7 Free Online Courses in May
Everybody likes May (or at least sweet potential of May mini break), the most fragrant month of the year – who doesn’t like the smell of lilac? We can almost smell the scent of summer break, and when we relax a bit, it’s nice to take care of our development.
May is somehow one of my favourite months when it comes to online courses – I usually study outside enjoying spring, and it makes learning far more enjoyable, especially after long winter.
I found some great free online courses you may enjoy this May – which one do you think is the best option for you?
Digital Skills for Teachers: Making Technology Work for You by GDST
Start: 06/05
Duration: 4 weeks
For whom: people who want to improve their confidence with digital tools
There are many courses on technology, but sometimes they won’t help. Even the longest journey starts from a little step and this course will help you feel empowered to use digital technology in your classroom. On this course you will build your knowledge of digital tools and your confidence in using them, investigate gaps in your own skill set and learn how to close them.
Introduction to Psychology: The Psychology of Learning by Monash University
Start: 06/05
Duration: 2 weeks
For whom: anyone interested in psychology
This course will help you see the difference between learned and instinctive behaviours and approaches to how we learn. You’ve probably heard of Pavlov and his dog, an example of classical conditioning, but you’ll also learn about operant conditioning (learning behaviours based on positive or negative consequences), and observational learning (watching other people and imitating their behaviour). Something quite helpful for a teacher.
Bullying in Schools: How Should Teachers Respond? by QUT
Start: 06/05
Duration: 2 weeks
For whom: people who have a duty of care for children
We encourage children to “tell an adult” when they are being bullied, but children can be reluctant to report it. This course will help you understand the risks a child experiences before and after telling, understand the complex nature of bullying in schools. You will discuss various approaches to bullying, as well as strategies to help reduce bullying in your own school and classroom.
Leadership Theory: The Basics by Coventry University
Start: 13/05
Duration: 2 weeks
For whom: people looking to understand leadership, culture, decision making and change management
Being a teacher is being a leader (which explains one of the most interesting aspects of being a DoS = a leader of leaders), but we all know it’s not an easy job. This course may be a great way to observe the differences between management and leadership. You will learn various theories and approaches to leadership which may be quite beneficial, not only in your classroom.
English for Academic Study by Coventry University
Start: 13/05
Duration: 2 weeks
For whom: students planning to study at a university where English is the main language
This course may be a really nice idea for your students, especially those who either think of studying abroad or consider taking Academic IELTS. It will help to prepare students for both study on an online degree and at a university campus. The participants will have the opportunity to review the key vocabulary and concepts used in a university setting, and discover what tutors expect from students. They will also practise skills to expand their vocabulary for an academic setting, including tools to help pronounce new words.
The Online Educator: People and Pedagogy by the Open University
Start: 20/05
Duration: 4 weeks
For whom: teachers involved in online education
Sometimes it is said that that online learning is about technology and content; that innovation and accessibility are incompatible; that researching online learning is an ethics-free zone, and that educators’ online identities are irrelevant. This course busts these myths and proves that online teaching may be as “real” as traditional education.
To be sure, this is my pick of a month!
Music Psychology: Why Does “Bohemian Rhapsody” Feel so Good? by Griffith University
Start: 20/05
Duration: 2 weeks
For whom: people interested in music psychology
This course will help you understand how the mind interprets patterns in music and generates an emotional response as a result. You will discuss how music communicates with the brain’s reward centre, and generates a chemical reaction that can provide a feeling of happiness. Is this something that will explain the idea of those annoying earworms, I wonder…
I believe you’ll find a course you’ll enjoy – maybe I’ll see you online?
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