30 Free MOOCs For Teachers & Students

Massive Open Online Courses (MOOCs) allow learners access to free courses facilitated by top educators and experts in every subject area.

A List Of Free MOOCs For Teachers & Students

contributed by TeachThought Staff

While the initial surge of enthusiasm for MOOCs in the early 2010s has tapered off, they remain a valuable and widely-used resource for lifelong learning, professional development, and academic enrichment. 

Let’s take a look at how and why that’s true.

1. Continued Demand for Flexible Learning

MOOCs thrive because they offer flexibility—anyone can learn at their own pace, from anywhere in the world.

They suit working professionals, students, and individuals who want to learn new skills without committing to full-time or formal education.

Platforms like Coursera, edX, Udemy, and FutureLearn have seen steady or rising enrollments, driven by growing demand for short, focused, ‘microlearning’ experiences.

2. Popularity Among Professionals

Interest in MOOCs has shifted toward upskilling for careers. Many offer industry-recognized certifications such as Google’s Career Certificates (e.g., in Data Analytics or Project Management).

Enterprises increasingly use MOOCs for corporate training programs (e.g., Coursera for Business or edX for organizations).

MOOCs have become essential for reskilling in sectors experiencing rapid digitization and automation, like IT, healthcare, and education.

3. The Rise of ‘Microcredentials’ and Online Degrees

Many MOOC providers have introduced microcredentials, short certificate programs, and affordable online degrees in collaboration with top universities.

Example: EdX and Coursera now partner with universities to offer Master’s and Bachelor’s degrees through MOOCs, which makes higher education more accessible.

Growing popularity of certifications over traditional credentials, such as MBAs, reflects the credibility of MOOC-based qualifications.

4. Widespread Adoption in Education

MOOCs are now integrated into traditional classrooms as blended learning tools or supplementary resources for students.

For instance, college students often take MOOC courses to complement their formal studies or satisfy prerequisites. Educators use MOOCs to upgrade their skills and improve digital pedagogy techniques.

5. Post-Pandemic Digital Learning Expansion

The COVID19 pandemic revitalized interest in MOOCs as millions transitioned to online education.

Even after the pandemic, online learning remains a preferred option for many, especially in developing regions where MOOCs provide access to quality education at low cost or for free.

Global enrollments spiked on platforms such as Coursera, Udemy, and Khan Academy in 2020–2021, but interest has remained relatively strong in subsequent years.

MOOCs for Teachers

1. Learning to Teach Online

  • Platform: Coursera
  • Provider: UNSW Sydney
  • Description: Develops a working understanding of successful online teaching strategies.
  • Access: Free to audit; certificate available for a fee.
  • Link: Learning to Teach Online(Coursera, FutureLearn)

2. Teach English Now! Theories of Second Language Acquisition

  • Platform: Coursera
  • Provider: Arizona State University
  • Description: Introduces theories and practices for teaching and assessing listening, speaking, reading, and writing skills in ESL.
  • Access: Free to audit; certificate available for a fee.
  • Link: Teach English Now!(my-mooc.com)

3. Foundations of Teaching for Learning: Introduction

  • Platform: Coursera
  • Provider: Commonwealth Education Trust
  • Description: Covers core principles of teaching and curriculum design across various contexts.
  • Access: Free to audit; certificate available for a fee.
  • Link: Foundations of Teaching for Learning(FutureLearn)

4. Using Technology in Teaching

  • Platform: FutureLearn
  • Provider: Various educators and academics
  • Description: Explores how technology can support effective teaching practices through case studies and research.
  • Access: Free for a limited time; upgrade available for extended access and certificate.
  • Link: Using Technology in Teaching(FutureLearn)

5. Blended Learning Essentials

  • Platform: FutureLearn
  • Provider: University of Leeds and UCL
  • Description: Helps educators understand and implement blended learning strategies in vocational education and training.
  • Access: Free for a limited time; upgrade available for extended access and certificate.
  • Link: Blended Learning Essentials(FutureLearn)

6. Create Informative Presentations with Google Slides

  • Platform: Coursera
  • Provider: Coursera Project Network
  • Description: Guided project to create engaging presentations using Google Slides, including integrating charts and visuals.
  • Access: Free to audit; certificate available for a fee.
  • Link: Create Informative Presentations(Coursera)

7. Disability Inclusion in Education: Building Systems of Support

  • Platform: Coursera
  • Provider: University of Cape Town
  • Description: Focuses on developing inclusive education strategies to support learners with disabilities.
  • Access: Free to audit; certificate available for a fee.
  • Link: Disability Inclusion in Education(Coursera)

8. Engaging with Controversial Issues Through Education

  • Platform: FutureLearn
  • Provider: University of York
  • Description: Teaches methods for addressing sensitive and controversial topics in the classroom to promote democratic education.
  • Access: Free for a limited time; upgrade available for extended access and certificate.
  • Link: Engaging with Controversial Issues(FutureLearn)

9. Leadership and Management in Education

  • Platform: edX
  • Provider: University of Newcastle
  • Description: Develops leadership skills for educational transformation, including vision-setting and change management.
  • Access: Free to audit; certificate available for a fee.
  • Link: Leadership and Management in Education(Class Central)

10. Deeper Learning

  • Platform: High Tech High Graduate School of Education
  • Description: Focuses on higher-order thinking, collaboration, and learning dispositions necessary for 21st-century success.
  • Access: Free access.
  • Link: Deeper Learning(hthgse.edu)

MOOCs for Students

1. Introduction to Computer Science and Programming

  • Platform: MIT OpenCourseWare
  • Provider: MIT
  • Description: A beginner-friendly introduction to programming concepts and computer science fundamentals.
  • Access: Completely free.
  • Link: Introduction to Computer Science

2. Critical Thinking & Problem Solving

  • Platform: Coursera
  • Provider: University of Michigan
  • Description: Develops skills for analytical thinking and effective problem-solving strategies.
  • Access: Free to audit; certificate available for a fee.
  • Link: Critical Thinking & Problem Solving

3. The Science of Well-Being

  • Platform: Coursera
  • Provider: Yale University
  • Description: Teaches scientifically backed techniques for increasing personal happiness and well-being.
  • Access: Free to audit; certificate available for a fee.
  • Link: The Science of Well-Being

4. Learning How to Learn

  • Platform: Coursera
  • Provider: McMaster University & UC San Diego
  • Description: Provides techniques to help students learn more effectively and efficiently.
  • Access: Free to audit; certificate available for a fee.
  • Link: Learning How to Learn

5. Introduction to Python for Data Science

  • Platform: edX
  • Provider: Microsoft
  • Description: An introductory course to Python programming with a focus on data science applications.
  • Access: Free to audit; certificate available for a fee.
  • Link: Introduction to Python for Data Science

6. Understanding Calculus: From Basics to Applications

  • Platform: Khan Academy
  • Description: A comprehensive calculus course covering fundamentals to advanced applications.
  • Access: Completely free.
  • Link: Understanding Calculus

7. Climate Science and Policy

  • Platform: edX
  • Provider: SDG Academy
  • Description: Teaches climate science fundamentals and policy strategies to address climate change.
  • Access: Free to audit; certificate available for a fee.
  • Link: Climate Science and Policy(FutureLearn, edX)

8. Introduction to Sociology

  • Platform: Saylor Academy
  • Description: Explores the fundamentals of sociological concepts and theories.
  • Access: Completely free; certificate available for a fee.
  • Link: Introduction to Sociology

9. Basic Mandarin Chinese Language Skills

  • Platform: edX
  • Provider: MandarinX
  • Description: Offers foundational skills in Mandarin Chinese, including pronunciation and basic vocabulary.
  • Access: Free to audit; certificate available for a fee.
  • Link: Basic Mandarin Chinese(Naaree)

10. Programming Foundations with JavaScript, HTML, and CSS

  • Platform: Coursera
  • Provider: Duke University
  • Description: Introduces the basics of web development using JavaScript, HTML, and CSS.
  • Access: Free to audit; certificate available for a fee.
  • Link: Programming Foundations

Tips for Finding Free Courses

  1. Search by ‘Free’ Filters: MOOC platforms often have filters for free content.
  2. Check Open Educational Sites: Platforms like Khan Academy, OpenLearn, and Saylor Academy host completely free courses.
  3. Auditing Options: Many platforms allow you to audit premium courses without purchasing certificates.

Note

Most MOOCs can be audited for free, offering access to materials like videos and readings.

Certificates, advanced features, or degrees usually require payment.

Platforms like Khan Academy, Saylor Academy, and occasionally Alison provide entirely free courses.
For this list, you can enjoy many for free, but paid options unlock additional features or credentials.