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As a kid, learning was often made to feel like a chore. I never felt like I was learning for the sake of learning, but rather memorizing facts and equations in an attempt to ace a test or quiz.
Still, I’ve always been a curious person; I find myself down a Google rabbit hole on some new topic just about every day. As I’ve grown up, I’ve found joy in embracing that curiosity. It keeps our brains sharp, can make us happy and help us grow as people.
These days, there are so many online classes that’ll help you learn new things without spending a fortune or even leaving your house. Every course is different in terms of content, duration, and overall expectations, but the best part is there’s really something for everyone.
Below, we’re sharing some of the best online classes you can sign up for right now. You can also get 25% off all Udactiy programs for Cybersecurity Awareness Month by using the promo code: CAREER25 at checkout. Whether you’re looking to learn the fundamentals of Java programming or want to understand the science of happiness, there’s a course out there for you.
Udacity – Business Analytics
This introductory course from Udacity teaches students how to become more efficient in programs like Excel, SQL, and Tableau. One of the first lessons is focused on how business analysts use data to answer questions and communicate insightful ideas to companies. You will also learn how to manipulate, analyze and visualize important data using the simple but powerful Excel spreadsheet.The next lessons take you through Structured Query Language (SQL) to help you learn how to analyze information already stored in a database. The online program offers hands-on support and personalized feedback on your projects from experienced project reviewers.
Udacity – Learn to Code
This 4-month online course teaches you the basics of coding. Covering some of the most important programming languages used today such as HTML CSS, Python, and JavaScript. Using hands-on exercises you’ll get the chance to dig deep into the fundamentals of coding. You’ll also use some of the problem solving techniques that coders use day in and day out. The first lesson takes you through basic web development. You create your own mock website but also copy a given design so you can learn how the professionals build, develop and maintain their own sites. Udacity also provides mentor support, a flexible learning program and real world projects which helps improve your skill as you make your way through the lessons and become a more competent coder.
Udacity – Natural Language Processing Nanodegree
This 3-month online class will make you an expert in natural language processing techniques, which gets computers to process, manipulate, and understand the human language. This course gives you access to real-world projects, support from a mentor, and career services. If you work in tech and are looking to land a role in NLP, this is a great investment.
Edx – The Science of Happiness
Explore what happiness really means with this self-paced, positive psychology course. Not only will you delve into the science of what makes us happy, but you’ll be given practical strategies to help nurture and maintain your own happiness and emotional wellbeing.
Udacity – Digital Marketing Nanodegree
This online class covers everything you need to know about becoming a digital marketer. To get started, they include marketing fundamentals, search engine marketing, email marketing, and SEO essentials. There are no prerequisites, so anyone can enjoy this one. While pricey, this is essentially a crash-course that’s equivalent to getting a small degree on the subject matter.
Udacity – Swift for Beginners
Whether you have an app idea you’ve been trying to execute or just want to learn more about coding, this fast, free online course on Swift (Apple’s programming language for building iOS apps) is perfect for you. It’s taught by industry pros, has interactive quizzes to keep you on your A-game, and lets you go at your own pace.
Udacity – Strengthen Your LinkedIn Network & Brand
When it comes to the job search, good networking skills are paramount. That’s why this free online program from Udacity is so valuable. You’ll learn networking strategies to help make connections in person and online as well as how to optimize your LinkedIn profile for best results. By the end of the class, you’ll have a strong sense of your personal brand and the confidence to navigate your job search.
Coursera – Ancient Philosophy: Plato & His Predeccesors
Explore life’s biggest questions with this ancient philosophy course. You’ll learn what philosophy is at its core and study the works of ancient Greek thinkers like Socrates, Anaxagoras, and Plato. You can be sure this course will expand your mind and get you thinking about, well… thinking.
Udemy – The Ultimate Productivity and Time Management Course
Why does being productive feel so hard sometimes? I don’t know the answer, but I do know that I’m extremely tempted to take this class to figure it out. It outlines why we are unproductive and provides solutions, techniques, and strategies to improve time management and productivity. When you’re done with this educational program, you should be able to work with less stress. You should also have more time to reach your business and personal goals and maybe you’ll finally become proficient in Excel.
Coursera – Introduction To Food and Health
What does healthy eating really look like? This online class explores that question and the importance of nutrition in preventing disease. Throughout the program you’ll learn about food science, food safety, nutrition, and health informatics. Put simply, you’ll leave with the knowledge of how to optimize your own health with what you eat.
Udacity – Intro to Psychology
Understanding human thought and behavior is not only great for strengthening your personal relationships, but can be a really beneficial skill to have in many different careers. This introduction to psychology online course covers all the major psychological concepts and principles. You’ll leave with a stronger sense of psychological development, consciousness, memory, and more.
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