Learn something new, for free!

[PhDifferent]

I just posted this link in another thread where the OP asked for ideas/suggestions for learning on a computer with some work downtime.

https://www.coursera.org/

It's an organization that offers *free* online courses from various universities and colleges (complete with readings, video lectures, online tests and homework) on a ton of different subjects (I'm currently taking an intro stats course based out of the University of Toronto, and I'm registered for another stats course from Princeton that starts in the fall). Some of them even send out a 'certificate of completion'. I thought this might be a) a good challenge (learn something new!) and b) might be good for those who want to investigate a new skill (i.e. stats, finance, programming, global health policy) but want a more structured (but still free) environment to do so.

My problem was trying to resist registering for a ton of different courses, since I still have that darn dissertation/PhD to finish ;) While I don't need stats now, for some of the policy work I'd like to eventually do - this is a good place to start. For free! (Did I mention it was free?).

[marty998]

http://www.mrmoneymustache.com/2013/02/07/interview-with-a-ceo-ridiculous-student-loans-vs-the-future-of-education/

Coursera got a mention in here

[igthebold]

I just started the Stanford HCI course on Coursera yesterday. Pretty excited to be learning with those resources at my disposal. It'll also be a good experiment for me. Perhaps I can report back after 5 weeks.

[PhDifferent]

Thanks for the link! I did a forum search, but nothing came up. It will be interesting to see where education goes with such things, though - having run tutorials at a University, sometimes the face-to-face is needed.

igthebold - that looks like an interesting course! I've signed up for two stats courses, intro to microeconomics and intro to health policy. I have to reign it in a bit and not take too many; but it is very exciting to have the (free) opportunity for some semi-structured learning. 

[yolfer]

Another upvote for coursera!

I recently completed the Personal Finance course, which would be pretty simple for any longtime MMM reader.

I'm currently doing the ADHD course so I can learn more about my children (2 have it).