7 Free Online Courses in July

Summer break sounds brilliant to those who actually have it (picture me crying with envy). Regardless, I found some lovely courses that I really want to share with you, as I’m sure you might spare some time and learn something new. Below you will find a nice selection of courses focusing on testing, storytelling, children, wellness… I’m sure you’ll find something you like!

Testing Times in the Classroom: Challenges of 21st Century Education by the University of Exeter

Start: 01/07/2019

Duration: 4 weeks

For whom: anyone with an interest in education, including teachers, students, and parents

There are people who believe educational system must be directly linked with economic growth, hence the importance of assessment as means of measuring development. This course will explore a range of key concepts, including how education might now be considered a business. Seems controversial? It means you may find it an interesting topic to discuss!

Online Games: Literature, New Media, and Narrative by Vanderbilt University

Start: 15/07/2019

Duration: 4 weeks

For whom: anyone curious about video games

This course is, to quote the author, a multi-genre, multimedia tour of how literature, film, and games engage in the basic human activity of storytelling. You will learn about narrative theory, as well as the history and theory of video games. If you, like me, believe that we are all born storytellers, this course may be a great choice for you – and if you want to know what I am up to this month: I am on the journey to discover the cultural heritage of online games!

Introduction to Self-Determination Theory: An approach to motivation, development and wellness by University of Rochester

Start: 15/07/2019

Duration: 5 weeks

For whom: parents, teachers, coaches, managers, and health-care professionals

Self-determination theory (SDT) is a theory of motivation and psychological development. This course will help you promote or undermine engagement and the positive consequences that follow from it. You will focus not only on reaching your personal wellness, but also helping others – students, coworkers etc. feel better, more motivated and happier. What’s not to like? Ready to change the world?

Child Protection for Teachers by QUT

Start: 22/07/2019

Duration: 2 weeks

For whom: teaching staff and education leaders who want to improve their professional practice

If you start working with children, you need to be aware of the signs of potential maltreatment. This course will help you recognise the early signs of child abuse and neglect. You will learn how maltreatment impacts on children’s learning and development. The course will also help you to understand the role of a person who reports such cases.

Teaching Phonics in Early Childhood by QUT

Start: 22/07/2019

Duration: 2 weeks

For whom: anyone supporting children to prepare for school

If you teach EFL to children, you know how difficult it is to explain differences between spelling and pronunciation. This course will help you learn new things about code-based literacy in early childhood. You will focus on phonics, phonemic awareness and phonological awareness, something that may be really useful, especially when you work with young students.

Improve Your Intercultural Competence by Purdue University

Start: 22/07/2019

Duration: 2 weeks

For whom: anyone looking to improve their intercultural competence 

As teachers, we know how important cross-cultural competence is. Good intercultural communication is now more and more important, especially with global networks getting bigger and bigger. According to the Intelligence Unit at The Economist, 90% of executives in 68 countries say cross-cultural management is their biggest challenge. This course will help you enhance your intercultural competence.

Fairy Tales: Meanings, Messages, and Morals by the University of Newcastle 

Start: 29/07/2019

Duration: 4 weeks

For whom: reading enthusiasts, storytellers, and creative writers

I believe we all create stories in which we live. Ever since we are born, we are surrounded by stories and everything in this world urges us to tell a story. So, fellow storytellers, this course may be a great idea for all of us. This course will show you enchanting and surprisingly dark themes of several well-known European fairy tales. Maybe the good and the bad are not so different?

Hope you like the courses I found and make your summer break sparkle with educational value. Next time I’ll show you some great entertainment for hot days – and that will be mid-July, as I’m taking a short break. Keep following me on FB and instagram, I’ll be happy to stay in touch with you!