10 free online courses to up your game (for teens and adults)

The July/August vacation is halfway through, but for all of us, learning never stops, and using what’s left of the school vacation (or for working adults, weekends and evenings) to add to your skills is always a good move.

Here are 10 courses to give you a leg up in various skillsets, whether it’s life skills or skills that can benefit you in the workplace:

1. Using Basic Formulas and Functions in Microsoft Excel

Many may think Excel is boring, but it’s used quite often in many business support roles – learning how to utilise Excel is a great skill for those just starting out and interested in business management and organisation.

See a free online course here via Coursera: https://bit.ly/3ApBqDq  

2. Build a free website with WordPress

Always wanted to start a website but not sure how? WordPress offers free websites for sharing content, whether it’s “A Day in the Life of…”, showcasing products and services on offer, or a blog where you can share your writing, photos and videos.

Try this one-hour online course via Coursera: https://bit.ly/4dxNxg5 

3. Build Your First Android App 

Learn the basics of creating a mobile app with this free course including the use of the Android Studio Integrated Development Environment (IDE).

See an online link to this two-week course here: https://bit.ly/46AkUN2 

4. Introduction to Generative AI

Artificial intelligence is a buzzword these days, but what is it actually, and how does it differ from traditional learning methods?

See a link to the course here: https://bit.ly/4fCQnm3 

5. Code Yourself! An Introduction to Programming

Have you ever wished you knew how to program, but had no idea where to start from? This course will teach you how to program in Scratch, an easy to use visual programming language. More importantly, it will introduce you to the fundamental principles of computing and it will help you think like a software engineer.

See a link to the course online here: https://bit.ly/4cvTWrv  

6. Applying to US Universities

For teens and others thinking of starting a degree programme at an American university, this course is useful for giving tips on what university recruiters look for in applications, including the dreaded application essay.

See the course online here: https://bit.ly/3WRDugl

7. Finding Your Professional Voice: Confidence & Impact

Having trouble making yourself heard?

For both teens and adults, speaking in an impactful way often takes time and experience – get some insight with this online course to help you impress your peers and coworkers.

See the course online here: https://bit.ly/3LTBOwv 

8. The Strategy of Content Marketing

Content is king these days, but how exactly does one master content strategy?

Explore this free online course which looks at how to develop, organize and implement a content marketing strategy, analyze and measure the effectiveness of content marketing, write compelling copy, use a strategic framework when writing, and how to build one’s professional brand and authority through content marketing.

See the online course here: https://bit.ly/3WsVMmE 

9. Social Media Management

Social media management is a key skill for marketing products and services online – get key skills via this course, offered by Meta, to give you an added advantage.

See the online link here: https://bit.ly/3Aow8In  

10. Creative Thinking: Techniques and Tools for Success

In today’s ever-growing and changing world, being able to think creatively and innovatively are essential skills. This course will equip you with a ‘tool-box’, introducing you to a selection of behaviours and techniques that will augment your innate creativity.

See a link to this course online here: https://bit.ly/4deZibC  

Have you tried any of these courses? What types of online courses are you interested in?