Sharpen your creativity with these online learning resources
While many of us are spending more time in our homes than usual, I figured I’d put together a helpful list of online learning resources. There are so many learning platforms available online, it can be hard to decide which ones offer what we’re really looking for. While this list is more a less a flyover, I’ve added a few notes based on personal experience and understanding to help guide the way.
For those of us who have transitioned to a work from home lifestyle, this can be a useful way to manage the time gained by not having to deal with a commute. Anyone facing the challenge of lost work might find some guidance on brushing up in certain skills and help in preparing for new opportunities.
Challenges like these are a great time to put our creativity to work, even if that means learning how to put it to work in new ways through these beneficial resources.
Even when we’re all fortunate enough to get back to life as normal, or sort of normal, making room for learning is always a good thing. And with so many resources already in place and expanding every day, I hope you find this list at least a little helpful and encouraging.
While these resources aren’t entirely free, many of them offer access to certain features and beneficial material without charging users. For example, The Futur has a great, growing collection of podcast episodes that are free. And Duoling is a language app with a free version that exposes users to advertising in different ways.
If you have a favorite place to learn online, I’d love to hear about it.
Design
LinkedIn Learning / Lynda
This first one is a personal favorite. I was using Lynda.com for years before LinkedIn Learning picked up their library. The library is extensive, across a variety of industries now. But it started off mainly in support of design-related careers in the digital space. At least that’s how I’d describe it.
It’s really easy to find something to learn about that is useful, and they’ve also developed learning collections that are focused on developing pretty specific career paths. Options like “Become an Illustrator” or “Become a Graphic Designer” for example include broad collections of learning meant to develop the necessary skills for each goal.
https://www.linkedin.com/learning/
https://www.lynda.com/
MasterClass
This is an interesting platform that’s developing. If you’re interested in learning from well-known figures who’ve had significant impacts in their field, this might be for you. From Stephen Curry’s lessons on basketball to Natalie Portman’s lessons on acting, this is an exciting opportunity to get some valuable insight from the world’s top talent.
The Futur
As a designer, this is a resource I’m very excited about and happy to share. Chris Do is on a mission to help designers learn how to make a good living through a broad collection of learning material. He’s positioned really well for this as a graduate of The ArtCenter College of Design in Pasadena. There are plenty of free podcasts and articles, but the team is building a solid library of learning material for designers on a regular basis. Definitely worth a look for anyone in the design industry.
School of Motion
Motion design is like an old friend. I wish I had access to something like this when it was a regular part of my workflow. There’s still hope! If you’re into motion design, or want to be, check it out!
https://www.schoolofmotion.com/
Skillshare
Another great new learning format, Skillshare offers classes with assignments that engages users more than the common video formats all over. For anyone working in or curious about the world of modern design and related fields, this one could be a game-changer.
Drawabox
Alright, this one is interesting. I’ve been exploring the lessons available and am fairly pleased with what it offers. It’s assignment based, and only a few of them, but they are serious. No joke. If you want to learn how to draw, especially if you’re interested in drawing from your imagination, as an industrial designer, this is absolutely worth a look.
Envato Tuts+
I used to spend a lot of time on this site. The free pointers you can often find on the blog have been helpful over the years. Great learning and reference material for the modern designer.
Creative Live
This one is new to me, but it’s quickly become intriguing. They seem to have a large collection of lessons and learning available across a wide array of subjects.
Instructables
If you like making stuff, Instructables is an interesting hodgepodge of how to’s. As of this writing, they have over 5,000 pages of projects and the site includes challenges and classes for a little more structure. If you’re feeling crafty, give Instructables a look.
https://www.instructables.com/
Music
Yousician
I’ve been enjoying Yousician for the last year or so as a means to learn guitar. While I’m certainly no expert and won’t be joining the local symphony orchestra any time soon, I’ve come a long way on account of what this app offers. Along with guitar lessons, the app includes learning options for bass, ukelele, piano, and singing. Experiencing consistent growth and enjoying the room for exploration, I’ve found Yousician is a very satisfying way to keep myself engaged with music.
Language
Duolingo
I must say, I love Duolingo. While I’m sure there are great benefits to the other language learning options out there, I’ve been such a fan of Duolingo for years now. A big part of my appreciation is that it’s free. There’s a premium account option that removes ads, but the free version is incredibly comprehensive. My only suggestion would be to choose something to focus on and stick to it until your confident and fairly fluent. I’ve let myself get too distracted with all the language options and haven’t progressed as much as I probably should have.
The app is incredibly easy and fun to use. If you’ve been wanting to learn a new language or brush up on one, Duolingo might be right up your alley.
Rosetta Stone
Though I’ve used Rosetta Stone before, I can’t speak for what their experience is currently like. Duolingo reminds me of how Rosetta Stone worked in some significant ways. Rosetta Stone is a more thorough program, though, with more language options and a more thoroughly developed format. If you’re really serious about learning a language, this is worth a look.
Berlitz
This one I haven’t used, but it has a longer history than the others listed here. They offer guided programs with instructors and a variety of options for self-paced development. After a quick look, I’m very intrigued and probably wouldn’t mind checking out some of their training.
Babbel
I haven’t used Babbel either, but I’ve been curious about it. It’s a relatively new option but has pretty decent reviews. Truth be told, I’m just not attracted to the interface I’ve seen and the branding. Design snobbery at its best.
General Learning
Coursera
Started by a few Stanford professors, Coursera offers University level training and then some. Along with the quality learning material, it’s also possible to earn a degree through this platform. Unfortunately, the cost for degrees doesn’t seem to be that much of a deal, in my humble opinion.
Future Learn
Here’s another one that offers degrees and something they call microcredentials. They appear to be like certifications that can give a bit of authority on a subject, which can be handy for building a career or changing directions.
Pluralsight
Another popular modern learning platform, Pluralsight offers learning material that covers a lot of modern topics. Their stand out feature is a unique collection of tracking metrics that help individuals and companies make sure they’re learning what they want and seeing the right changes along the way. Pretty clever stuff.
Udemy
This is a popular learning resource, though it’s one I’m not all that familiar with. There are plenty of learning options, and for what it’s worth, I get the feeling it’s targeting developers more than anything.
TED
An acronym standing for Technology, Entertainment, and Design, TED has become a bit more expansive than those topics. At least in ways I would define them. They have a hearty library of free videos on various subjects, but I must say, I’ve grown increasingly unimpressed with quality of their content. Among other things. Including it here because it’s a pretty popular learning resource more so than a personal recommendation.
YouTube
You could say YouTube is the orignal online learning platform, at least by way of video. While video was online before and gave way to YouTube, it quickly became the place to share and view video content. Overtime the company has been smart about developing it’s offerings, and they now host an endless supply of learning channels.
Don’t forget, if you want to learn about something, Google or any other search engine is a quick resource for learning about what you want to learn about.
Offer a Course
Teachable
Interested in teaching a lesson or creating a course yourself? Teachable might be for you. It’s a very accessible platform for creating classes that can be shared with the world. What do you enjoy telling others about?