Online Courses And Classes You Can Take From Home During COVID-19

1. Cultural experiences (23.30 USD)

Decorative winding classes

Itching to learn a new cooking skill? Spend some much needed “me time” learning how to create some delectable Japanese dishes. This online decorative winding class is an immersive experience that you can do right from the comfort of your own home. For an hour, learn how to make eye-catching and mouth-watering “Shimi-maki” rolls to share with your loved ones. The whole recipe will be provided after the session for you to try alone or even teach your friends or family. There will be a home cook that will guide you through the whole process and showcase how to make colorful ingredients transform into a beautiful maki platter, perfect for dinner or small gatherings at home. Those interested can choose their time slot from 9 am to 7 pm and learn with other people from all over the world via Zoom.

Online decorative winding class-Shikai winding

Duration: 60 minutes

Book Now:

Book Now

Price: 23.30 USD

Home drinking session

With the global pandemic continuing to keep people at home, the need to socialize, as well as the craving to socialize has heightened in the last few months. Fret not and explore some spontaneity from the safety of your own home and drink with other people from all over the world. This online drinking session is 45 to 60 minutes and open to accommodate up to 20 people. Home drinking parties have become a popular Zoom activity with groups and this particular session gives you the opportunity to “e-meet” new people and keeps your socializing skills in check. The host is a kimono dresser and English teacher who is keen on promoting cross-cultural exchanges while sipping on some sake. This is ideal for those who love Japanese culture or those who are planning to visit Japan when COVID-19 officially blows over. If you’re keen on looking for a unique weekend activity, then this online home drinking session is a great option to consider for your lonesome Saturday nights.

Online home drinking

Duration: 45-60 minutes

Book Now:

Book Now

Price: 11.18 USD

Ikebana class

If you’re looking for a unique cultural experience, consider booking this Japanese flower arrangement class (ikebana). It’s great for up to four people, making it a more intimate class. Ikebana classes are led by professional lecturer Rei Ito who is successful in promoting Japanese cultural experiences to as many as 3,000 foreign tourists before the pandemic started. There will be an English leaflet that will provide a more thorough background on “ikebana” to foreign participants. All you will need are three different flowers from your garden, flower scissors, and flower foam that can be bought in most flower shops. This online class bodes well for those who enjoy learning new skills and also exploring unique cultural practices in Japan. The best part about this class is that you get a certificate for participating and learning this authentic Japanese activity.

Ikebana Flower Arrangements

Duration: 60 minutes

Book Now:

Book Now

Price: 27.96 USD

2. Programming and coding

Codecademy

• Codecademy is one of the best platforms for learning how to code. Ever since 2011, it has been providing learners with resources on how to level up and improve their coding skills. The platform is free, and anyone can upgrade to its premium tier for 15.99 USD per month. Either way, those who sign-up get access to a plethora of learning resources for web development, software programming, data science, game development, and design. The platform ensures learning success by combining discussions with interactive coding sessions where learners test their skills.

FreeCodeCamp

• FreeCodeCamp is a learning platform with diverse resources for anything related to development. It boasts equipping learners with enough skills to be hired at the big tech companies, that is, Apple, Amazon, Google, Microsoft, and Spotify. The course for every learner may differ according to their preferences. It is also structured to provide learners with the opportunity to dabble in real-world programming situations. On top of it all, learners can earn certifications that will come in handy as they apply for programming jobs.

3. Language

Duolingo

• By now, everyone must have heard of this award-winning app. Duolingo levels up language learning by engaging learners in an interactive question-and-answer format that will make them learn any language faster than just by reading new words alone. There are various tips as well for discerning learners. The whole app treats the learning process as a game where one can earn experience points and climb up the leaderboard. For any language learners, Duolingo will surely satisfy their need with its extensive selection of languages that can be learned through the app.

Babbel

• If you're looking to learn a language by imitating how locals speak it, then Babbel is the way to go. It prides itself on making anyone learn a new language through lessons crafted by experts and conversations voiced by native speakers. The platform's speech recognition technology will help any learners speak a certain word properly and with confidence. Plus, the review manager will ensure that any learners don't forget the words they learned.

4. Fitness and wellness

UCLA

• Meditation is a helpful tool to ease the mind, body, and soul during stressful times. Thankfully, UCLA has put up a website dedicated to resources that you can download to start meditating. On their website, you’ll find several meditation tracks to help you on a meditative journey. Plus, there’s an app that you can download for meditation on the go.

Alison's course on Physical Fitness

• Alison has an extensive selection of fitness and health-related courses that you can take anytime, anywhere. Some of the courses offer a diploma too. All courses are offered in a video format. Each course is also divided into modules with assessment to test a learner’s knowledge. You have to create an account to access the courses though.

Do Yoga With Me

• Maybe you’ve been wanting to practice yoga for a long time but couldn't. Either way, there’s a website where you can practice the basics of yoga and the different yoga styles. Do Yoga With Me] offers instructive videos that you can watch anytime, anywhere. Plus, it’s all free and ready to be watched when you feel like doing a five-minute yoga retreat.

5. Arts and Crafts

DIY.org

• While DIY.org is specifically targeted for kids, adults can also participate by guiding their young ones on the lessons designed to stimulate their inner creativity. Kids can learn from thousands of videos covering a wide variety of topics available on site. Plus, they earn badges as they level up their learning. However, the platform is not free — it is available for 15-25 USD depending on the subscription plan availed.

Masterclass

• Learning from people who excel at their own field is truly a once-in-a-lifetime experience. But what if you can do it from the comfort of your own home? Masterclass provides a unique learning experience by letting you learn from the masters themselves. As you dive into new topics that you want to learn, you will be astounded with the famous personalities who will be teaching with the specifics of a certain topic. Some of the celebrities you’ll encounter here include Gordon Ramsay, Neil deGrasse Tyson, and Martin Scorsese.

ShawAcademy

• Learning photography can be a baffling enterprise, especially if you don’t know where to start. Luckily, ShawAcademy is here to help you. What makes this learning platform stand out from the others is the achievement you gain after finishing a course from their platform. After learning the rigors of photography, you will be rewarded with a diploma that you can use to brag your capturing skills. It comes with a price though. However, a diploma and a real-world skill you gain is really worth it, especially for the price it asks.

6. Dance

Step by Step Dance School

• Dance to your heart’s content as you learn how to with this online dance school on Facebook. Based in the UK, this dance school will teach you the basics of grooving to the music through video tutorials. Plus, you’ll also learn the different dances from around the world. Some of these dances include samba, jive, rumba, and many more.

STEEZY Studio

• Anyone serious about leveling up their dance skills should give STEEZY Studio a look. There’s a seven-day free trial for anyone trying to dabble into the wonderful world of dancing. It caters to people of all backgrounds — from beginners to advanced dancers, there’s something for everyone. The platform also has additional features to help you learn better. For example, you can switch views, control speed, or see yourself perform with a click of the button from the video controls.

305 Fitness on YouTube

• If you prefer to watch the latest dance craze from Youtube, why not supplement it with a dance tutorial from 305 Fitness? Not only will you learn the latest dance moves on their channel, but you will also get to glimpse the workings of their physical class. There’s enough content here to teach you a thing or two about dancing or to just get you moving for a minute.

7. Music

Yousician

• Got an eye for learning guitar, bass, piano, or ukelele? Then, Yousician is the right app for you. From the app itself, you can learn how to play the mentioned instruments as it tailors content according to your performance. You can watch thousands of videos on how to play a certain instrument too. Plus, the leaderboard feature is sure to give you a boost in motivation as you compete with other learners too.

Guitar lessons with Justin

• Justin Guitar was founded by Justin Sandercoe, a man passionate about all things guitar. All guitar lessons are available as video tutorials that learners can watch at their own pace. Plus, all the lessons are free too. Learners who signed up on the website also get access to the community forums and other helpful learning tools.

Hoffman Academy on YouTube

• Learning how to play piano with a maestro is more engaging and informative. At Hoffman Academy, anyone can learn how to play piano with the maestro, Mr. Hoffman. While there’s a dedicated website for piano tutorials, Youtube videos are enough to introduce anyone to the wonderful world of playing the beloved piano.

Live Music Tutor

• Anyone preferring the old-school style of learning with a tutor will be delighted to know that Live Music Tutor exists. The platform connects a learner with a tutor, guaranteeing face-to-face learning and instant feedback. As a whole, the platform takes the core advantage of video chat apps, adapts it to music tutorials, and adds extra features that will surely benefit any learner. Anyone participating in a group class, for example, can record what the tutors are saying so they can review it for later.

8. Cooking

Tastemade

• Curious about how a panna cotta is made? Wondering how Indians cook their sumptuous tikka masala? Satisfy your curiosity for cooking by heading to Tastemade and taking up one of their courses. All of the tutorial content is generously provided by Tastemade for free. You get access to lots of tutorial videos and class materials that you can download and watch on the go.

America's Test Kitchen Online

• With approximately 230 courses to choose from, America’s Test Kitchen Online will really level up your culinary skills. It has a free trial for anyone wanting to try out their approach to teaching cooking skills. All the tutorial contents are packaged into videos that anyone can watch at their own pace. Plus, there are interactive quizzes and exercises to help budding chefs build their confidence in the kitchen.

Skillshare

• Skillshare has a wonderful resource for anyone wanting to cook. The advantage of using this platform is that there are lots of topics to explore beyond cooking. Anyone wanting to dive deep into their cooking tutorials will like the variety of courses on offer. Plus, the courses are taught by certified experts as well. Learners can even post their own assignments and projects to test out their skills in cooking.

9. Business and finance

Missouri's State University's course on Money and Banking

• Learning how money works is crucial to developing financial literacy. By watching this playlist, anyone can teach themselves the fundamentals of financial systems. The video introduces topics on an easy-to-understand format that will surely equip anyone with financial knowledge. The videos are a must-watch, especially for those grappling to understand how loans work.

Oxford's Podcast on Building a Business

• If you’re keen on building your own business, then Oxford’s podcast on building a business will surely interest you. The podcast can be streamed anywhere, too. Every podcast lecture provides the necessary information on how to start a business. The lectures cover all the aspects of start-up operations — from conceptualization up to sourcing capital for the business. The podcasts are hosted by Said’s School of Business at the prestigious University of Oxford.

10. General education

KhanAcademy

• Founded by Salman Khan in 2008, this learning platform grew in popularity as more students take online courses to expand their knowledge beyond the four walls of a school. The platform is designed to augment a student's learning and prepare them for the real world. Any learner who can't afford to go to an expensive school can opt to take courses and classes on the platform instead. There's an extensive selection of courses ranging from math, science and engineering, computing, arts and humanities, to economics and finance. And the best part about this platform? It's totally free.

Harvard Online Learning Platform

• Curious about what students learn at one of the most prestigious universities in the world? Ask no more as Harvard University now offers some of its courses to any curious learners for free. The selection of free courses varies, and you can choose from topics such as programming, medicine, business, arts, and humanities. You can even see how long each course will take. On top of it all, you can select the difficulty of the course — perfect if you want casual learning on the go.

11. Science and Math

Coursera's course on epidemics

• How do scientists study pandemics? Coursera’s course on epidemics is a fascinating introduction to the study of emerging diseases and society’s response to it. By taking the course, you will get to know how diseases evolve and spread. You’ll also be armed with knowledge regarding the latest developments in tackling emerging diseases. Plus, the course always gets updated for new content.

Prodigy

• Teaching kids some mathematical concepts can be a daunting experience. But it doesn’t have to be with Prodigy, which makes learning math a fun experience. Kids will enjoy solving math problems with interactive sessions designed to stimulate their minds. Plus, parents can utilize the platform to monitor their kids’ progress and set goals.

Introduction to Cosmology

• How did the universe come to be? The exciting field of cosmology tries to answer that question. Now, you can take lectures about cosmology on the go! This playlist contains some vital information to get you up to speed on cosmology. It is taught by James Bullock from University of California - Irvine.

12. Social Sciences

Big History Project

If you ever find yourself asking some big questions about the universe, then the Big History Project is perfect for you. This website is dedicated to satisfying your curiosity about the past, present, and the future. Created in collaboration with teachers, scholars, and scientists, Big History Project imparts knowledge on the history of the universe, the planet, and human beings through easy-to-access videos. The history buff in you will also appreciate the interactive activities designed to test your learning. On top of it all, you can also earn badges by acing the quizzes on site.

Oxford's Philosophy Podcast

• Philosophy asks fundamental questions about the universe, reality, and everything else. Now, you can learn philosophy on the go with Oxford’s podcast that covers every important philosophical discussion. The whole podcast is actually a series of lectures delivered by Peter Millican to first-year undergraduates of the University of Oxford. Surely, you’ll feel like listening to a classroom lecture as you listen to the individual podcasts.

A Law Student's toolkit

• Every once in a while, a legal jargon comes up that leaves everyone scratching their heads. A person interested in learning what all those legal jargons mean can watch this informative playlist that covers everything a student learns in law school. Anyone can benefit from this video as it will equip them with the necessary knowledge about law and its processes.

Level up your life skills

There are various ways to entertain oneself while staying at home. One of the ways to entertain oneself is to take online courses and classes. Taking these online courses and classes will satisfy one’s curiosity and teach valuable life skills as well. If you are stuck at home due to COVID-19, why not check out these museums and attractions that offer virtual tours and experiences.

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