Free courses
Produced by The Open University, a world leader in open and distance learning, all OpenLearn courses are free to study. We offer nearly 1000 free courses across 9 different subject areas. Our courses are available to start right away.
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Education & Development
Secondary learning
This free course, Secondary learning, will identify and explore some of the key issues around learning and teaching in secondary schools. Through coming to understand these issues and debates, you will reflect on and develop your practice as a secondary teacher and develop a greater awareness of how students learn and how to take account of this...
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History & The Arts
Emotion: an introductory picture
What is emotion? This free course, Emotion: an introductory picture, takes a philosophical approach to this question in an attempt to understand why people respond to events in a certain way. Is there a difference between an emotion and a bodily feeling or is one a consequence of the other?
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History & The Arts
Minds and mental phenomena: an introduction
This free course, Minds and mental phenomena: an introduction, examines the philosophical questions surrounding the mind. You will examine how beliefs have changed over the centuries and be able to contrast the views of Descartes with more modern ideas.
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Languages
Advanced German: Regional landscapes
German regions and landscapes, local traditions and the notion of Heimat are at the centre of this free course, Advanced German: Regional landscapes. You will describe images, make notes from a variety of sources, and write a short piece about the three-nations region around Lake Constance.
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Education & Development
Cynllunio dyfodol gwell
Mae Cynllunio dyfodol gwell yn gwrs rhagarweiniol ar gyfer unrhyw un sy'n ystyried newid swydd, sydd eisiau gwybod sut i symud i fyny'r ysgol neu ddychwelyd i'r gwaith ar ôl seibiant, a rhai sy’n awyddus i anelu at bethau gwell.
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Money & Business
Three principles of a coaching approach
This course provides a good sense for three of the core skills required of an effective coach. Whether or not you recognise the use of a 'coaching approach' in your workplace, you will be able to use the learning in the course to enhance your day-to-day interactions in your workplace.
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Money & Business
Understanding organisational value
All organisations must find new ways that benefit both their stakeholders and society. This means constantly improving their processes, goods and services. In the 21st century, new ideals of collaboration, inclusion, and equality are challenging more narrow market-based notions. This free course, Understanding organisational value, will explore ...
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Digital & Computing
Introducing ICT systems
Information and communication technologies (ICTs) systems now dominate our everyday lives. This free course, Introducing ICT systems, will explain what constitutes such a system and how ICT systems work. You will also look at how ICT systems convey, store and manipulate data, and how they process data. Finally you will learn how these systems ...
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Education & Development
An appreciative approach to inquiry
This free course, An appreciative approach to inquiry, is designed to support groups of practitioners or individuals adopt an appreciative inquiry approach to reflecting, questioning, and developing their collective or individual practices. It is particularly aimed at those working in education at any level and any context to engage in teacher ...
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History & The Arts
History of reading tutorial 2: The reading and reception of literary texts – a case study of Robinson Crusoe
How have famous books been read and received by audiences in the past? This free course, History of reading tutorial 2: The reading and reception of literary texts a case study of Robinson Crusoe, is the second tutorial in a series designed to help users of the UK Reading Experience Database (UK RED) search, browse and use this resource, and ...
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Education & Development
Exploring innovative assessment methods
This course is particularly relevant for teachers, trainers and educators who are looking for new and innovative methods to teach and assess learners at a distance when they are not physically in school or on a campus. This free course introduces the use of innovative methods for assessment within secondary, further and higher education....
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Education & Development
Using film music in the classroom
There are many approaches to using film music in the classroom including: a focus on pupil experience; a focus on the structure of composition; a focus on the relationship between music and image. This free course, Using film music in the classroom, explores them all.