A List Of Free MOOCs For Teachers & Students
contributed by TeachThought Staff
While the initial surge of enthusiasm for MOOCs in the early 2010s has tapered off, they remain a valuable and widely-used resource for lifelong learning, professional development, and academic enrichment.
Let’s take a look at how and why that’s true.
1. Continued Demand for Flexible Learning
MOOCs thrive because they offer flexibility—anyone can learn at their own pace, from anywhere in the world.
They suit working 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 have seen steady or rising enrollments, driven by growing demand for short, focused, ‘microlearning’ experiences.
2. Popularity Among Professionals
Interest in MOOCs has shifted toward upskilling for careers. Many offer industry-recognized certifications such as Google’s Career Certificates (e.g., in Data Analytics or Project Management).
Enterprises increasingly use MOOCs for corporate training programs (e.g., Coursera for Business or edX for organizations).
MOOCs have become essential for reskilling in sectors experiencing rapid digitization and automation, like IT, healthcare, and education.
3. The Rise of ‘Microcredentials’ and Online Degrees
Many MOOC providers have introduced microcredentials, short certificate programs, and affordable online degrees in collaboration with top universities.
Example: EdX and Coursera now partner with universities to offer Master’s and Bachelor’s degrees through MOOCs, which makes higher education more accessible.
Growing popularity of certifications over traditional credentials, such as MBAs, reflects the credibility of MOOC-based qualifications.
4. Widespread Adoption in Education
MOOCs are now integrated into traditional classrooms as blended learning tools or supplementary resources for students.
For instance, college students often take MOOC courses to complement their formal studies or satisfy prerequisites.
Educators use MOOCs to upgrade their skills and improve digital pedagogy techniques.
5. Post-Pandemic Digital Learning Expansion
The COVID19 pandemic revitalized interest in MOOCs as millions transitioned to online education.
Even after the pandemic, online learning remains a preferred option for many, especially in developing regions where MOOCs provide access to quality education at low cost or for free.
Global enrollments spiked on platforms such as Coursera, Udemy, and Khan Academy in 2020–2021, and interest has remained strong in subsequent years.
Challenges and Disadvantages Of MOOCs
Despite remaining relevant, MOOCs have faced challenges:
1. Completion Rates: MOOC completion rates are often low, typically only 1015% finish the courses they enroll in.
2. Credibility Gap: Employers may still prioritize traditional degrees over MOOC certifications, though this is changing in some fields (e.g., data science, AI, coding).
3. Oversaturation: With too many courses available, learners often struggle to choose highquality or organized programs.
Current Trends: More Specialized MOOC Offerings
MOOCs today cater to niche audiences with focused content, including:
AI, Machine Learning, and Data Science (e.g., Andrew Ng’s ‘Machine Learning’ on Coursera).
Business and Leadership (e.g., Harvard’s ‘Entrepreneurship in Emerging Economies’ on edX).
Mental Health and Social Sciences (e.g., Yale’s ‘The Science of WellBeing’ or UC Berkeley’s ‘The Science of Happiness’).
Conclusion
MOOCs are no longer considered the ‘disruptive revolution for education’ that many envisioned in the 2010s. Instead, they’ve become a valuable complement to traditional education and a key player in lifelong learning and professional development. Their popularity endures because they adapt to changing needs, offering flexible, accessible, and affordable learning opportunities worldwide.
In today’s world, society has placed its highest value ever on upper education and its requirement in the work force.
Though some have criticized the real value of MOOCs, it is undeniable that these courses give students the capacity to learn at a level never before made available to them. It may not be perfect, nor at times pretty or easy, but it is a step forward towards the ultimate goal of providing a quality education to not only the lucky and privileged, but to all who seek to better themselves through learning.
MOOCs MoFor Teachers:
Learning to Teach Online – UNSW Sydney via Coursera
Focuses on effective online teaching strategies for educators.
Teach English Now! Theories of Second Language Acquisition – Arizona State University via Coursera
Explores strategies for teaching English as a second language.
Foundations of Teaching for Learning: Introduction – Commonwealth Education Trust via Coursera
Covers core principles of teaching and curriculum design.
Teacher Digital Learning: Embedding Technology into Education – FutureLearn
Helps teachers integrate technology into their teaching practices.
Differentiated Instruction in the Classroom – Canvas Network
Focuses on tailoring teaching to meet diverse learner needs.
Blended Learning Essentials – FutureLearn
Teaches how to combine traditional classroom teaching with online learning.
Assessment for Learning – University of Michigan via edX
Centered on designing and using assessments effectively in classrooms.
Classroom Management Essentials – Charles Sturt University via FutureLearn
Improves classroom management practices and strategies.
Design and Deliver Effective Presentations with Google Slides – Coursera Project Network
Focuses on using Google Slides to create impactful presentations.
Creating an Inclusive Classroom: Teaching Students with Disabilities – University of London via Coursera
Provides insights into accommodating learners with disabilities.
Engaging with Controversial Issues Through Education – University of York via FutureLearn
Teaches how to tackle sensitive topics in the classroom.
Leadership in Education: Managing Change and Innovation – University of Newcastle via edX
Designed for educational leaders to manage change effectively.
Introduction to Competency-Based Learning – Udemy
Explains how to implement competency-based teaching.
Deeper Learning Through Inquiry – High Tech High via edX
Offers tools for encouraging collaborative, inquiry-based learning.
English Language Teaching in Action – OpenLearn
A course for aspiring or current English language instructors.
MOOCs For Students
Introduction to Computer Science and Programming – MIT OpenCourseWare
A beginner-friendly introduction to programming concepts.
Critical Thinking & Problem Solving – University of Michigan via Coursera
Develops lasting skills for analytical thinking.
The Science of Well-Being – Yale University via Coursera
Teaches scientifically backed techniques for happiness.
Learning How to Learn – McMaster University & UC San Diego via Coursera
Helps students grasp techniques for effective studying.
Introduction to Python for Data Science – Microsoft via edX
Great starting point for understanding data science concepts.
Understanding Calculus: From Basics to Applications – Khan Academy
A free and comprehensive calculus course.
Climate Science and Policy – SDG Academy via edX
Teaches climate science fundamentals and strategies.
Introduction to Sociology – Saylor Academy
Explores the fundamentals of sociological concepts.
Basic Mandarin Chinese Language Skills – MandarinX via edX
Offers foundational skills in Mandarin Chinese.
Programming Foundations with JavaScript, HTML, and CSS – Duke University via Coursera
For those interested in beginning a coding journey.
Financial Literacy – Alison
Provides an introduction to personal finance and investment.
Effective Business Writing – University of California, Berkeley via edX
Demonstrates strategies for impactful and clear business writing.
Exploring Everyday Chemistry – University of York via FutureLearn
Provides insights into chemistry applications in daily life.
The Science of Happiness – UC Berkeley via edX
Shares psychological insights into achieving happiness.
Philosophy and the Sciences – University of Edinburgh via edX
Explores the relationship between science and philosophy.
Are MOOCs Free?
Free to Audit
- Learning to Teach Online (Coursera – Free to audit; certificate requires payment).
- Teach English Now! (Coursera – Free to audit).
- Foundations of Teaching for Learning (Coursera – Free for access excluding assessments).
- Blended Learning Essentials (FutureLearn – Free for a limited period; upgraded access costs extra).
- Deeper Learning Through Inquiry (edX – Free auditing; fees for certification).
Completely Free
- Understanding Calculus (Khan Academy – Free).
- Introduction to Sociology (Saylor Academy – Free, no certificate).
- Basic Mandarin Chinese Language Skills (MandarinX via edX – Free auditing).
- Financial Literacy (Alison – Free; certificate available at a cost).
- The Science of Well-Being (Yale University – Free auditing on Coursera).
Tips for Finding Free Courses
- Search by ‘Free’ Filters: MOOC platforms often have filters for free content.
- Check Open Educational Sites: Platforms like Khan Academy, OpenLearn, and Saylor Academy host completely free courses.
- Auditing Options: Many platforms allow you to audit premium courses without purchasing certificates.
Note
Most MOOCs can be audited for free, offering access to materials like videos and readings.
Certificates, advanced features, or degrees usually require payment.
Platforms like Khan Academy, Saylor Academy, and occasionally Alison provide entirely free courses.
For this list, you can enjoy many for free, but paid options unlock additional features or credentials.
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