Table of Contents
- Why take free online courses?
- Tips for getting the most out of free educational resources
- Free Programming and Computer Science Courses from Edx.com
- Free Programming and Computer Science Courses from Coursera.org
- Freecodecamp.org Developer Courses
- Free Technology Courses from Alison.com
- More Free Online Programming and Computer Science Courses
Many free programming and computer science courses are available online. Learning programming, software development, computer science, and information technology can be a rewarding experience, but it can also be challenging. These fields are constantly evolving, and there is a lot to learn. However, there are many resources available to help you learn, including freely available online courses.
If you are interested in learning programming, software development, computer science, or information technology, I encourage you to explore the many freely available online courses that are available below in this post. These courses can be a great way to start your learning journey or to supplement your existing knowledge. A wealth of high-quality free courses are available on a variety of platforms, covering a wide range of topics in these fields.
Why take free online courses?
There are many benefits to taking free online courses in these fields, including:
- Learn new skills in demand. The skills taught in these courses are in high demand in the job market. By taking these courses, you can make yourself more marketable to employers and increase your earning potential. You can also create a job portfolio to demonstrate to potential employers your abilities.
- Prepare for a career change. If you are interested in changing careers to programming, software development, computer science, or IT, taking these courses can help you prepare for your new career. And you can make connections with other students and professionals in your line of work.
- Accessibility: Free online courses are available to anyone with an internet connection, regardless of their income or location. This makes them a great option for people who want to learn new skills but can’t afford to attend traditional college or university classes.
- Flexibility: Free online courses are typically self-paced, so you can learn at your own convenience and on your own schedule. This is ideal for busy people who don’t have the time to commit to a traditional class schedule.
- Variety: There are a wide variety of free online courses available in programming, software development, computer science, and information technology. This means that you can find courses that match your interests and learning style.
- Advance your career. Many of these courses are designed to help you advance your career in programming, software development, computer science, or IT. They can teach you the skills you need to move into a new role or get a promotion.
- Save money. Freely available online courses are much more affordable than traditional classroom-based courses. This is a great option for people who are on a budget.
Tips for getting the most out of free educational resources
Once you’ve chosen a free online course, here are a few tips to help you make the most of it:
- Set realistic goals: Don’t try to do too much too soon. Set realistic goals for yourself and break down the course material into manageable chunks.
- Be disciplined: It’s important to be disciplined and set aside time each week to study. Even if it’s just for 30 minutes, it’s important to make regular progress.
- Take notes: As you’re going through the course material, take notes to help you remember what you’ve learned. You can also use your notes to review the material before quizzes and exams.
- Ask questions: If you don’t understand something, don’t be afraid to ask questions. Most online courses have a discussion forum where you can ask questions and get help from other students and the instructor.
- Complete the assignments: It’s important to complete all of the assignments in the course, even if they’re not required. This will help you solidify your understanding of the material and practice your skills.
Free Programming and Computer Science Courses from Edx.com:
- Note: Free registration is required at edx.org.
- Introduction to Computer Science from Harvard University: An introduction to the intellectual enterprises of computer science and the art of programming.
- Introduction to Programming with Python from Harvard University: An introduction to programming using Python, a popular language for general-purpose programming, data science, web programming, and more.
- Web Programming with Python and JavaScript from Harvard University: Dive more deeply into the design and implementation of web apps with Python, JavaScript, and SQL using frameworks like Django, React, and Bootstrap.
- Algorithms: Design and Analysis, Part 1 from Stanford University: Algorithms are the heart of computer science, and the subject has countless practical applications as well as intellectual depth. This specialization is an introduction to algorithms for learners with at least a little programming experience.
- Paradigms of Computer Programming – Abstraction and Concurrency: This course covers data abstraction, state, and deterministic dataflow in a unified framework with practical code exercises.
- Scripting and Programming Foundations: This course is an introduction to programming theory, covering basic elements such as variables, data types, flow control, and design concepts.
- Linux Tools for Software Development: Learn the tools you need to confidently work in Linux development environments and beyond.
- AP Computer Science A: Java Programming
- AP Computer Science A: Java Programming Classes and Objects
- AP Computer Science A: Java Programming Loops and Data Structures
- AP Computer Science A: Java Programming Polymorphism and Advanced Data Structures
- Introduction to Web Development with HTML5, CSS3, and JavaScript: Learn the key tools and programming languages to bootstrap your career as a Cloud Developer.
- Full Stack Application Development Project: For this project, you will apply your knowledge of front end and back end development gained from previous courses and build and deploy a full stack real-world web application on the cloud.
- Programming Basics: Learn basic computer programming skills and master the art of writing C/C++ programs to solve real world problems.
- Paradigms of Computer Programming – Fundamentals: This course covers functional, object-oriented, and declarative dataflow programming in a unified framework, with practical code fragments and a simple semantics.
- Open Source Software Development: Linux for Developers: Learn the key concepts of developing open source software and how to work productively in a Linux environment.
- C Programming: Getting Started from Dartmouth College: Start learning one of the most powerful and widely used programming languages: C.
- Data Structures & Algorithms I: ArrayLists, LinkedLists, Stacks and Queues: Work with the principles of data storage in Arrays, ArrayLists & LinkedList nodes. Understand their operations and performance with visualizations. Implement low-level linear, linked data structures with recursive methods, and explore their edge cases.
- Data Structures & Algorithms II: Binary Trees, Heaps, SkipLists and HashMaps: Become familiar with nonlinear and hierarchical data structures. Study various tree structures: Binary Trees, BSTs and Heaps. Understand tree operations and algorithms. Learn and implement HashMaps that utilize key-value pairs to store data. Explore probabilistic data structures like SkipLists.
- Data Structures Fundamentals: Learn about data structures that are used in computational thinking – both basic and advanced
- Data Analytics Basics for Everyone: Learn the fundamentals of Data Analytics and gain an understanding of the data ecosystem, the process and lifecycle of data analytics, career opportunities, and the different learning paths you can take to be a Data Analyst.
- Introduction to Cybersecurity: An introduction to cybersecurity, ideal for learners who are curious about the world of Internet security and who want to be literate in the field.
- Cybersecurity Fundamentals: Learn cybersecurity fundamentals, including how to detect threats, protect systems and networks, and anticipate potential cyber attacks.
- Cybersecurity Risk Management: Learn key principles of risk analysis, risk assessment and risk mitigation for information security using both qualitative and quantitative methodologies.
- Machine Learning with Python: A Practical Introduction from IBM: This Machine Learning with Python course will give you all the tools you need to get started with supervised and unsupervised learning.
Free Programming and Computer Science Courses from Coursera.org
- Note: Free registration is required at coursera.org. To take the course for free, be sure to select the “Audit Only” option at the very bottom of the pop-up when enrolling in a course.
- 81 Free Programming Courses from Coursera.org.
- 103 Free Computer Science Courses from Cousera.org.
- 45 Free Data Science Courses from Coursera.org
- Learn to Program: The Fundamentals: This course introduces the fundamental building blocks of programming and teaches you how to write fun and useful programs using the Python language.
- HTML, CSS, and Javascript for Web Developers: In this course, we will learn the basic tools that every web page coder needs to know. We will start from the ground up by learning how to implement modern web pages with HTML and CSS.
- Programming Foundations with JavaScript, HTML and CSS: Learn foundational programming concepts (e.g., functions, for loops, conditional statements) and how to solve problems like a programmer. In addition, learn basic web development as you build web pages using HTML, CSS, JavaScript.
- Python Basics: This course introduces the basics of Python 3, including conditional execution and iteration as control structures, and strings and lists as data structures.
- Introduction to HTML5: This is the first course in the Web Design For Everybody specialization.
- Build Your First Android App (Project-Centered Course): You’ll design, build, and distribute your own unique application for the Android mobile platform.
- Introduction to Front-End Development: This is the first course in the Meta Front-End Developer program. This course is a good place to start if you want to become a web developer.
- Introduction to CSS3: his course will show you the basics of Cascading Style Sheets (CSS3). The emphasis will be on learning how to write CSS rules, how to test code, and how to establish good programming habits.
- Building Web Applications in PHP: There are 8 modules in this course.
- Interactivity with JavaScript: With just a basic understanding of JavaScript, you can create a page that will react to common events such as page loads, mouse clicks & movements, and even keyboard input.
- Linux System Programming and Introduction to Buildroot: This course provides an overview of System Programming for the Linux operating system, or software which is interfacing directly with the Linux Kernel and C library.
- The Full Stack: Use HTML, CSS and JavaScript to develop well-structured, interactive and responsive websites using Django that stores its data in models on a MySQL database.
- Java Programming: Principles of Software Design: Solve real world problems with Java using multiple classes. Learn how to create programming solutions that scale using Java interfaces.
Freecodecamp.org Developer Courses
- Earn free verified certifications with freeCodeCamp’s core curriculum:
- Learn Java Fundamentals – Object-Oriented Programming (Full Book): This book goes deeper than an introduction to programming in Java, as it provides an extensive journey into Java’s insides.
- Build your own ChatGPT clone: Learn to code a full stack web AI chatbot using the popular MERN stack: MongoDB, Express.js, React, and Node.js.
- Prompt Engineering: Learn techniques like Few-Shot Prompting, Vectors, Embeddings, and how to reduce AI hallucinations (1 hour Youtube course).
- JavaScript Tips and JavaScript Operators: Learn some advanced JS concepts like Template Interpolation, Unary Plus, the Spread Operator, Destructuring, and Math Object methods. Then walk through JS operators, such as Logical Operators, Comparison Operators, and even Bitwise Operators for extremely granular control.
- Introduction to Artificial Intelligence with Python: Get broad exposure to Machine Learning theory: Optimization, Classification, Graph Search Algorithms, Reinforcement Learning, and more. This is a full Harvard university course that’s completely self-paced and freely available. (12 hour Youtube course)
- The Regular Expressions Book – RegEx for JavaScript Developers: Learn concepts like flags, metacharacters, grouping, lookaround, and other advanced techniques. (full-length book)
- Full-Stack Development with Next.js, TypeScript, and AWS: This course will help you learn full-stack web development using the popular Next.js React framework, TypeScript, and AWS. You can code along at home and build your own full-stack quote app, which will share wise quotes from historical figures. (6 hour Youtube course)
- Full-length audiobook: “How to Learn to Code and Get a Developer Job”
- Create Native Apps with Ionic and Capacitor: Learn to code an iPhone app, Android app, and native desktop app – this course teaches you cross-platform development using the powerful Ionic and Capacitor JavaScript libraries. You’ll learn about Responsive UI, the Gesture API, Data storage, and more. (3 hour Youtube course)
- Learn SQL for Efficient Data Storage and Retrieval: SQL course for beginners will give you a strong conceptual foundation. You’ll learn how to create Tables and how to drop them. You’ll learn about Aggregation, Grouping, and Pagination.
- Learn Python from Harvard University: Teaches you Python programming fundamentals like functions, conditionals, loops, libraries, file I/O, and more. If you are new to Python, or to coding in general, this is an excellent place to start. (16 hour Youtube course)
- Learn React 18 with Redux Toolkit: This course will teach you the newest version of React – React 18 – along with the popular Redux Toolkit. Learn all about Events, Props, Hooks, Data Flow, and more. (13 hour Youtube course)
- Introduction to Linux: This course will teach you how to navigate Linux’s Graphical User Interfaces and powerful command line tool ecosystem. (6 hour Youtube course)
- HTTP Networking in JavaScript – Handbook for Beginners: Teaches you many of the fundamentals about how the web works, with lots of helpful illustrations. (full-length book with video)
- APIs for Beginners Tutorial: How to code your own REST API – complete with server-side code, client-side data fetching, and more. (3 hour Youtube course)
- How to Use Python for Web Development: Crash course by freeCodeCamp teacher Tomi Tokko will teach you how to use Python with SQL and web APIs using both the Django and Flask frameworks. (2 hour Youtube course)
Free Technology Courses from Alison.com
- CompTIA Cloud+ Basic – Learn how to effectively and efficiently make use of CompTIA Cloud+ with this free online training course.
- CompTIA Cloud+ Intermediate: Learn about Cloud virtualization, resource allocation and optimization with this free online CompTIA training course.
- CompTIA Cloud+ Advanced: Learn about testing, tools, security, controls, recovery, and availability with this free online CompTIA Cloud+ course.
- Cloud Computing – Database Technologies and Services: With this free online course, learn the technology and uses of database technologies and database cloud services.
- CompTIA A+ 1000 – Part 1: Learn the skills necessary to become a valued PC service specialist with this free online CompTIA A+ course.
- CompTIA A+ 1000 – Part 2: Learn the skills necessary to become a PC Service Specialist with this free online CompTIA A+ 1000 course.
- CompTIA Security+ (SY0-601): Master the core knowledge areas to prepare for and pass the CompTIA Security+ examination in this free online course.
- Basics of Security Management: Learn how security management protects organisations from physical and cyber threats in this free online course.
- Cyber security: Understand Threats and Prevent Attacks: Learn how to identify threats and prevent attacks to protect data in this free online cyber security training course.
- Zero Trust Cyber Security Model – Imperative Concepts for Beginners: Learn how Zero Trust security frameworks protect organizational data in this free online cyber security course.
- Computer Networking – Digital Network Security: In this free training course, gain a better understanding of network architecture, protocols and digital security.
- Master Linux and Shell Script From Beginner to Advanced: Learn useful Linux commands and shell script and create your custom programs in this free online course.
- Java Programming Masterclass: This free online coding course unpacks all you need to know about Java, including different editions and crucial syntax.
- Guide to Security for Linux Systems: In this free online course about cyber security, learn about the protocols and breaches involved in Linux security.
- ITIL 4 Fundamentals – Essentials of IT Service Management: Learn how to use the Information Technology Infrastructure Library (ITIL) framework in this free online IT course.
- Computer Networking – Local Area Networks and the OSI Model: Learn about Local Area Networks (LAN) and the seven layers of the networking OSI Model with this free online course.
- Computer Networking – Wired and Wireless Networks and Protocols: Learn the structure and function of wired and wireless networks and their protocols with this free computer course.
- Wide Area Networks and Networking Services and Security: Gain a stronger understanding of Wide Area Networks technology and WAN security with this free online course.
- Network Server Security – Protecting the Server and Client Computers: Secure your computer network servers and clients from external threats, with this network server security course.
- Web Application Security: Learn how to combat various IT security issues such as clickjacking on web applications from this free online course.
- Management Information Systems: This free online course explains the management of information systems and how to keep information secure.
- Microsoft Azure Administrator: Learn all you need to know about Microsoft Azure’s cloud and on-premises infrastructure in this free online course.
- SQL for Beginners: This free online course will teach new users about the architecture, database schema, and operators used in SQL queries.
- Introduction to Server Administration Services: Learn the practices and techniques of server administration services, including DNS, NTFS and FTP.
More Free Online Programming and Computer Science Courses
- Introduction To Algorithms from MIT: This course covers the common algorithms, algorithmic paradigms, and data structures used to solve these problems. The course emphasizes the relationship between algorithms and programming, and introduces basic performance measures and analysis techniques for these problems. Course videos are here.
- Algorithm Design and Analysis: The purpose of this undergraduate course is to introduce fundamental techniques and viewpoints for the design and the analysis of efficient computer algorithms, and to study important specific randomized and deterministic algorithms.
- Algorithms, Part I: This course covers the essential information to know about algorithms and data structures, with emphasis on applications and scientific performance analysis of Java implementations. Part I covers elementary data structures, sorting, and searching algorithms.
- Algorithms, Part II: This is Part II course covers algorithms and data structures and focuses on graph- and string-processing algorithms.
- Google’s Python Class: This is a free class for people with a little bit of programming experience who want to learn Python. The class includes written materials, lecture videos, and lots of code exercises to practice Python coding.
- Introduction to Python, Data Science & Computational Thinking from MIT: Intended for students with little or no programming experience. It aims to provide students with an understanding of the role computation can play in solving problems.
- 6.851 Advanced Data Structures from MIT: Data structures play a central role in modern computer science and are essential building blocks in obtaining efficient algorithms.
- CS106A – Programming Methodology from Stanford University: Introductory programming course, focused on the introduction to the engineering of computer applications emphasizing modern software engineering principles: object-oriented design, decomposition, encapsulation, abstraction, and testing. Course videos are here.
- CS106B – Programming Abstractions from Stanford University: This course is the natural successor to Programming Methodology and covers such advanced programming topics as recursion, algorithmic analysis, and data abstraction using the C++ programming language. Course videos are here.
- CS107 – Programming Paradigms from Stanford University: Covers advanced memory management features of C and C++; the differences between imperative and object-oriented paradigms. Course videos are here.
- Introduction To Electrical Engineering And Computer Science I from MIT: This course provides an integrated introduction to electrical engineering and computer science, taught using substantial laboratory experiments with mobile robots.
- Machine Learning Crash Course: Google’s fast-paced, practical introduction to machine learning, featuring a series of lessons with video lectures, real-world case studies, and hands-on practice exercises.
- CS229 – Machine Learning from Stanford University: This course provides a broad introduction to machine learning and statistical pattern recognition. Course videos are here.
- CS223A – Introduction to Robotics from Stanford University: Introduces you to basics of modeling, design, planning, and control of robot systems. In essence, the material treated in this course is a brief survey of relevant results from geometry, kinematics, statics, dynamics, and control. Course videos are here.
- Artificial Intelligence from MIT: This course introduces students to the basic knowledge representation, problem solving, and learning methods of artificial intelligence programming.
– love learning -your best ed lessons guide, Scott