Back to school 2024: 10 free learning resources for L&D professionals

By Tess Robinson

Although it’s been a billion years since I was at school, I still get that back-to-school feeling each September. I’ve had a nice holiday, tidied my desk (no mean feat as I’m quite messy - sign of a creative mind allegedly), bought some new pen refills and am ready for the ‘new’ year.

It’s about this time of year that I start thinking about learning some new skills or building on ones I already have. Here’s my current top 10 free learning courses and resources for L&D:

1. For those new to AI concepts - IBM Introduction to Artificial Intelligence (AI) or Google: AI for Anyone  are both decent intro courses
2. For those with more advanced tech skills - Building AI Powered Chatbots Without Programming from IBM or this Introduction to Artificial Intelligence with Python course from Harvard University are worth a look.
3. Interested in improving your skills in graphic design? Try this learning path from LinkedIn (first month free - don’t forget to cancel or you’ll get charged)
4. Free coding courses for beginners in Python, JavaScript, HTML & CSS, SQL, C++ and more from Code Academy
5. Introduction to Psychology from Yale will help you understand your learners (and coworkers) better
6. Language learning is such an effective brain workout. It creates new neural connections and protects against dementia. Choose from 43 languages on Duolingo on a free plan (with ads - they get a bit annoying, but turning the volume down helps).
7. Free courses from Open Learn from the Open University on a huge range of topics from business, languages, history, science and much more. One to feed your curiosity with.
8. World of Learning - NEC, Birmingham 8-9 Oct - Exhibition is free to attend and has lots of talks on a range of learning topics.
9. Learning Network Accessible Learning Mastery Day 24th October 2024 in Edinburgh with Susi Miller, Michael Osborne and Gemma Nunn. Free to LN Members (Individual membership is only £29 per year, well worth joining if you’re not already a member)
10. LXD:Origins - OK, I’m biased about this one but it’s a great course - our design team really excelled themselves with this one. LAS’ Learning eXperience Design course teaches the basics of human-centred learning design. We’ve taught 800 learners so far and it’s completely free. Not bad for a one-week blend with live sessions from top UK learning designers, as well as a host of online activities and resources. Next one starts 14 October 2024.

Happy learning!

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