5 Sources for Free Computer Technology Education Online
Free online courses in computer technology are offered by real schools. Learn which computer technology courses are available, what topics they cover and which ones lead to real college credit.
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Information on Online Course Requirements
Most often, any work done by students using OpenCourseWare (OCW) can be done at their own pace and will not be considered for academic credit or graded. Some computer science courses may require advanced proficiency in computer language programming and mathematics, while others don't assume any prior computer-related study.
Some courses even provide resources for extra help, such as tutoring and forums. While many OCW courses supply ample course materials, including video, audio, Web content, slides, notes, music, demos and software, often times certain material and facilities can be unavailable to OCW students. Though not required, students may wish to purchase this material to enhance their learning experience.
Free Online Computer Technology Education Sources
Computer Science 61A at the University of California, Berkeley
This course, in the form of several webcasts or lecture videos, allows students to learn introductory computer science and computer programming techniques. The course material covers data-directed programming and message passing, as well as how to use higher-order functions and a von Neumann machine to create solutions for algorithms.
Intensive Introduction to Computer Science at Harvard
Also known as, Computer Science 50, this course has a variety of online materials, including lectures, demos, music, notes, slides and quizzes. Lectures last 12 weeks and cover topics like source code, loops, dynamic memory allocation, pointers, queues and HTML. By the end of the course, students learn the critical-thinking and problem-solving skills used in computer technology.
Introduction to Computer Science at Stanford
This course from Stanford focuses more on software engineering principles. Through assignments and solutions, lecture videos, PDF handouts, exams and downloadable software, students can focus on the topics of Karel commands, Java scripting, variables, information hiding, strings, event-driven programs and encryption. The Stanford School of Engineering offers many other online courses in computer science as well. Additionally, students have access to exams and the solutions.
Learn and Apply HTML at Utah State University
HTML is the language a browser uses to display Web content. This course aims to teach students how to use HTML to create Web pages and insert graphics. After installing the initial plug-ins, learners use PDF and video content to learn to create a form and publish web pages. Some required materials may not be available online to OCW students. Utah State University also has other courses aimed at teaching computer and Internet basics.
Structure and Interpretation of Computer Programs at MIT
This is an introductory course in computer science, programming languages and computational system analysis. Through online video lectures, students can self-educate on topics such as compound data, generic operators, computational objects, streams, logic programming and register machines. Other available materials include PDF lecture notes, exams, readings, manuals and an online tutor. MIT offers many other OCW courses that focus on computer technology.
Earn Real Credit from Free Courses
While the free courses above don't award credit directly, you can earn credit by passing an exam and transferring credit to your college. There are two widely recognized and affordable options for exams that award credit.
Option #1: CLEP Exams
The College Board's 33 CLEP exams allow you to test out of your general education requirements. Credit is accepted at 2/3 of colleges and universities in the U.S.
Option #2: Excelsior College's Credit-by-Exam
Excelsior College offers over 40 exams that lead to transferable credit. You can also earn three full degrees by taking free online courses and earning your credit by exam.
Learn how Education Portal Academy will pay you to earn credit!
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6 Popular Schools
The schools in the listing below are not free but are popular choices among our users. Tuition and costs will vary across programs and locations. Be sure to always request tuition information before starting a program.
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Online Programs
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Minimum eligibility requirements:
- Must be a high school graduate or have completed GED
Online Programs
- Associate
- Non-Degree
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Minimum eligibility requirements:
- Must be 17 years of age or older
Online Programs
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Non-Degree
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- Career Diploma - Basic Electronics
- Career Diploma - Computer Service & Repair: Hardware
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Minimum eligibility requirements:
- Must be a high school graduate or have completed GED
Online Programs
- Bachelor
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Minimum eligibility requirements:
- Must be 18 years of age or older
Distance Learning Programs
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Minimum eligibility requirements:
- Must be a high school graduate or have completed GED
Online Programs
Other Popular Schools:
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Areas of study you may find at Iowa State University include:
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- Graduate: Doctorate, First Professional Degree, Master
- Undergraduate: Bachelor
- Agriculture
- Architecture
- Biological and Biomedical Sciences
- Business
- Communications and Journalism
- Computer Sciences
- Education
- Engineering
- Liberal Arts and Humanities
- Mechanic and Repair Technologies
- Medical and Health Professions
- Physical Sciences
- Psychology
- Visual and Performing Arts
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Areas of study you may find at University of Michigan include:
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- Graduate: Doctorate, Master
- Undergraduate: Bachelor
- Biological and Biomedical Sciences
- Business
- Communications and Journalism
- Computer Sciences
- Education
- Engineering
- Legal
- Liberal Arts and Humanities
- Medical and Health Professions
- Physical Sciences
- Psychology
- Visual and Performing Arts
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Areas of study you may find at New England Institute of Technology include:
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- Non-Degree: Coursework
- Undergraduate: Associate, Bachelor
- Business
- Communications and Journalism
- Computer Sciences
- Engineering
- Liberal Arts and Humanities
- Mechanic and Repair Technologies
- Medical and Health Professions
- Visual and Performing Arts
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Areas of study you may find at Golden Gate University include:
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- Graduate: First Professional Degree, Master
- Non-Degree: Certificate, Coursework
- Post Degree Certificate: Postbaccalaureate Certificate
- Undergraduate: Bachelor
- Business
- Computer Sciences
- Legal
- Liberal Arts and Humanities
- Medical and Health Professions
- Psychology
- Visual and Performing Arts
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