Maintaining Your GPA Using Free Learning Services
The importance of GPA is often overstated. However, it is necessary to maintain high academic standards by enrolling in challenging courses, studying hard, and performing well. Instead of focusing only on grades, students should focus on maximizing learning and strive to obtain a strong understanding of useful material.
With the growing popularity of MOOCs (Massive Open Online Courses), technology and apps for learning, and free online learning platforms, information has become more accessible than ever. Of course, in times of dire need, we all consult our good friends Google and Wikipedia, which have the answers to any and all questions imaginable. When it comes to supplementing coursework and finding ways to learn more advanced concepts, though, it may be necessary to move beyond basic Google searches and take advantage of the free resources at your disposal. These resources can be used to fill any existing gaps in your knowledge base and aid you in maximizing achievement in your current and future courses.
Let’s take a look at your options:
Free
Courses
Khan Academy
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Short video tutorials on hundreds of topics. Very easy to follow. Phone/Tablet app available.
edX
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Free courses from world’s top institutions, including MIT, Harvard, and Berkeley. Certificates Granted.
Open Courseware Consortium
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Online courses from institutions around the world. (Tip: Many unlisted universities offer online courses. Try Google)
Academic Earth
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Online college courses.
Coursera
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Online university courses.
Language
Duolingo
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Learn languages for free and on the go. Phone/Tablet app available.
Quizlet
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Vocabulary lessons. Phone/Tablet app available.
Coding
Codecademy
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Interactive programming tutorials.
Treehouse
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Learn web design and mobile app development.
Miscellaneous
YouTube
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Literally includes videos on ANY topic
iTunes U
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Free access to courses and podcasts. Search by your topic of interest
TED
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Short talks by thought leaders in various fields. Phone/Tablet app available.
Written References
Wikibooks
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Written references. Also check out Wikiversity.
Textbook Revolution
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Free online educational materials.
Non-Free
Courses
Lynda.com
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Expert tutorials on various technical and business skills. Although these options are not free, they are very useful. For current college students, check with your institution about free student licenses. App available.
Written References
Wolfram Alpha
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Database of facts and references. Phone/Tablet app available.
Chegg Study
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Step-by-step textbook solutions and homework help.
