Education Online

 

English grammar

Comprehensive Grammar Courses:

• Khan Academy: Offers a comprehensive grammar section covering everything from basic sentence structure to more complex concepts. Includes videos, practice exercises, and progress tracking. Excellent for learners of all levels. www.khanacademy.org (Search for "grammar")
• EnglishClub.com: Provides lessons, quizzes, and explanations on various grammar topics. A good resource for both teachers and learners. www.englishclub.com
• Grammarly: While Grammarly is known for its writing tool, they also have a helpful grammar section with explanations and examples. www.grammarly.com (Look for their grammar handbook or blog)
• Duolingo: While primarily for language learning, Duolingo includes grammar explanations within its lessons, especially helpful for ESL learners. www.duolingo.com
• BBC Learning English: Offers a variety of grammar lessons, activities, and quizzes, often presented in an engaging way. www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish

Specialized Grammar Topics:

• Purdue OWL (Online Writing Lab): A fantastic resource for all things writing, including extensive grammar and mechanics explanations. Excellent for advanced learners and teachers. owl.purdue.edu
• University of Bristol: Offers free online grammar tutorials focusing on common errors and tricky concepts. www.bristol.ac.uk/arts/exercises/grammar/grammar_tutorial/
• ManyThings.org: Offers a variety of interactive grammar exercises and games, particularly useful for practicing specific skills. www.manythings.org

Resources for ESL Teachers:

• ESL Printables: Provides a wealth of free printable grammar worksheets and activities for ESL teachers. www.eslprintables.com
• BusyTeacher.org: Another great resource for ESL teachers, offering free grammar lesson plans and materials. busyteacher.org

Tips for Using These Resources:

• Start with the basics: If you're teaching beginners, focus on fundamental concepts like sentence structure, parts of speech, and verb tenses.
• Use a variety of resources: Don't rely on just one website or course. Combine different resources to provide a well-rounded learning experience.
• Make it interactive: Engage students with quizzes, games, and activities to make grammar learning more fun and effective.
• Relate grammar to real-world writing: Show students how grammar rules apply to their own writing and help them improve their communication skills.
• Consider your students' level: Choose resources that are appropriate for your students' age and language proficiency.
• Supplement with your own materials: Use the online resources as a starting point and create your own lesson plans and activities to meet the specific needs of your students.

Remember to always check the content and ensure it aligns with your teaching goals and the level of your students. Many of these resources are continuously updated, so you'll likely find new and helpful materials over time.

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Literature

Platforms Offering Multiple Courses/Resources:

• edX: Offers courses from universities worldwide on various literary topics, including specific authors, genres, and historical periods. Search for "literature," "teaching literature," "English literature," etc. Many courses offer audit options for free access to materials.
• Coursera: Similar to edX, Coursera partners with universities to provide online courses. Look for courses related to literature, literary theory, and teaching methods. Audit options are often available.
• Khan Academy: While primarily known for K-12 subjects, Khan Academy has excellent resources for literature, including videos and articles on literary analysis, close reading, and specific texts. Great for supplementing classroom learning.
• MIT OpenCourseware: MIT makes many of its course materials freely available online, including syllabi, lecture notes, and assignments for literature courses. Excellent for teachers looking for inspiration and resources.
• Yale Open Courses: Yale University also provides free access to course materials, including lectures, for a selection of its courses. Search for "English literature," "American literature," etc.
• Open Educational Resources (OER) Commons: A vast repository of free educational materials, including lesson plans, textbooks, and other resources for teaching literature.

Specific Course Examples (Availability may vary, check platform for current offerings):

• Shakespeare courses: Many platforms offer courses dedicated to Shakespeare's plays and sonnets, covering his life, language, and influence.
• Modern Literature courses: Explore 20th and 21st-century literature, including contemporary authors and themes.
• Creative Writing courses: While not directly about teaching literature, these can be valuable for teachers who want to improve their understanding of the writing process.
• Literary Theory courses: Delve into different critical approaches to literature, such as feminism, Marxism, and postcolonialism.
• Genre-specific courses: Focus on specific genres like poetry, drama, or the novel.

Resources for Lesson Planning and Materials:

• ReadWriteThink (National Council of Teachers of English): Offers lesson plans, activities, and other resources for teaching English language arts, including literature.
• CommonLit: Provides a free library of high-quality literary texts and related resources for teachers.
• Learning for Justice (Southern Poverty Law Center): Offers resources for teaching about social justice and equity through literature.

Tips for Finding Free Courses:

• Search using specific keywords: Be as specific as possible in your searches (e.g., "teaching American literature high school," "Shakespeare online course for teachers").
• Look for "audit" options: Many platforms offer the option to audit a course for free, which gives you access to most of the materials.
• Check the syllabus: Before enrolling (even for free), review the syllabus to make sure the course aligns with your needs and interests.
• Be aware of time commitment: Even free courses require time and effort. Make sure you have enough time to dedicate to the course.

Remember to check the individual platform for the most up-to-date course offerings and access options. New courses are frequently added, so it's worth checking back periodically. Good luck with your teaching!

 Composition

For Educators (Focus on Pedagogy & Strategies):

• Khan Academy Kids (Early Childhood): While geared toward younger learners, Khan Academy Kids offers valuable insights into early literacy development, including pre-writing skills and foundational composition concepts. It's helpful for understanding the building blocks of writing.
• edX (Various Universities): Search edX for courses related to "writing pedagogy," "composition theory," or "teaching writing." Universities often offer free audit access, allowing you to view course materials, lectures, and some assignments. Full certification usually requires a fee.
• Coursera (Various Universities): Similar to edX, Coursera hosts courses on writing instruction. Look for courses from education departments or writing programs. Audit options are frequently available.
• MIT OpenCourseware: MIT offers a wealth of free course materials, including syllabi, assignments, and lecture notes for courses related to writing and rhetoric. While not interactive courses, they provide valuable resources for educators.
• National Council of Teachers of English (NCTE) Resources: While NCTE membership offers full access, they often have free articles, webinars, and other resources available on their website related to effective writing instruction.

For Students (Direct Instruction in Composition Skills):

• Khan Academy: Khan Academy offers extensive free resources for writing, from basic grammar and sentence structure to more advanced essay writing and argumentation. It's particularly strong for skill-based practice.
• Grammarly (Free Version): While Grammarly's premium features require a subscription, the free version offers valuable grammar and writing feedback, which can be helpful for students to identify areas for improvement. Use it with caution and emphasize that it is a tool, not a replacement for careful writing and editing.
• Purdue OWL (Online Writing Lab): The Purdue OWL is a classic resource for writing instruction. It covers a wide range of topics, from grammar and mechanics to research writing and citation. It's a great reference for both students and teachers.
• University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill Writing Center Resources: Many university writing centers make some of their resources available online for free. These can be particularly helpful for advanced composition topics.
• Lumen Learning: Lumen Learning offers open educational resources (OER) for composition, including textbooks and course materials that are freely available.

Specialized Composition Areas:

• Creative Writing:
  • Coursera/edX: Search for courses on creative writing, fiction writing, poetry, etc.
  • Writers' Workshops Online (Often Free Introductory Sessions): Many writers' workshops offer free introductory sessions or resources.
• Business Writing:
  • Saylor Academy: Saylor offers free courses on business communication and professional writing.
• Technical Writing:
  • MIT OpenCourseware: Look for courses in technical communication or scientific writing.

Important Considerations:

• Quality Varies: While these resources are free, the quality of instruction and materials can vary. Carefully evaluate the source and content before using it.
• Supplement, Don't Replace: Free online resources should often be used to supplement, not replace, traditional classroom instruction.
• Focus on the Process: Emphasize the writing process (pre-writing, drafting, revising, editing) rather than just the final product.
• Personalized Feedback: Even with online tools, personalized feedback from a teacher is essential for student growth in composition.

This list provides a starting point for exploring free online resources for teaching composition. Remember to search for specific topics or areas of interest to find the most relevant materials.

Math

For K-12 Teachers:

• Khan Academy: Offers comprehensive math resources from basic arithmetic to calculus, including videos, exercises, and teacher dashboards for tracking student progress. Excellent for supplemental instruction and personalized learning. (khanacademy.org)
• CK-12: Provides free, customizable math textbooks and other learning materials aligned to Common Core standards. Good for creating differentiated instruction. (ck12.org)
• Open Educational Resources (OER) Commons: A repository of free and openly licensed educational materials, including math resources for all grade levels. (oercommons.org)
• GeoGebra: Free dynamic mathematics software for all levels of education that brings geometry, algebra, spreadsheets, graphing, statistics and calculus together in one easy-to-use package. (geogebra.org)
• Illustrative Mathematics: Offers free, high-quality math tasks and lesson plans aligned to Common Core standards. Focuses on problem-solving and conceptual understanding. (illustrativemathematics.org)
• Inside Mathematics: Provides videos of classroom lessons, professional development resources, and performance tasks aligned to Common Core standards. (insidemathematics.org)
• YouCubed: Resources and research from Stanford University focusing on growth mindset and math learning. Includes free math activities and strategies for teachers. (youcubed.org)
• National Council of Teachers of Mathematics (NCTM): While not all resources are free, NCTM offers valuable free articles, webinars, and other resources related to math education. (nctm.org)

For Higher Education/Advanced Math:

• MIT OpenCourseware: Offers free access to course materials from MIT, including lectures, assignments, and exams for various math courses. (ocw.mit.edu)
• Coursera (Free Audit Options): Many universities offer free auditing options for math courses on Coursera, allowing you to access lectures and some materials. (coursera.org)
• edX (Free Audit Options): Similar to Coursera, edX provides free auditing options for math courses from top universities. (edx.org)
• OpenLearn (The Open University): Offers a variety of free math courses and resources, including introductory and advanced topics. (open.ac.uk/openlearn/)

For Professional Development:

• edTPA: While not a course itself, edTPA provides valuable resources and frameworks for teacher preparation and professional development, including math-specific materials. (edtpa.com)
• Teaching Channel: Offers free videos and resources on effective teaching practices, including math instruction. (teachingchannel.com)
• ASCD (Association for Supervision and Curriculum Development): Provides free articles, webinars, and other resources on various educational topics, including math. (ascd.org)

Other Helpful Resources:

• BetterExplained: Offers clear and intuitive explanations of math concepts. (betterexplained.com)
• Purplemath: Provides free math lessons and practice problems for algebra, trigonometry, and calculus. (purplemath.com)

Tips for Using These Resources:

• Start with your specific needs: Are you looking for resources for a particular grade level or math topic? Knowing your focus will help you narrow down the options.
• Explore different formats: Some resources offer videos, while others provide interactive exercises or lesson plans. Find what works best for your teaching style and your students' learning styles.
• Don't be afraid to mix and match: You can use resources from different websites to create a comprehensive and engaging learning experience for your students.
• Stay updated: New resources and courses are constantly being developed, so be sure to check back regularly for updates.

Remember to always check the licensing agreements for any resources you plan to use in your classroom. While many are free, some may have restrictions on commercial use or adaptation.

  Social Studies

For Skill Development & Pedagogy:

• Khan Academy: Offers resources on teaching history, civics, economics, and other social studies topics, including instructional videos and practice exercises. While not formal courses, they provide valuable content and pedagogical approaches.
• edX: While many of their courses are paid, they often have free audit options that allow you to access course materials and lectures. Search for courses on teaching methodologies, historical thinking, or specific social studies subjects.
• Coursera: Similar to edX, Coursera offers a wide range of courses, some with free audit options. Look for courses on education, history, or specific social science disciplines.
• MIT OpenCourseware: Provides free access to materials from MIT courses, including syllabi, lecture notes, and assignments. Search for courses in history, political science, economics, etc. These are more for content knowledge enhancement but can inform teaching.
• Stanford Online: Offers some free courses and resources related to education and history.
• PBS LearningMedia: Offers a vast library of free digital resources, including videos, lesson plans, and interactive activities, aligned with curriculum standards.
• Facing History and Ourselves: Provides free resources and professional development opportunities focused on teaching about history, ethics, and social justice.
• Teaching Tolerance (Southern Poverty Law Center): Offers free resources and professional development focused on teaching about diversity, equity, and social justice.

Content-Specific Courses & Resources:

• Crash Course: Offers engaging and fast-paced videos on a variety of history and social studies topics. Great for supplemental material.
• HippoCampus: A collection of free educational resources, including videos and simulations, for various subjects, including history and social studies.
• National Geographic Education: Provides free resources, including articles, maps, and lesson plans, on geography, history, and culture.
• Library of Congress: Offers free access to a wealth of primary source materials, including documents, photographs, and audio recordings, for teaching history and social studies.
• National Archives: Similar to the Library of Congress, the National Archives provides access to primary source documents and educational resources.
• Gilder Lehrman Institute of American History: Offers free resources and professional development opportunities for teaching American history.
• Constitutional Rights Foundation: Provides free resources and programs on civics and government.

Platforms with Educational Content (Not Courses, but Useful):

• YouTube: Search for educational channels related to history, social studies, and current events. Be sure to vet the content for accuracy.
• OER Commons: A repository of open educational resources, including lesson plans, textbooks, and other materials.

Tips for Finding Free Courses:

• Search for keywords: Use specific keywords related to your interests, such as "teaching US history," "civic education," or "historical thinking."
• Look for "audit" options: Many platforms offer free audit options for courses, allowing you to access the materials without receiving a certificate.
• Check for professional development opportunities: Some organizations offer free online professional development workshops or webinars for social studies teachers.

Important Note: While these resources are free, remember to critically evaluate the content and ensure it aligns with your curriculum and teaching goals. Also, be mindful of copyright when using online materials.

 Science

Platforms & Aggregators:

• Coursera: Offers a wide range of science education courses, sometimes with free audit options. Search for "science education," "STEM education," "science teaching methods," etc. Many are university-level courses.
• edX: Similar to Coursera, edX hosts courses from universities worldwide, often covering science pedagogy, specific science subjects, and educational technology. Look for courses related to science teaching.
• Khan Academy: Excellent for K-12 science content, but also offers resources and materials for teachers, including practice exercises, videos, and lesson planning tools.
• MIT OpenCourseware: Provides access to materials from MIT courses, including syllabi, lecture notes, assignments, and exams. While not structured as formal courses, these resources can be invaluable for teachers.
• Open Educational Resources (OER) Commons: A repository of freely available educational materials, including science lesson plans, activities, and textbooks.
• PBS LearningMedia: Offers a wealth of free digital resources for teachers, including videos, interactive lessons, and lesson plans aligned to curriculum standards. Many science-focused.
• TED-Ed: Provides engaging video lessons on various science topics, along with resources for teachers to incorporate them into their classrooms.

Subject-Specific Resources:

• NASA Education: Offers a variety of resources for teaching space science, including lesson plans, activities, and multimedia materials.
• National Geographic Education: Provides resources for teaching geography, environmental science, and other related subjects.
• NOAA Education: Offers resources for teaching about oceans, weather, and climate.
• HHMI BioInteractive: Focuses on biology education, offering engaging resources like videos, animations, and virtual labs.
• PhET Interactive Simulations: Provides free interactive simulations for teaching physics, chemistry, biology, and earth science concepts.

Pedagogy & Teaching Methods:

• Teaching Channel: Offers videos and resources on various teaching methods, including those specific to science education.
• Edutopia: Provides articles and resources on effective teaching practices, including project-based learning, inquiry-based learning, and other approaches relevant to science.

Tips for Finding Free Courses:

• Look for "audit" options: Many platforms offer the option to audit courses for free, allowing you to access the course content without receiving a certificate.
• Check for financial aid: Some platforms offer financial aid for courses that are normally paid.
• Search for "open educational resources": OER are specifically designed to be free and accessible.
• Use specific keywords: When searching for courses, use specific keywords related to your subject area and teaching level (e.g., "high school physics teaching methods," "elementary science inquiry-based learning").

Remember to check the specific requirements and availability of each course or resource before enrolling or using it in your classroom. Many free resources are available, but some platforms may require payment for certain features like certificates of completion.