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With thousands of free learning resources across OpenLearn – from quick quizzes and interactive games to full-length online courses – it can be hard to know where to begin. That’s where our Top 10s come in.
These lists give you a real-time snapshot of what’s most popular right now on OpenLearn. Think of them as your shortcut to the hottest topics and most in-demand courses, chosen not by us but by the learners already exploring them.
Whether you want to dip into a bite-sized activity or commit to something bigger, the Top 10s are a great place to start.
Top 10 articles, hubs, interactives and videos
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Sperm counts
How much sperm does a man make? Would you explode if you don't release your sperm? Explore the male reproductive system in this article and video.
Read now3
Level: 1 Introductory
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DIY: Generate your own electricity
Do you want to make your own electricity? Here's a step-by-step guide to making your own generator.
Read now4
Level: 1 Introductory
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Do you have a photographic memory?
Can you hold an image in your mind by just looking at it for a brief amount of time? Try our photographic memory test and see whether you have eidetic memory.
Take part now5
Level: 1 Introductory
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Mental Health Awareness Week
Mental Health Awareness Week runs from 11–17 May 2026. Find out more about community, loneliness, anxiety, depression, mindfulness and more with our FREE resources.
Read now6
Level: 1 Introductory
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Virtual reality, 19th Century style: The history of the panorama and balloon view
Across the late 18th and 19th centuries, the public embraced the magic of the panorama - a clamour which owed a lot to the popularity of hot air ballooning.
Read now7
Level: 1 Introductory
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Try something popular
Need inspiration? Start with what’s trending on OpenLearn: our Top 10s showcase the content learners are loving right now.
Watch now8
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Hitler's rise and fall: Timeline
Track the key events in Adolf Hitler's life, including his childhood in Austria, his decisions as Fuehrer of Germany, his leadership in the Second World War, and his eventual suicide.
Read now9
Level: 1 Introductory
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DIY: Measuring latitude and longitude
How do you measure latitude or longitude? Here's a step-by-step guide on how to work out your latitude and longitude.
Read now10
Level: 1 Introductory
Top 10 courses
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Exploring learning disabilities: supporting belonging
This course takes the real-life cases of a number of different people to explore what it is like to have the label ‘learning disability’. The course also considers how it feels to support someone with a learning disability, as a family member, a friend, an advocate or a paid worker. Through these human stories the course considers the ...
Learn more1
Level: 1 Introductory
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Managing my money for young adults
As a young adult, it is essential to effectively manage your finances. You will learn how to budget effectively, and will be encouraged to start thinking about your financial future.
Learn more2
Level: 1 Introductory
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Understanding autism
Learn about autism, one of the most challenging long-term conditions of the century. This free course, Understanding autism, introduces the autism spectrum, how it is experienced by individuals and families, and why it has become a global concern. The course explains how understanding of the autism spectrum and approaches to diagnosis and care ...
Learn more3
Level: 1 Introductory
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Internet of everything
The internet of everything (IoE) is the networked connection of people, process, data and things. As more people, data and things come online, we develop processes to harness the vast amounts of information being generated by all these connected people and things. The goal of this free course is to introduce you to fundamental concepts and ...
Learn more4
Level: 1 Introductory
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Introduction to bookkeeping and accounting
Learn about the essential numerical skills required for accounting and bookkeeping. This free course, Introduction to bookkeeping and accounting, explains the fundamental rules of double-entry bookkeeping and how they are used to produce the balance sheet and the profit and loss account.
Learn more5
Level: 1 Introductory
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Information security
Information security underpins the commercial viability and profitability of enterprises of all sizes and the effectiveness of public sector organisations. This free course begins by explaining why information security and its management are important for any modern organisation and to every individual. You need to be familiar with an ...
Learn more6
Level: 3 Advanced
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Introduction to cyber security: stay safe online
Protect your digital life with this free course introducing the essentials of cyber security. Learn how to spot online threats, keep your information safe and understand key topics like malware, network security and identity theft — helping you stay secure at home, at work, and beyond.
Learn more7
Level: 1 Introductory
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Understanding dyslexia
Dyslexia is a neurodivergent condition affecting over 10% of the population. It is often linked to reading and writing challenges, but also gives rise to strengths like creativity and problem-solving. Each individual experiences dyslexia differently. Despite its prevalence, it remains under-recognised globally. With proper understanding and ...
Learn more8
Level: 1 Introductory
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Cefnogi datblygiad plant
Mae Cefnogi datblygiad plant yn gwrs rhagarweiniol ar gyfer unrhyw un sydd â diddordeb yn natblygiad plant, yn enwedig staff cymorth mewn ysgolion, megis cynorthwywyr addysgu. Mae’n adeiladu ar eich gwybodaeth a’ch sgiliau er mwyn datblygu dealltwriaeth ddyfnach o blant - o’r blynyddoedd cynnar i oed gadael ysgol. Byddwch yn cael cyflwyniad...
Learn more9
Level: 1 Introductory
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Teaching mathematics
This free course, Teaching mathematics, has been designed for non-specialist mathematics teachers of 8 to 14 year olds, teaching assistants, home schoolers and parents and draws on the established provision of mathematics education at the Open University. It can also be used as Continuing Professional Development by individuals or groups ...
Learn more10
Level: 2 Intermediate
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