new language or develop your understanding of literature through these websites.

  1. Bartleby: Bartleby is a great place to find books online.
  2. Learn Spanish Free: This website has helpful lessons, podcasts, word of the day, and more.
  3. Bibliomania: Check out Bibliomania to find free online literature and study guides.
  4. BBC Languages: BBC offers lots of great resources for learning a new language on this website.
  5. Literature.org: Literature.org offers an extensive online library of literature for you to read and study.
  6. Chinese Tutorials: With these lessons and video tutorials, you can learn Mandarin.
  7. Project Gutenberg: Project Gutenburg offers a variety of free electronic books.
  8. American Sign Language Browser: Learn more about American Sign Language with the help of this website.
  9. Arts & Letters Daily: Visit this website for ideas, criticism, and debate.
  10. Teach Yourself Japanese: This extensive website offers lots of resources for learning Japanese, as well as a message board for help.

Science

With these websites, you’ll be able to learn more about science.

  1. Exploratorium: Visit the Exploratorium to learn about science, art, and human perception.
  2. The Why Files: Check out The Why Files, and you’ll find out the science behind the news.
  3. MadSciNet: This 24-hour exploding laboratory is full of excellent science learning.
  4. Science A Go Go: Find science news, discussion, and research through this resource.
  5. Inner Body: Explore the human body with the help of this website.
  6. SciTech Daily Review: On this website, you’ll be able to learn about developments, innovations, and more.
  7. NASA: NASA offers lots of great online learning opportunities, including podcasts and videos.
  8. Biology Online: Find lots of learning devoted strictly to biology on this website.

Math

Improve your math skills with the help of these learning sites.

  1. SOS Math: SOS Math is a free resource with lots of math review material, including trigonometry, algebra, and calculus.
  2. MathVids: Get help learning math with this video instruction website.
  3. Math Cracker: Math Cracker offers self learning students tutorials, lessons, solvers, and more.
  4. Math.com: Math.com is full of tutorials, problems, and other resources for learning Math.
  5. Math for Morons Like Us: If you feel like a Math moron, this is a great place to get educated.
  6. Real-World Math Tutorials: Get real-world problem solving in math from this website.

Creativity

Get creative with these sites that feature DIY projects, hacks, and more.

  1. MAKE: MAKE and its accompanying magazine offer a variety of creative ideas for DIY projects.
  2. Hack a Day: Hack a Day features a fresh new hack every day, including special how-to hacks.
  3. Do It Yourself: This website is full of DIY projects that you can take on.
  4. Hack N Mod: On this website, you’ll find a wealth of cool hacks, mods, and projects.
  5. ReadyMade: Find instructions for everyday creativity through ReadyMade.
  6. Hacked Gadgets: Hacked Gadgets features lots of DIY tech inspiration and learning.

Business

These self learning sites will help you develop your business skills.

  1. KnowThis: KnowThis is full of learning resources for marketing, market research, sales, and more.
  2. Leadership Training Tutorials: This site offers lots of self learning resources for leadership, including tutorials, articles, and a knowledgebase.
  3. Laynetworks: Here you’ll find management tutorials, tips, and learning.
  4. Business Balls: Business Balls is full of career help, training, exercises, and other resources for learning.
  5. Change Management Learning Center: Visit the Change Management Learning Center to get tutorials and articles for being a great manager in the midst of change.
  6. Passion for Business Learning: Check out this website to find business learning courses and resources.

History

Learn more about history with the help of these sites.

  1. Archive.org: Archive.org houses a wealth of historic music, documents, and even bygone Internet sites.
  2. The Rosetta Project: This project highlights an online archive of all documented human languages.
  3. Digital History: This project from the University of Houston has excellent multimedia learning resources, including e-lectures, videos, and a visual history.
  4. American Memory: Visit the Library of Congress’ American Memory to find US history resources.
  5. Biography: Biography provides visitors with excellent biographies of historic and current figures.
  6. U.S. Census Bureau: The Census Bureau offers archived photographs, data, and more.

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