If you have some extra time at home while practicing social distancing, why not use it to learn a new skill, brush up on current skills, or take a deep-dive into a topic that has always interested you?

Welcome to “e-learning” where you can learn just about anything you want without setting foot in a classroom. Online courses are offered for credit, not for credit, or just for fun. From learning new computer and tech skills to adopting a new hobby, learning opportunities are available.

If you are not entirely sure what course to focus on first, think about your current position and what skills would help you at work. Also think about something outside of your daily duties that you have always wanted to learn.

Once you have a topic, where do you find classes? While there are a number of available websites, two of the more familiar sites are Coursera and edX. Each site offers both free as well as for a fee courses.  They are often free to audit, or listen to, but you can pay to receive a certificate. Class Central is another good site with a seemingly endless amount of free online courses on a range of topics.

If you are ready to take it a step further, Drake University has a wonderful and growing list of online classes, including bachelor and master’s degree programs. Finally, if you would like to learn a new language, Cowles Library offers free Mango languages training. To access this resource, go to myDrake and click on Mango Languages under Learning Resources.

If taking a full online course is more of a time commitment than you are ready to take, consider watching a webinar. Webinars are a great way to learn more about a specific topic in a short period of time. Check out free webinars on websites such as Hubspot. Or plug into a motivational speaker at Ted Talks.

Taking a class could be the beginning of a journey to more learning. But, even if the completion of a single course is enough, learning a new skill or discipline may be the perfect way to socially connect with others, while expanding your boundaries.

— Linda Feiden, Human Resources