Yeah, I know. I am a little bit late for this post. But there is no specified time to learn new things, is it? I have listed down the best resources to get some knowledge as well as the certificates for free by my personal experience.
01. FreeCodeCamp
FreeCodeCamp is my number one recommended place for everyone who is up to learn some coding regardless of whatever the job/path someone following. According to the way of mine, I think everyone should learn to code(At least should be able to understand what it is). FreeCodeCamp is a very good platform to learn web design and development. They cover so many useful principles and coding basics(not the very basics) in their learning platform via different kind of media.
There are six FreeCodeCamp certificates;
- Responsive Web Design(HTML and CSS)
- Algorithms and Data Structures(JavaScript)
- Front End Libraries(React, Redux, Sass, Bootstrap,jQuery)
- Data Visualization
- APIs and Microservices(Node.js,Express.js, databases)
- Information security and quality assurance (Chai,Helmet.js,BCrypt,Passport.js)
According to the FreeCodeCamp, each certificate curriculum should take approximately 300 hours to complete. But if you are equipped with the basics of coding, it will take not that time. And also please note that it is required to complete five projects at the end of each module to gain the relevant certificate. So it is a little bit challenging. Upon completion of all six certificates, the freeCodeCamp Full Stack Development Program Certificate will be issued. This final distinction signifies the completion of approximately 1,800 hours of coding with exposure to a wide range of web development tools.
I highly recommend you to watch some YouTube videos to get the very basics of HTML before you step into FreeCodeCamp because you may get confused of their teaching methods if you are not with the very basics of languages like HTML.
In addition to their valuable certificates, FreeCodeCamp forum is also really happening to their crowd support. Really useful articles can be found there. On their FreeCodeCamp youtube site, there are hundreds of hours of videos related to coding. Go check it now.
02. Google Digital Garage
Google Digital Garage offers a completely free Digital Marketing certificate. Upon completion of all the 26 modules and the final exam, you will be able to get the “The Fundamentals of Digital Marketing” certificate from the well known Google!.
Currently, Google Digital Garage only offers Digital Marketing certification. I do hope that they will expand their certificates offering courses in the future. In addition to Digital Marketing, Google DIgital Garage does offer many courses without a certificate including self-development to Machine learning and Artificial Intelligence. You should definitely take a look at them in your free time.
03. Saylor Academy
OK. Here we have come to the least known source of getting new knowledge and the relevant certification at the end! Way back to 1999, yes! Saylor was founded in 1999 and it is a non-profit organization headquartered in Washington DC – United States of America.
Saylor Academy offers a range of courses including arts, biology, physics, chemistry and much more. You should definitely take a look and start following one to kill your time more effectively and productively.
04. LinkedIn learning
Previously well known as Lynda and renamed as LinkedIn learning after buying the Lynda by the professional social network LinkedIn. Technically LinkedIn learning is not free. It will cost you around 20 dollars per month. But the good thing is they do offer a trial period of one month. During that time period, you can complete the courses you love and get the necessary certificates. Usually, LinkedIn learning has one of the largest catalogues of online video courses and it is over 10,000!.
If you a University/College student, Maybe your institution has partnered up with LinkedIn learning. Better ask for the administration to make sure that they. If the institution has partnered up with LinkedIn learning you will be able to access all the courses at LinkedIn learning for absolutely free!
05. BitDegree
Again BitDegree is not a free platform to learn new things and get certified. The good thing is that they do offer some courses and their relevant certifications for free. If you are into information technology or interested in information technology you should definitely take a look at BitDegree.
I have only mentioned here the sources regarding my personal experiences. That means there may be so much of other platforms to learn new things and as well get certified. The platforms like edX is also offering some great courses with partnering up with prestigious IVY league universities. Most of the content of them are free but you will have to pay for the certification. In case of courses like CS50 offered by Harvard university via Edx, still, you will have a certificate. But you have to pay for a verified certificate.
The point I emphasise is that there are tons of resources to follow your passions and add value to them. The only thing you have to do is do a little bit of research.
Hope this post is really useful for someone who read. See you guys in another post! <3
