Top platforms offering free or freemium online courses, many from world-class universities and companies.
Online Educational Platforms
- edX.org: University-level courses from MIT, Harvard, and more—many are free to audit. https://www.edx.org/
- Grow with Google: Digital skills training and certifications across tech, career, and data domains. https://grow.google/
- Microsoft Learn: Interactive modules for mastering Microsoft products and Azure cloud services. https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/training/
- Coursera: Audit free courses from top universities; optional paid certificates. https://www.coursera.org/
- Khan Academy: Free K–12 and early college material in math, science, economics, and test prep. https://www.khanacademy.org/
- Harvard Online Learning: Access to free and paid Harvard courses across diverse fields. https://pll.harvard.edu/
- MIT OpenCourseWare: Self-study access to full MIT course lectures, assignments, and exams. https://ocw.mit.edu/
- FutureLearn: UK-based MOOC platform offering short courses with optional certification. https://www.futurelearn.com/
- OpenLearn: Free courses from The Open University—from language to social science and tech. https://www.open.edu/openlearn/
- Alison: Skill-building courses with optional paid certificates across business and tech. https://alison.com/
- Codecademy: Free interactive programming lessons in code and tech fundamentals. https://www.codecademy.com/
- freeCodeCamp: Full open-source curriculum to become a web developer; earn certificates. https://www.freecodecamp.org/
- Udacity Free Courses: Tech-focused courses on programming, AI, and business fundamentals. https://www.udacity.com/courses/all?price=Free
- Local Colleges & Community Centers: Audit lectures or attend public seminars and training events. https://www.ed2go.com/
- Learn Adobe Illustrator with Gareth David (garethdavidstudio.com)
- Free course on Adobe Illustrator
Free Books and Textbooks
Digital libraries and open-access resources offering books, textbooks, and academic materials for free.
- Google Books: Search and preview millions of books—with full access to public domain titles. https://books.google.com/
- Project Gutenberg: Over 70,000 public domain works downloadable for free. https://www.gutenberg.org/
- Libby / OverDrive: Borrow digital books and audiobooks from local libraries via the Libby app. https://www.overdrive.com/apps/libby/
- Internet Archive: Vast digital library of books, texts, and scholarly material. https://archive.org/details/texts
- Open Library: Borrow e‑books from a global lending library. https://openlibrary.org/
- PDF Drive: Searchable repository of free book PDFs across many topics. https://www.pdfdrive.com/
- BookBoon: Free downloadable textbooks and business guides with optional premium content. https://bookboon.com/en
- Books by Nir Eyal: Includes free blog posts, downloadable excerpts, and guides on behavior design and focus. https://www.nirandfar.com/
- Public Libraries: Local branches often host free tech, resume, writing, and language workshops. https://www.ala.org/tools/librariestransform/libraries-transforming-communities
- Usually through a free library card. But its more than books – you can also check out business and other databases for free with your local library card. https://www.overdrive.com/
Webinars, Podcasts, YouTube Channels
- For those in the Los Angeles area. Sometimes these programs are also offered virtually.
https://events.caltech.edu/ - CrashCourse: Classroom-style videos on history, science, economics, literature. https://www.youtube.com/user/crashcourse
- Kurzgesagt: Visually compelling explanations of science, tech, and existential topics. https://www.youtube.com/user/Kurzgesagt
- Veritasium: Science and physics content that often challenges intuitive thinking. https://www.youtube.com/user/1veritasium
- Ali Abdaal: Productivity, study strategies, and career advice from a former doctor and maker. https://www.youtube.com/c/aliabdaal
- MIT OCW: Complete MIT course lectures available freely online. https://www.youtube.com/c/mitocw
- Tech With Tim: Programming tutorials for Python, game development, machine learning. https://www.youtube.com/c/TechWithTim
- Numberphile: Engaging math topics and puzzles, suited for curious quantitative learners. https://www.youtube.com/user/numberphile
- SmarterEveryDay: Science and engineering investigations through video experiments. https://www.youtube.com/user/destinws2
- Charisma on Command: Tips on communication, confidence, influence, and interpersonal skills. https://www.youtube.com/user/charismaoncommand
- The Coding Train: Fun coding tutorials in JavaScript and creative coding projects. https://www.youtube.com/c/TheCodingTrain
- The Knowledge Project – Deep interviews on decision-making, mental models, productivity. Link: https://fs.blog/knowledge-project/
- How I Built This (NPR) – Stories behind successful companies. Link: https://www.npr.org/sections/how-i-built-this/
- WorkLife with Adam Grant – Psychology of work, productivity, and relationships. Link: https://www.ted.com/podcasts/worklife
- Planet Money – Makes economics and finance engaging and accessible. Link: https://www.npr.org/sections/money/
- Hidden Brain – Explores unconscious patterns that drive human behavior. Link: https://hiddenbrain.org/
- The EdSurge Podcast – Topics on education and innovation in learning. Link: https://www.edsurge.com/research/podcasts
- Lex Fridman Podcast – Long-form discussions on AI, science, and philosophy. Link: https://lexfridman.com/podcast/
- CodeNewbie – For beginners in software development. Link: https://www.codenewbie.org/podcast
- Hardcore History – For immersive and narrative-driven historical storytelling. Link: https://www.danhis.com/
- Teaching in Higher Ed – Focused on pedagogy, but great for all educators and learners. Link: https://teachinginhighered.com/