5 FREE Online Courses to Take This Summer

Summer is the perfect time to learn a new skill. Whether you're looking to speak a different language, or aspiring to learn how to play a musical instrument, this season offers the perfect time and environment to do so.

If you're undecided on which courses to take or if you're short on cash or don't have a lot of time in your hands, then perhaps this blog post will help you out. In this weeks' Top 5 Friday, we've decided to compile a list of great online courses that aren't just educational, they're FREE of charge. And the best part is, since they're conducted online, you can take these course whenever you want, and at your own time.

1. Photoshop Training & Tutorials "FREE" - Developing Photoshop skills will be very beneficial even if you're not planning to be a graphic designer. Whether you're applying to be an all-around assistant at a company or trying to re-touch an unflattering photo, some knowledge of Photoshop will definitely come in handy. Taught by photographer / retoucher Manfred Werner, this course will fill you in on an array of Photoshop tips and tricks from basic features and tools, to more advanced functions, including retouching and other creative speed retouchings.

2. Ideas Come From Everywhere - Ever wondered where the idea for Google Maps or the Google Toolbar came from? This course will fill you in. Marissa Mayer (Yahoo's newly appointed CEO) will tell you all about where ideas come from. Mayer used to be Google's VP of Search Products and User Experience, and in this course, she speaks about how they came up ideas, what to do with them, and what happens when projects fail. It's definitely an interesting course that can effectively inspire you and get cooking with new ideas.

3. An Entrepreneur's Checklist - Taught by serial entrepreneur Steve Blank, this course will give you the basic things that you need to know when starting a business. If you're considering founding a startup soon (or someday) be sure to take this course. Here, Blank shares some points about startups, market opportunity, market regulations, distribution, competitors and more.

4. SEO Tips and Tricks with SEOmoz - Want to know how some websites manage to get to the top of Google's search results? This course will show you how. SEO Tips and Tricks with SEOmoz is a beginner's course for anyone who needs to know how Search Engine Optimization Works. You'll learn about link building, keyword targeting mapping keywords to content, and more. Taught by one of the leading SEO companies out there, this course filled with actionable video that can get your SEO efforts started in no time.

5. Psychology 110: Introduction to Psychology with Paul Bloom - If you have a desire to understand others (or even yourself) some more, then this course is for you. Want to know what your dreams mean? Wish to understand the differences between men and women? Wondering why you can't tickle yourself? You'll find the answers to all these questions and more with this great and unbelievably free Psychology course.

Image credit: » Zitona « on Flickr

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