Ask MetaFilter questions tagged with courses

Excellent Online Classes

mike_bling — Tue, 10 Nov 2009 13:37:06 -0800

Which online course should I take next? What are the best free courses you've taken online? I'm really enjoying the English 291 course at Yale Open Courses posted to the blue a few weeks ago and I'm looking for suggestions for what to watch after I finish these. The subject matter is not as important to me as a good professor presenting brain-stretching material in an engaging way. Math, science, philosophy, engineering, history - I'm open to anything, but I want something that's going to help me to use some of the cobwebby parts of my brain. Audio-only is fine, too. I've browsed through UC Berkley's online offerings, Open Yale and MIT OpenCoursware, but there is a lot out there. Help me to narrow my options.
If it makes a difference, I'm a web developer, but I'm not necessarily looking for anything related to my field (although don't count it out either!)
(I didn't see this question posted previously, apologies if it has been)

Want to take some online architecture courses. Where is a good place? Willing to pay.

willy_dilly — Sun, 27 Sep 2009 01:03:34 -0800

Want to take some online architecture courses. Where is a good place? Willing to pay. I have another 9 months or so before I start an intensive graduate architecture masters program. I would like to take the time out to take courses to prep myself before I dive in, since my first year will be an intensive program before I start my masters courses (I do not have a bachelor degree in architecture). Anyone know any places I can start taking courses online? I live in a place where there are nowhere close by at all to take courses locally. Plus my work schedule does not allow for it. I found this site called Red Vector, are the courses their legit? They charge about $450 per course.

Teach Me, Montreal!

Laura in Canada — Thu, 24 Sep 2009 06:44:54 -0800

What can I learn? (On a semi-flexible schedule). I'm in Montreal & would like to take a class in something. My problem is this: I feel like learning something new, but whenever I see a local/ community class that interests me, the date/time is usually inconvenient. I would love to have a list of instuctors (teaching either small groups or one-on-one would be ideal) of a wide range of topics who I could just call & set up a series of lessons. I would love to find a small class or even one-on-one where I could be a little more flexible (i.e. if I had to miss a class, I could reschedule with enough notice & not lose any lessons). For example, my boyfriend recently started taking guitar lessons & several time both he & the instuctor have rescheduled, but he will still have 14 lessons.

I also, like most people, have varied interests. I would like to take a class now, & when it finishes in a few months, maybe take a class in something else (not wait 6 months for the new community guide with a limited range & pre-selected dates).

I've thought about taking classes in: stained glass, French, photography, lampwork, pottery, vegetarian cooking, jewelry making... but please, I'd love recommendations for everything I can learn in Montreal; a website would be ideal, but a name & phone number would be good too (preferably with a price range).

Thanks in advance.

P.S. I live on the island & do not have a car, so unless it's a workshop, nothing off-lsland, thanks.

Online Astronomy course?

OlderThanTOS — Mon, 14 Sep 2009 10:07:51 -0800

Can someone recommend an online introductory college-level Astronomy course? I am training to be a high school biology teacher. My state (Minnesota) requires me to have a slightly broader education than I do. The gap is Astronomy. Best would be an Astronomy/Earth Science course.

I need to have an introductory Astronomy class before I take the Praxis II exam. The class needs to be online as I am already committed with student teaching and my practicum work.

Has anyone had great (or terrible) experiences? Cheaper gets extra bonus points!

Which is better project management certificate program - Bellevue or UW?

matildaben — Wed, 12 Aug 2009 15:42:03 -0800

Does anyone have any experience with the Project Management certificate programs at either Belleuve College (previously Bellevue Community College) or University of Washington Extension? Any comments on which is the better program? I'm thinking that the Bellevue program would be a better value career-enhancement-wise because of stronger connections to Microsoft and the tech industry in general, but UW is a better commute for me. This is for a person who has over 10 years of experience as a software developer and is looking at a career transition during the economic down time. Good understanding of and integration with Agile/Scrum would be a plus.

Where is the best writing course in London?

King_Wang — Tue, 14 Jul 2009 08:12:33 -0800

Do you know of any excellent writing courses in London? I want to start developing the writing I've been doing for the last year, particularly a play I'm developing. I've been granted a scholarship to take an ARVON course, but it's only a week long, and I'd like something more substantial (without going back to a damn university) before going on to the Royal Court young writer's group in December.

My research has turned up a few tasty-looking courses at various colleges in London; London College of Journalism, CityLit, Brunel, Central St Martins, among others. Do any of you have experience or recommendations of places which are of particularly high quality? Suggestions for writers groups or workshops are also welcome.

I already have a portfolio of work I can show; I'm not a complete beginner, just very self-taught and looking for guidance as I get further into my play.

Any help would be hugely appreciated,

Michael H

There should be a 4th "R"- The Real World

sixcolors — Mon, 13 Apr 2009 16:49:56 -0800

Why aren't life skills taught in schools? I guess I'm talking about knowledge and skills that pertain to finances, work life, domestic life, social/dating life, the internet, and the law. And...how the education system works, itself. Pretty much the same categories we have here on AskMe.

Wouldn't life be so much easier for us if we learned those sort of things in school or in college?

I mean when I was in high school there was ONE course that taught such things, but it was really really basic stuff. I am speaking of more comprehensive programs.

I'm trying not to get all philosophical here, I am aiming for more concrete answers...like is it a funding problem or what? Not enough hard science or research behind those areas? Those are my guesses. For those who are familiar with the educational system, what are some more concrete reasons why such programs are rare?

Any courses on internet marketing in San Diego?

carofowler — Mon, 26 Jan 2009 04:09:11 -0800

I am looking for some good basic classes/courses in or near San Diego, California on interactive/internet marketing (metrics, e-commerce, channels, website usability, SEO, etc.). Can anyone recommend anything that ends before August '09?

Teach me something new.

Neonshock — Mon, 12 Jan 2009 13:01:30 -0800

What is the right course/night class/learning path, to take right now? Some background info.

Im 23 and I have a 'safe' job (or mostly safe, I work for a department of the British infostructure similar to the NHS etc) and my contract doesnt come into question untill December this year (but it has been verbalised that I will be "fought for tooth and nail"). I earn a great wage for someone my age and have some spare cash (after ISA's and savings) and miss learning.

So my question is...what should I learn? I have a degree in English Lit though I would love something more practical, especially bearing in mind the difficult times ahead. What would make me, even more indispensible. Not particularly about my job, although I wouldnt rule it out per-se (i work in security and facilities at an entry level ). Im open to anything and in the UK. Im also interested in options similar to the OU.

Thanks!

Free drafting online courses

mad bomber what bombs at midnight — Sun, 14 Dec 2008 14:53:39 -0800

Please recommend free online mechanical drafting courses. I took an intro to drafting class at the community college, and loved it. But my interest is more hobby-level and I don't have the flexibility to take classes anymore. So what courses are available online to continue to develop my skills? I'm mostly interested in mechanical drafting, anything with a 3d component is a bonus. Actually, the assignments are the most important part -- I learn best on my own.

I've found a few pages googling, but I'd prefer a solid recommendation from mefi.

Quality nonfiction writing courses (online)?

OlivesAndTurkishCoffee — Sat, 15 Nov 2008 19:52:19 -0800

Can anyone point the way to a reputable online writing course that deals with the mechanics of good writing (not plot, character, narrative, etc)? My friend writes very engaging plots, replete with well-developed characters, but her prose needs work.

I've convinced her to try a writing course. We haven't yet been able to find a suitable course that teaches the mechanics of excellent prose (rather than plot, character, etc).

We've already explored all the print resources (On Writing Well, the Economist style guide, Strunk & White) and I've taken a look at this question on remedial writing, but it seems she needs a real teacher to help her along.

She preferes something online, reputable, and something that deals specifically with the mechanics and non-creative side of writing. Think grammar and sentence structure bootcamp.

Any pointers would be greatly appreciated!

(Fully) Online learning?

btkuhn — Sun, 24 Aug 2008 18:29:46 -0800

(Fully) online learning resources? I've been planning to self-teach myself several college-level courses, after reading previous posts about projects such as MIT Opencourseware. However, most of the classes on MIT Opencourseware require that the user purchase the textbook for the course to actually follow along, and the textbooks are pricey, even on half.com or ebay. On the other hand, the open-source textbook projects like wikibooks are often incomplete and don't provide the indepth material and exercises that you would get from a college course.

So my question is, what good sites or resources do you use for self-teaching college courses, where all the required resources are provided online? Are there any? I'd prefer resources that include written material as opposed to just podcasts, and bonus points for resources that include exercises that reinforce the course material so that it is retained. I'm interested in any and all subjects.

Thanks!

Online marketing classes?

five_dollars — Mon, 14 Jul 2008 13:13:07 -0800

Looking for recommendations for courses in web marketing (in person or online). I graduated from university about a year ago (BA Communications) and through some internships and temporary work, I've found I'd like to get into online marketing. My previous experience has helped me get some interviews, but I think it's not enough to land a good gig, especially in the current economy.

If I went to a full-time student status, I could get better training/contacts in the field, not to mention health coverage under my parent's plan.

I'm based in the Upper Midwest USA now, but wouldn't mind looking into certificate programs elsewhere if they are really stellar.

Any advice/recommendations greatly appreciated from the knowledgable Metafilter crowd.

I didn't know what I didn't know about IT.

joshrholloway — Wed, 09 Jul 2008 11:20:39 -0800

I'm an entry-level computer technician looking for advice on what skills are most vital for me in today's market, and how to best achieve them. Specifically, I would like to know what hands-on classes I should look into in the Nashville, TN area. This is a bit long, but anyone who will take the time to read it and answer will be greatly appreciated.

I'll give just a touch of background: My very first AskMeFi question was a little over a year ago, about how to get an IT security job and work my way up the ladder. At the time I posted it, I was 19, stubborn, cocky, and a know-it-all. Today I am 21 and still stubborn, but I realize now that I was not the computer genius I thought I was then.

Cutting that intervening period short, I will say that I was extremely blessed with an entry-level computer technician job for a great company that I am loving. Because this job has helped me understand the things about IT that I don't know, I'm looking to expand my knowledge further. Being around great guys who know what they're doing is helping already, but there's just not time enough for them to sit me down and train me on what they do, and I wouldn't want to put them through that.

So I'm looking for help. The main questions I have are essentially "what should I be learning to make myself a more valuable employee?" and "what is the best way for me to learn those skills that fits in with my learning style?" I know these are both pretty general, so I will outline a few things to help narrow it down.

I have been using and fixing PCs since I can remember, and I am very comfortable with Windows as a desktop/workstation OS and the user-facing layers of OS X. At my job, we use an infrastructure mainly based on Windows Server 2003 and Active Directory, with some Linux and UNIX server here and there for various purposes. I have been able to handle my basic support tickets very well, but when any of my co-workers discuss servers and network structure and things of that nature, most of it goes over my head. I'm picking up bits and pieces.

So basically I have a foundation that would probably equate to an A+ certification and maybe a little more than that. I have had some hands-on training for the MCP MDST certification, although I never took the test. I have very little experience with UNIX; I know some very basic commands, and that's it.

So where do I begin? I am not a very good book learner, but I can discipline myself if it is important enough. I am really looking for hands-on or classroom training if possible. Please don't recommend I get a degree. I don't want to be short-sighted, but I have neither the time nor the money to pursue a degree with a university at this point. My company will pay $2500 per year for classes or training, but I may be able to get more if the training would be exceptionally valuable to me. I don't plan on leaving the company I work for now anytime soon, but I want to take on more responsibilities and be able to perform tasks myself that I now have to go to my co-workers for.

I have looked into classes, and have found several offerings for rigorous five-day courses in basic Windows Server 2003/AD administration. From reading the description and the coverage areas, I think this would be a good start for me, but I don't want to jump the gun. I also don't know what training facilities or companies are reputable or worth it, so if you have a better recommendation, let me know. As for classes, I am in the Nashville area if that matters.

I am sorry if this was long and a bit scatter-brained, but I am just trying to get all my thoughts out there. Anyone willing to give me a little help would be extremely welcome. Anything you can give is good. Thank you so much in advance.

What was your favorite course in college?

bobber — Fri, 25 Apr 2008 16:21:22 -0800

What was your favorite course in college? I have a few electives over the next couple of semesters and I would love to fill them with some great classes. I'm looking for classes that you couldn't get enough of or classes that now, five years later, you wish you had taken.

Answers don't necessarily have to be specific classes; they can be a type of class such as computer, math, english, music, religion, foreign language, etc.

Personal Info: Junior Human Resources Development major attending a university with over 5,000 students.

What books or courses will help me learn science?

dylan20 — Mon, 24 Mar 2008 14:35:24 -0800

What books or online courses will best help me learn science and engineering? I'm especially interested in physics, astronomy, general electronics, and computer science. I've got what I think is a pretty good basic aptitude for science -- I did very well in it in high school -- but avoided taking science or engineering classes, or for that matter any math, through college. Now, 15 years after graduating, I feel that I may have missed my calling.

I'm interested in substantive introductory treatments of the topics -- not just "A Brief History of the Universe" glosses on the big picture, but books or courses that will help me understand what's really going on, from a basic level and building on up. Mind you, I'm not trying to turn myself into a physicist, I just want an understanding that goes beyond the vague fuzzy hand-waving stage.

I've started reteaching myself calculus using Silvanus P. Thompson's Calculus Made Easy, which is fun, and challenging. So I'm not afraid of math, as long as it's explained, or as long as I can figure out where to get an explanation.

How to Market my Writing Course

mbarryf — Mon, 12 Mar 2007 07:13:12 -0800

Marketing Question: Suggestions needed about how I get my User Document writing course (for non-writers) in front of my target market. Marketing Question: I have created a course that guides the student through the creation of a great User Document (manual, instruction sheet, etc). The course focuses on creating great content and producing excellent access to that content. The course is not linked to any technology, and it effective regardless of product, ot publication method.

Primary Market: Non-writer employees who get assigned to write User Documents for a product the company creates or distributes. These people may be technical or support staff. The decision makers would be these new writers or their supervisors.

Secondary Market: Experienced technical writers who want to improve the User Documents that they create or their method of producing User Documents.

Competition: General technical writing courses and books, neither of which focus on User Documents. Books on writing User Documents are very superficial. They provide little guidance in setting up a method for writing, actually doing the writing, and reviewing the User Document.

My Current Marketing:
1. Website (http://www.greatuserdocs.com) that is registered with about 50 directories. No sales, although I have had about 15 people sign up for my ezine.
2. I write articles (http://www.greatuserdocs.com/ReadingRoom.htm) for ezine distribution. I have about 10 articles "published" in about 17 ezine article directories (including isnare, ezinearticles, and writing-planet)

I used to be a member of the Society for Technical Communications, but they comprise my secondary, and much more difficult to penetrate, market.

I have been at this marketing stage about five months.

Budget: about $5000 (reluctantly, if necessary)

My Need: I need suggestions about how I get my existence and information in front of my target market.

Thanks, I appreciate any help I can get.

Are the SAT prep courses worth the money?

Flakypastry — Wed, 07 Feb 2007 09:02:23 -0800

Personal experiences with SAT course preparation? My daughter is gearing up to take the SAT next year. I have read threads in collegeconfidential.com, and an AskMe thread on PSAT prep. What I'm looking for is recent, honest apparaisal as to whether these prep courses are useful. Some background: my daughter is an honors student who is hoping to go to a top school and study mathematics. I have bought all the usual books for her: the College Board "blue book", Grubers guide, the Princeton Review book, etc. She's not all that enthusiastic about taking a course, and wants to study on her own. I am largely supportive of this, but it seems as though all of her peers' parents are in a frenzy about optimizing their kids' scores, and are convinced that prep courses are the way to go. So, have you or your child taken/not taken the prep courses? Would you do it differently if you could?

Physics from a distance?

jwucd — Fri, 12 Jan 2007 07:21:31 -0800

Two semester introductory physics series from abroad? I know there are tons of online/distance learning options, but I can't find any respectable accredited institution that offers the two semester introductory physics series, which is the only course I need before I can apply to med school. I'm going to be in Korea for the next year or so. Can anyone link me to an institution offering this class? Thanks.

I need to find classes I can take as a non-matriculating student in the Chicago area, ASAP

njb — Fri, 05 Jan 2007 13:55:43 -0800

I'm taking the sememster off (see my last question) to work out some personal issues, including ADD/LD. I really need to know which schools will let me take classes as a non-matriculating student, so I can work on my study skills, executive functioning, what have you, with a learning specialist. I'm interested in pretty much everything besides math, but I'm especially interested in film, literature, and language. It's important to me that whereever I go, I be reasonably academically challenged (if I coast through a class, it really won't do me any good). Getting transferable credits would be fantastic, but is not a necessity. I'm also not too worried about cost, since it'll be hard for one or two classes I take here to cost more that 20ish thousand dollars my old school would have cost for this semester.
I live on the south side, but I'm fine with a long commute so long as it's in the Chicago area and I won't need a car.

I know it's late to be getting on top of this, but well, if I was the sort to start early, I wouldn't really have most of the problems that led me here anyway.

PS. Of course, general advice about doing this sort of thing is also welcome.

DevelopmentFilter: C# lessons

deeman — Thu, 10 Aug 2006 10:10:32 -0800

DevelopmentFilter: What's a good (free) site that offers C# programming lessons/courses. There are plenty of sites that offer tutorials, but I want something with structure that will guide me step-by-step from a novice to a skilled C# programmer. I've had some programming experience in the past with java and c++ but I need to go back over the basics since I havent coded in a while.

Best Photography Courses in London

the_epicurean — Tue, 18 Apr 2006 06:36:48 -0800

LearningFilter. Any advice on photography courses in London, UK? I've just been given an SLR camera, which I'd love to learn to use properly. I've got lots of online resources from previous posts, that came in extremely handy, but I also need a weeknight hobby, that doesn't involve drinking!

Could anyone recommend a beginners photography course in London, UK.

Summer College Courses

yevge — Sat, 09 Apr 2005 17:40:23 -0800

How can I search for which local colleges offer specific courses that I want to take this summer? I am about to major in Engineering and Public Policy at my university. But I transferred just now (at the end of my Freshman year). I was hoping to catch up by taking courses in a college in NYC this summer. Is there an easy way to see what colleges offer what and when?

Looking for College Courses That Allow Students to Develop Their Own Music/Sound Art Projects

lunkfish — Wed, 02 Feb 2005 02:26:50 -0800

Sound Art/Music Tech/Interesting Music: Courses (MI) I'm thinking about returning to University or College to further my ideas in music and sound art.

There's a quite interesting course in London (UK) at Middlesex Uni, but I'm also interested in living in another country for a while.

I'd be interested to hear about any courses in other places that would fit the bill.

I'm looking for something that allows students to develop their own ideas and projects. It would ideally be open to sound art as well as music.

I'm not really looking for a studio recording/dance music course, or something that focuses on classical electroacoustic stuff, but if they are flexible enough may consider them.

I have a BSc in Audio Tech, so could work at postgrad level, but I would prefer a broad base of work rather than a single dissertation.

Thanks for any suggestions.

Best College Course Ever

apathy0o0 — Sun, 21 Nov 2004 23:28:54 -0800

It's time for us collegians to sign up for classes again. I am always faced at this time with a dizzying array of choices when looking in the course directory. What was the best college course you ever took and why?