So you always wanted to learn how to write a romance novel or play guitar, but you don’t have time to take formal lessons or go back for a masters degree. Solution? Take a free online course.

Barnes & Noble offers free online courses on a variety of topics through their website. Anyone can enroll and the classes are free, except for matierals. Depending on what kind of course you take you might need to do reading assignments, etc. Check out your local library, ebay or used book stores for good deals on course materials.

I am now on my second BNU (Barnes & Noble University) course and so far so good. The nice thing about these courses is you can work ahead or pace yourself slower than the group. There is no teacher looking over your shoulder so the only person responsible for your participation is you. I sometimes like to work at a different pace and will read ahead if I feel like it. I can always go back and read posts from other students or ask questions as needed. There is a fairly active message board for each class so you can post work and get feedback from others.

And if for some reason you decide half way through your ebay-selling course that you aren’t learning anything worthwhile? Then stop, not much of a loss since it was free! These types of courses are a great avenue to explore hidden talents and interests. Not only are you saving money but you can participate in these courses from the comfort and privacy of your own home computer.

Just think, you can sit at your desk in your ugly pj’s while you are doing your assignments if you want! If you are on a limited budget but want to pursue a new interest or brush up on an old one check out free online courses.

Here are some other places that offer free online courses besides B&N, I have no experience with these places however:

Hewlett Packard

BBC

Linux

US Small Business Administration

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