7 Free Online Courses in August

It is well known to teacher tribe
That August brings back-to-school vibe
But don’t despair and hold your horses
I found some cool, free online courses

Here we are – you’re still bathing in the sweet summer air, but soon the back-to-school vibe is going to strike hard. I’ve got something that will alleviate the pain, namely seven online courses that will help you boost your teaching power before you return to the classroom.

Workplace Wellbeing: How to Build Confidence and Manage Stress by the Luleå University of Technology

Start date: now
Duration: 2 weeks
For whom: anyone who faces challenges of stress or low self-esteem at work

You will learn:

• how to identify undesired personal reactions to typical workplace situations
• how to discover your self-worth and your importance at the workplace
• how to develop a toolbox of helpful strategies and tactics to use in order to reduce stress and to improve your wellbeing at the workplace

Business Etiquette: Master Communication and Soft Skills by Central Queensland University

Start date: now
Duration: 2 weeks
For whom: anyone looking to show their most professional selves at work

You will learn:

• how appearance, attitude and behaviour has significant impacts on employability
• how to identify workplace etiquette in communications, behaviour and practice
• about the key elements of email and the tools which can be applied to improve email etiquette

An Introduction to Sociolinguistics: Accents, Attitudes and Identity by the University of York

Start date: now
Duration: 4 weeks
For whom: anyone interested in studying English language and linguistics

You will learn:

• what is meant by accent and dialect and how attitudes to these are arbitrary
• about the relationship between language and identity
• about stereotypes about accent and dialect, and how these impact on real-world interactions

Creating Apps in the Classroom by Queensland University of Technology

Start date: 2/08/21
Duration: 4 weeks
For whom: anyone who wants to discover what apps are and how they might be used to support school activities

You will learn:

• about the interconnectness between content, technology and pedagogy
• how an app works
• how to design a simple app using a set of instructions

Impact of Technology: How To Lead Classroom Discussions by the Raspberry Pi Foundation

Start date: 2/08/21
Duration: 4 weeks
For whom: teachers, especially delivering GCSE computer science, or at an equivalent level.

You will learn:

• about ways to encourage critical thinking about a topic
• how to develop plans for classroom discussions in a range of formats
• how to assist with the transition from discussions to pieces of writing

Innovative Teaching: Engaging Adult Learners with Active Learning by the University of Padova

Start date: now
Duration: 4 weeks
For whom: anyone who teaches adults

You will learn:

• about deep understanding of active learning – effectively promoting learning by using a: student-centered approach to teaching, engaging students interactively, and encouraging teamwork and collaboration among students
• how to foster effective teacher-student relationships that promote learning
• how to improve the understanding of the effective assessment, evaluation and feedback in the classroom

Understanding ADHD: Current Research and Practice by King’s College London

Start date: 2/08/21
Duration: 4 weeks
For whom: people with ADHD and anyone working with children and adults with ADHD

You will learn:

• about ADHD as a disorder and how it differs from normal behaviour
• how to identify resources and relevant support services for those living with ADHD
• how to evaluate practical strategies to support the educational and personal development of those living with ADHD

I hope the courses I found will help you overcome the evil vibes of back-to-school time!