Podcasts And Their Benefits

Marketing via podcast gets the arched eyebrow from some companies; podcasting is a relatively new concept. But in successful guerilla marketing, experimenting with the new is key. And current marketing research shows this new concept has legs: A recent study done by Arbitron/Edison found that 13 percent of U.S. Internet users listened to a podcast in 2007, and the graphic at the right shows business users who make tech buying decisions have adopted the technology in much greater force. What are you waiting for? You can tap into this ready-made market for less money than you spend on a tank of gas.

Audacity (audacity.sourceforge.net) is my favorite podcast recorder. It's free; available for Windows, Mac OS, and Linux; and easy to use. It also has a significant community; check Audacity's own Wiki page (www.audacityteam.org/wiki) for adding sound effects, editing tips, and more. It's easier to make serious budget mistakes on the hardware side, so take it slow there. My first podcasting sessions were done with a $45 Logitech phone-style headset.

Getting the Word Out

Making the MP3 file is the easy part; distributing it to best effect is the trick. It's certainly easy to submit your recording to iTunes—using iTunes 4.9 or later, click the iTunes Store icon, from Choose Genre pick the Podcasts category and then click Publish a Podcast. But that simply drops your podcast in with the work of a few million other amateurs. Targeting your podcast for a specific audience requires more work.

To begin with, you want at least a basic familiarity with ID3 and RSS tags. ID3 tags are category information, like Artist, Album, and Composer, for MP3 tracks. Searchers use these categories. ID3 tags can support a fairly detailed description of podcast content, series number and recording date, and title—you can even upload a logo to go with each recording.

Once you have an idea of how to position your podcast in the searchosphere, where to drop the actual download becomes important. Podcast hosts, such as Big Contact (www.bigcontact.com) or Liberated Syndication (www.libsyn.com), can make a huge difference. They represent a fast-expanding field among Web hosting companies. You can submit your podcast to iTunes while keeping it on a host's site and gain access to a wide variety of management and positioning tools. Hosts may offer integration with podcast creation apps, the ability to record from a phone or add image art to your podcasts, fan-base management software, RSS and metatag management, and more. Hosting accounts can run from free to upward of $500 a month.

And how do you find the best host for your business? An easy way is to engage the services of a consultant. Outfits such as Princess Audio (www.princessaudio.com), What I Want Podcasting (whatiwantpodcasting.com), and Blast Podcast (www.blastpodcast.com) can take your raw MP3 and turn it into a professional-sounding audio experience. They help choose the right host for your marketing goals and also help integrate your podcast with the rest of your Web 2.0 marketing efforts. RSS tags are a good example. Podcast content can, and should be, integrated with your Web site and marketing blog, which means the metatags your Web site uses for search-engine positioning and the RSS tags used to attract the right audience to your blog can also reel in the right podcast audience.

Both consultants and hosts also offer help with podcast advertising. Soliciting advertising for your podcast could result in enough revenue to offset the cost of creating the podcast. Putting your own advertising on other podcasts that might reach your target audience means more exposure for you. Hosts and podcast service providers like RawVoice (www.rawvoice.com) do this professionally, even going as far as offering advertising brokerage services.

Let's Go to the Video?

Another form of podcasting adds video. While similar to audio, video podcasting is evolving differently. Since viewing them requires a screen, many video podcasts are viewed directly from Web sites. Branching out into video podcasting means adding a video player to your site. Production costs are significantly higher: You need not just a high-quality camera and video-editing software but most likely a professional spokesperson—not everyone's face is made for TV. Finally, while there are consultants for video podcast creation and consultants for podcast distribution, I've yet to see one do both. You'll likely need two outside services to help your video podcast to succeed.

Use Your iPod to Learn and Study Better

If you think that iPods are used just for listening to music, you obviously haven't been keeping up with the latest technology. The Apple-developed music player now features all kinds of accessories to help you study better, and now other companies are in a rush to get their designs in sync with the iPod. Pre-teens, college kids and even adults are taking advantage of the educational benefits an iPod affords them. From downloadable podcasts to just-for-iPod study guides and applications, learning on the go has never been easier. To find out about the many different ways you can transform your iPod into a learning device, check out our list below.

Study Guides
Stop trying to keep track of all your Spark Notes and endless study guides. Use these programs to upload study materials onto your iPod.

Spark Notes: Long considered a busy high school or college student's best friend, the online study guide database now offers users an iPod-friendly version. Get summaries and analyses of books like A Tale of Two Cities, Beowulf, Hamlet and more.

iPREPpress: This website provides study guides, travel guides and foreign language training, all compatible with iPods.
Raybook: This company has turned popular study guides and flash cards like Cliff's

Notes and Netter's into iPod-compatible study sessions. Programs use video, audio
and interactive media to help you learn more effectively.

VangoNotes: College students can browse this website for audio downloads in subjects like Sociology, Nursing, Business, Computer Science and other disciplines to access textbook study guides.

NotePods: Currently offered for just $1.99 each, these iPod-compatible study guides give summaries on Jane Austen novels, Shakespeare plays, works by Tolstoy and more.
WorldNomads Language Guides: Prepare for your next vacation by learning Spanish, Thai, French, Hindi, Arabic, Italian, Japanese, Chinese or any of the other languages offered here.

CramSession: Computer and IT students studying for professional exams can find audio study guides here, ready to download.

SparkCharts: This designed-for-iPod study charts help students prep for tests in biology, anatomy, chemistry, algebra, calculus, Spanish and other subjects.

SAT Vocabulary Builder: Get test taking strategies and access to a flocabulary hip hop audio session that will help you remember tricky SAT vocab words.
Cisco Study Guides: Students and professionals studying for Cisco exams can access iPod-compatible study guides here.

Podcasts and More
From podcasts to audio books and other downloadable learning devices, check out these tools that give new meaning to the phrase "continuing education."


GoogleGet: Get your Google News and iPod in sync by installing this software program. You'll stay current on all the top news stories, making you better prepared for class or work.

Smithsonian Global Sound: Listen to and learn about music styles from all over the world by checking out the downloads available at the Smithsonian's Global Sound site.

Soundwalk: This site currently only sells CDs and MP3s, but you can use an MP3-iPod converter to check out unique self-guided audio tours like "The Bronx Graffiti Walk" or "The Paris St. Germain Walk."

ESL Podcasts: Learn English by taking these ESL classes on your iPod.
Pod CityGuides: This site has hundreds of city guides that are compatible with iPods, so no one has to know you're really a tourist.

iPod Spanish to Go: Learn Spanish on your iPod with this program that teaches pronunciation, vocabulary, grammar and culture.

Mogopop: Use this online program to enhance iPod learning by adding notes, video and
illustrations to audiobooks and study notes.

BiblePLayer for iPod 1.1: Add the King James Bible to your iPod for free with this download.

Brain Quest: This popular educational game is available at different levels for grades 1-7.

Stedman's Medical Terminology Flash Cards: This set of iPod-friendly flash cards will help any healthcare, nursing, pre-med or medical student prepare for an exam.

Teach Kids Valuable Lessons with Free Sesame Street iPod Videos: Lifehacker writes about the six free Sesame Street videos offered on iTunes, perfect for introducing your child to technology and other educational basics.

The Education Podcast Network: Find this podcast at the iTunes store to access information, tutorials and other materials about teaching students at all levels and in a variety of disciplines.

NPR Science Friday: Listen to clever, engaging discussions about science from National Public Radio's popular program.

The Philosophy Talk: This is "the program that questions everything...except your intelligence." Find it on iTunes to save podcasts on your iPod.

Tutorials

These tutorials will help you make the most of your iPod by showing you how to learn new skills and create your own podcasts.

iTunes Store - Audiobooks: Find audiobooks on any subject at the iTunes Store, including news, sports, technology, travel, languages, drama and poetry and more.

Kaplan SAT Prep: Supplement your SAT prep with this iPod-friendly download from Kaplan.

iPod Manuals, User Guides and Tutorials: Troubleshoot any problems you have with your iPod and new educational downloads using this collection of iPod manuals.

Video iPod Tutorial: Learn how to add podcasts, videos and more to your iPod by checking out this easy how-to guide.

Learning Podcasting: If you want to create your own podcast to share your skills or expertise on a particular subject, read this in-depth introduction to podcasting from Wise-Women.org.

Podtender 3.0: This software program will teach you how to make all kinds of tasty cocktails for your next party.

PodGourmet 2.0: Teach yourself to become a master chef when you get recipes for traditional and vegan meals with this iPod program.

iPod Lesson Plans: Use your iPod in clever new ways to engage students in the classroom. Lesson plan ideas include learning math with music and creating an audio tour.

Librivox: Access podcasts and recordings of book chapters from nearly all genres of literature.

LearnOutLoud.com: This popular website offers free audio books, lectures and other educational material that can be put on an iPod. Browse categories like technology, religion and spirituality, languages, science, politics and business, among others.

Applications

Check out these applications and software programs that will make learning with your iPod even easier.

iPodSync: Sync up your work or school Outlook accounts with your iPod by installing iPodSync. You can get automatic updates and transfers for notes, calendar appointments, e-mail, news feeds and more.

MP3 to iPod Converter: Use this software to convert MP3s to iPod-compatible audio books.

iGadget: Make your class notes, presentations, study guides and other materials iPod-friendly by using iGadget. You'll be able to move documents and files back and forth between your iPod and your computer easily and securely.

Plato Video to iPod Converter: Use this app to transform all kinds of video formats into MP4 formats so that you can upload video clips and footage onto your iPod.

Anapod: If you're a Windows user but love your iPod, use the Anapod to transfer files back and forth, including class notes, Web clips and more.

CopyTrans: If you've loaded up your iPod with tons of finals week study guides, formulas and translators, use the CopyTrans to back it all up and get in sync with your computer...just in case.

iSquint: Convert DVDs, TiVo, AVI, WMV and other video formats to iPod-friendly videos with iSquint.

iPodifier: Sync up your iPod with TiVo, Windows Media Player or SageTV to view video streams of the news, educational programming or other TV shows on your iPod.

iWriter: Talking Panda's iWriter gives you the tools to create your own iPod study tools with this application and quick tutorial.

YouTube to iPod Converter 2.6: This free converter lets you watch educational videos, TV clips and more on your iPod so that you can review for tests, contribute to class discussions or add them to a presentation.

WiPod v1.0: If you're looking for a place to study, do some research or prepare for a business meeting, use this application to help you identify the nearest public

WiFi hotspot.

More Downloads
Find even more classes and audio books online here. Then, download them to your iPod and keep learning on your way to class, on the plane to your next vacation or anywhere else you have a few minutes to zone out.


Telltale Weekly: This audio book store allows students and literature enthusiasts purchase AAC-formatted audio books and stories for just 25 cents each. Browse categories like Drama, Nonfiction, Humor and Popular Authors.

Free Classic AudioBooks: Find books like Herman Melville's Typee, Huckleberry Finn and Swiss Family Robinson in iPod-friendly formats here.

Made for Success: This popular personal and professional coaching program is now offered in an audio book format.

Sound Book Emporium: Browse categories like Foreign Language Study, Self Help and Business to find a class that meets your personal, professional or academic needs.

Talking Books Network: Students can quickly listen to key chapters of books they need to finish for class or hear critiques of literary works to help them contribute to in-class discussions.

Project Gutenberg: This large online library of audio books and e-books contains stories and books in languages from English to Greek to Danish to Korean.

iJourneys: Take walking tours in cities like Salzburg, Vienna, Amsterdam, Paris and
Ancient Rome by downloading iPod-compatible guides from this site.

Audio Bibles for iPod: AllBibles.com offers iPod-compatible Bibles for theology and seminary students, or for those who just want a more portable version to take along with them.

iLingo: This easy-to-use foreign language program is designed for the iPod and includes tutorials in Italian, German, Portuguese, Mandarin, Korean, Japanese,

Russian and more.

PodGuides.net: Create your own podguide to give visitors an insider's look at your community, or browse through other guides to enhance your next vacation to Melbourne, Brussels, France's Opal Coast and more.

Classroom Help

Supplement your class discussions with iPod tools like StudyGuideGuru and Portable Notes, which will keep your assignments fresh in your head all day.

The Teaching Company: Supplement your class assignments and syllabi with courses and study guides from The Teaching Company. You can search topics like Ancient and Modern History, Religion, Philosophy, Science and Mathematics and more.

Portable Notes: Use this guide to help you install Portable Notes on your iPod, making it easy to review class notes and study guides even if you're away from your computer.

Merriam-Webster Reference Dictionary: Download the popular dictionary onto your iPod to look up words and definitions in class, on your way to class or anywhere else.

StudyGuideGuru: This collection of literature study guides will help you prep for your next exam, paper or in-class discussion.

iPod Learning Support

New iPod users will appreciate these crash courses in iTunes, podcasting and downloading, while seasoned iPod veterans can find new tricks to maximize their iPod's portability.

Get Tips for Podcasts: The iTunes Store publishes this tutorial with tips for searching for, purchasing and playing podcasts on your iPod.

Download and Install iTunes: If you've just bought an iPod, check out this quick training guide to get tips on searching for and downloading iTunes.

PDA iPod Guide: This website features MP4 converters, iPod converters, software and tutorials that will help you turn your iPod into a learning device with all the bells and whistles.

Podcasting Plus: This in-depth guide has everything you need to know about creating your own podcast.

Podcasting Legal Guide: Understand the legal issues and limitations that affect podcasting with this guide.

iPod in the Classroom: Take a look at Apple's collection of lesson plans for teachers who want to use their iPod for classroom work.

iLounge: Get together with other iPod users to find out about new things you can do with your iPod.

Rock Your iPod with an Open-Source Upgrade: Consider turning your iPod into an open-source device, allowing you to access even more videos, tutorials, online classes and more.

5 Tricks You can Teach iTunes: Maximize your iPod's potential by learning how to work these tricks, including sharing files, reversing sync and setting up smart playlists.

Tools and Sites

Turn to these websites for access to even more audio books and iPod learning devices.

AudioBook-Megashop: Categories here include Arts and Drama, Fiction, History and

Self Help. There are no monthly subscription fees; just pay once each time you purchase an audio book.

ShowFootage: Browse through this site's library of video clips to make your presentations and projects more attractive.

Audible.com: Find a large variety of books, newspapers and magazines ready to download to your iPod on this site. Categories include Romance, Classics, Business,

History and more.

iPod Tours: Apple's iPod Tour Guide store lets you search for and download audio tours like Chateau de Versailles, Jewish Museum Berlin and Disney Cruise Line.

AudioLearn: This site offers all kinds of test prep guides for the SAT, MCAT, DAT,
TOEFL and other exams, all ready to be uploaded onto your iPod.

Homeschool eStore: Find SparkNotes in iPod-friendly formats here.

English Tutor TeleCampus: Download test preps for your iPod to study for the TOEFL, GRE, GMAT and other tests.

Rocketbook Video Study Guides: These unique video study guides can be downloaded as MP3s, but use a converter to make them iPod friendly. Humorous videos include guides for The Great Gatsby, Romeo and Juliet and The Odyssey.
Books on Board: Search for ebooks and audio books on this site, in categories ranging from Women's Reading to Textbooks to Classics to Business.

iPlay Music: This set of music lessons is designed for a variety of multimedia devices, including the iPod.

MyTrainingCenter.com: Access hundreds of video tutorials and how-to guides that provide computer and business training. Downloads are compatible with the iPod.

Unerase Tool: Recover lost study guides, class notes and other materials with this handy tool made for iPods.

Budget Travel Podcasts: The famed Budget Travel site now offers downloadable podcasts for vacations to Las Vegas, Miami and Quebec City.

iTunes U

These top schools offer classes on iTunes U. Start downloading now to listen to Ivy League professors lecture, brush up on your foreign language skills or just broaden your horizons.

Stanford on iTunes: Take a class from Stanford by downloading one onto your iPod. Or, you can find interviews with faculty and lectures to help you better understand the course material at your own school.

University of California -- Berkeley: Classes from this well-respected school are available in chemistry, the social sciences, journalism and much more.

Duke University: Listen to the Duke Featured Speakers Podcast or check out notes from the Theatre department or listen to the lecture series sponsored by the Johns
Hopkins Center for Interdisciplinary and International Studies.

New York Law School: New York Law School has lectures on iTunes on environmental law, family law, adoption policy, legal education and other hot topics.

MIT: This elite school shares lecture notes, project discussions and more on subjects ranging from engineering to philosophy to urban studies.

Michigan Tech": Classes like Forest Resources and Environmental Science, Chemical Engineering and Materials Science and Engineering are all available in podcast form at iTunesU.

Yale Books and Authors: Check out this collection of podcasts from Yale authors and faculty, on topics like education, slavery and more.

Harvard Extension School: Take classes from Harvard from the comfort of wherever you bring your iPod. This program features podcasts of a variety of lectures and courses from the Ivy school.

Wellesley on iTunesU: Wellesley College courses and lectures like "Not Such a Small World: The Challenges of Globalization" and "Academic Frauds, Fictions and Fantasies" on iTunes.

Texas A & M: Find all kinds of workshop materials, lectures and other podcasts from this well-known school on iTunes.

Lehigh University: Listen to and watch lectures, news, videos and entire courses from Lehigh University.

Northeastern University: NU is another top school with classes, interviews and other educational materials on iTunes.

Queen's University: Canada's famous Queen's University provides lectures, sports events, news and more to people all over the world wanting to advance their education.

Miscellaneous
Read below for fun tutorials and podcasts that will enhance your educational experience no matter where you are.

iPod in Education: Visit this site for advice, tutorials and downloads for using the

iPod in educational settings.

Research at Chicago: The University of Chicago sponsors this podcast, full of interviews and reports fro the latest research projects in psychology, physics, law and more.

Business English: Learn how to communicate better and improve your professional English skills by tuning into the podcast on your iPod.

History According to Bob: Professor Bob takes his listeners through history, from Ancient Greece to World War I to the Aztecs.

Education Podcast with John Merrow: This PBS-sponsored podcast features correspondent John Merrow and his interviews and reports on the social, political, economic and cultural issues that affect our world.

Openculture: Free Educational Podcasts: Check out this extensive list of free podcasts from colleges and universities like Columbia, Dartmouth, Notre Dame, Stanford Law and the London School of Economics.

Free Online Classes to Learn Anything

A high quality education doesn't have to come at a high cost. In fact, it's possible to take classes from big names like Yale, MIT, and Tufts without ever submitting an application or paying a cent in tuition. We've compiled 200 online classes from these and other respected institutions, and you can take all of them with no strings attached.

Natural Science

These courses cover physics, geology, natural phenomena, and more.

Fundamentals of Physics: Professor Ramamurti Shankar's physics course from Yale covers Newtonian mechanics, special relativity, and more.
Principles of Chemical Science: Professors Ceyer and Drennan of MIT provide this introductory chemistry course.
Frontiers and Controversies in Astrophysics: Yale's Professor Charles Bailyn discusses extra-solar planets, black holes and dark energy in this course.
Life in the Palaeozoic: Take a look at the evolution that occured in the Palaeozoic era.

General Biology I: Learn the basic principles of biology in this course.
General Biology II: This course continues the principles from General Biology I.
Physics I: Classical Mechanics: Professor Lewin from MIT discusses Newtonian mechanics, fluid mechanics, and kinetic gas theory.
Climate Change: Understand the basic science behind climate change and global warming.

Quantum Mechanics: Get a working knowledge and comprehension of quantum mechanical operations.
Organic Chemistry I: Professors Berkowski and O'Connor of MIT cover the basic principles of the structure and reactivity behind organic molecules.
Earthquakes: Learn about these destructive natural disasters.
Comparing Stars: Get an introduction to stars and the Hertzprung-Russell diagram.
Physics III: Vibrations and Waves: Physics III with MIT's Professor Lewin covers mechanical vibrations, waves, and beyond.
Introduction to Modern Physics: This course discusses physics from Max Planck to Einstein.

Superconductivity: Take a look at the phenomenon of superconductivity and its applications.
Electricity and Magnetism: Learn about electromagnitism in everyday objects and beyond with MIT professor Walter Lewin.
Evolution Through Natural Selection: Explore the theory of evolution by natural selection according to Charles Darwin.
Physics for Humanists: Learn about classical and modern physics with emphasis on the connection between science and society.
The Evolving Universe: This course discusses the "Big Bang" and what is believed to have happened in the moments following.
Physics I: Physics I with MIT professor Stanley Kowalski is an introduction to classical mechanics.
The Sun: Get an in-depth look at the brightest star in our universe.
Math

Study math, from simple prices to calculus in these courses.

Linear Algebra: MIT professor Gilbert Strang discusses matrix theory and linear algebra.
Exploring Distance Time Graphs: Learn how to present mathematical information in graphs.
Differential Equations: MIT professors Arthur Mattuck and Haynes Miller present differential equations in this course.

An Introduction to Complex Numbers: In this course, you'll take a look at complex numbers and learn how they're defined.
Calculus I: Get an introduction to differential and integral calculus in this course.
Calculus II: This course is a continuation of Calculus I.
Calculus III: Follow the continuation of Calculus I and II in this course and learn about calculus of functions of several variables.
Prices: Take a look at a number of different ways to compare prices.
Single Variable Calculus: MIT's Professor Jason Starr covers differation and integration of functions of one variable.
Systems of Differential Equations: Learn how a variety of situations can by modeled into linear differential equations.
Math Everywhere: Learn how to recognize math when you come across it.
Engineering & Computer Science

Learn about computer networks, electrical engineering, and more with these classess.

Circuits and Electronics: Get an introduction to the fundamentals of the lumped circuit abstraction from MIT's Professor Anant Agarwal.
Network Security: Learn about the methods available for network security.
Science of Sound: This course covers 8 different aspects of sound.
Numerical Methods in Civil Engineering: In this course, you'll find applications of approximation, interpolation, and more.

Protocols in Multi-Service Networks: Examine protocols in networks that interconnect devices for two-way communication.
Flash: Get familiarized with Macromedia Flash in this course.
Mathematical Methods for Engineers I: Check out math for engineers from MIT's Professor Gilbert Strang.
Signals and Systems: Find out about systems realizations, Fourier transform, and more.
Computers and Computer Systems: This course discusses the computers we encounter in our daily lives.

Computer System Engineering: MIT professors Balakrishnan and Madden provide an overview of the engineering behind computer software and hardware systems.
Communications Systems I: This course covers analog communication, including the basic Fourier transform properties.
Fluid Mechanics: This course covers fluid properties, dynamics, flow, and more.
Information on the Web: Learn how to use the Internet as an information resource.
Microelectronic Devices and Circuits: Professor del Alamo of MIT covers devices, circuits and systems in this course.

Stochastic Processes: Get an introduction to stochastic processes, presented in communications, signal processing, and more.
Introducing ICT Systems: Learn about what ICT systems are and how they work.
Models and Modeling: This course discusses models and the modeling process.
Soil-based Hazardous Waste Management: Learn about the engineering management of hazardous waste in this course.
Introduction to Algorithms: Learn about the design, analysis, and methods of efficient algorithms from MIT professors Eric Demaine and Charles Leiserson.
Error Control Coding: Get an understanding of modern error control coding, with an emphasis on algebraic block coding.
Designing the User Interface: Discover how user interface design can create a user-friendly environment.
Uncertainty in Engineering Analysis: This course offers a study of probability and statistics for engineers.
Signals and Systems: This course from MIT discusses the fundamentals of signal and system analysis.
Accessibility in Interaction Design: Take a look at disabilities and understand how you can create a design that's accessible to all.
Mathematics for Computer Science: MIT professors Meyer and Rubinfeld introduce discreme mathematics for computer science and engineering.
Biochemical Engineering: This course covers biochemical processes, thermodynamics, and kinetics.
Structure and Interpretation of Computer Programs: MIT professors Grimson, Darrell, and Szolovits offer an introduction to the principles of computation.
An Introduction to Data and Information: Learn how a computer processes data into information.
Information Theory: Explore the limits of the representation and transmission of information in this course.
Language, Arts & Design

Get in touch with your artistic side by learning French, studying poetry, and honing your dance skills.

Modern Poetry: This Yale poetry course with Professor Langdon Hammer discusses modern poetry, including Yeates, Pound and Frost.
French: En Ville: Learn basic French language skills that will help you find your way around a French town.
Three-Dimensional Modeling, Animation and Rendering Using Blender 3D Software: This course is an introduction to computer generated 3-D modeling and animation.
Beginning Latin: Grammar: Learn the ancient language of Latin in this course.
Finding Information in Modern Languages: Learn how to identify and use information in Modern Languages.
Introduction to Writing: Academic Prose: Learn how to write academic papers in this course.
Producing Films for Social Change: Learn about the basic principles of video journalism, with special attention paid to documentaries for social change.
Spanish: Espacios Publicos: This language course focuses on Spanish as a communication tool, as well as Hispanic culture.
First Year Chinese I: Get a basic understanding of Chinese speaking and written languages in this course.
First Year Chinese II: This course is a continuation of First Year Chinese II.
Dance Skills: Learn this expressive art form as a way to communicate through movement.
English Grammar in Context: Understand the complexities of English grammar with this course.
Studing the Arts and Humanities: Get an introduction to studying the arts and humanities, working on your learning skills.
Technology for Professional Writers: Develop technological skills that are needed for today's writing industry with this course.
Understanding Theatre: Learn about the enjoyment of theatre as an art form as well as theatre's application to daily life.
CALFNES Spanish: This Spanish course is deisnged for non-English speakers.
Nature and the Built Environment: This course discusses architecture as it relates to nature, now and in ancient cities.
Intermediate Writing: Research Writing in a Persuasive Mode: Develop critical skills for persuasive research writing with this course.
Classical Drama and Theatre: Take a look at ancient Greek and Roman theatre in this course.
Health

You're not going to learn how to perform open heart surgery with these classes, but they do offer a wealth of information.

Health Issues for Aging Populations: This Johns Hopkins course introduces the study of aging.
Introduction to Biology: MIT offers this course as an overview of biology.
Introduction to Methods for Health Service Research and Evaluation: Get an introduction to research within health services organizations and systems with this course.
Principles of Drug Development: Learn about the principles behind drug development in this course.
Implant Dentistry: Learn about implant dentistry in this course.
Professional Issues in Nursing: This course helps RNS develop reading, thinking, and writing skills for university study.
Epidemiology of Infectious Diseases: This course offers an introduction to the basic methods for infectious diseases.
Addiction and Neural Aging: Take a look at specific issues in both neural aging and addiction.
Public Health Biology: Get a molecular and biological perspective on public health issues.
Population Change and Public Health: Learn about population size and the way it changes public health.
Managed Care and Health Insurance: This course provides an overview of insurance and managed care plans.
Health Assessment and Promotion: Learn about health assessment, the nursing process, and early detection in this course.
Preclinical Complete Denture Prosthodontics: Learn about clinical steps and lab procedures behind complete dentures and other prosthodontics.
Genetics: In this course, you'll learn about genetic diseases and more.
Ethical Issues in Public Health: This course focuses on ethical theory and issues in health policy.

Introduction to Clinical Pain Problems: Learn about the general principles of evaluation and management of common pain.
STI Prevention: Using Epidemiology to Inform Policy and Program: Take a look at the issues of sexually transmitted diseases and how they can be controlled.
History of Public Health: Understand the historical experience of health and illness.
Food Safety, Storage and Allergies: Discuss the safety of foods, concerning their storage, additives, and food technology.
Human Growth and Development: Deepen your patient knowledge with this course.
Microbiology: Study microbiology as it pertains to infectious diseases in this course.
Concepts in Economic Evaluation: Understand economic evaluation as it is related to public health.

Ethics of Human Subject Research: Learn about ethical theory and principles as they apply to human subject research.
Comtemporary Biosocial Problems in America: Take a look at the application of basic biological ideas to modern American social problems in this course.
Opthamology Grand Rounds: Take a look at interesting cases from the New England Eye Center Grand Rounds in this course.
Epidemiology and Biostatistics: Get the skills you need to critique medical literature in this course.
Reproductive and Perinatal Epidemiology: Learn about current research, issues, and problems in reproductive health and perinatal epidemiology.
Renal Pathiphysiology: Learn how the kidneys adapt, all about different disorders, and kidney therapy.

Nutrition and Medicine: In this course, you'll learn basic nutrition principles.
Family Planning Policies and Programs: Learn about the issues and strategies behind family planning programs, particularly programs in developing countries.
Agriculture & Veterinary Medicine

Take on issues like the environment, veterinary health, and conservation.

Agricultural Science and Policy I: Learn about natural resource conservationism in this course.
Agricultural Science and Policy II: This second semester course discusses plant nutrients, pests, breeding, and production.
Histology: Learn about the microscopic anatomy of animals in this course.
Cattle Management: Learn how to manage cattle under drought conditions with this course.

Animals at the Extremes: The Desert Environment: This course will show you how animal life adapts to survive extreme habitats.Irrigation & Conveyance Control Systems: Learn about the measurement of flow rates and water levels in irrigation.
Plant Diseases & Chemicals: Discuss pesticides for the use of plant disease control.
Law and Veterinary Medicine: Get acquainted with the law and ethics behind veterinary medicine.

Tropical Ecology and Conservation: Get an in-depth understanding of tropical ecology and conservation biology from this course.
Vegetable Gardening and Lawn Care: This course covers soil preparation, planting, and general care related to gardening.
Veterinary Respiratory Pathophysiology: This course offers an overview of respiratory physiology and structure.
Sprinkle & Trickle Irrigation: Learn about the design and evaluation of irrigation systems.

Water Quality: These videos cover water usage and drinking water safety.
Population Health: Take a look at the relationship between animal health, human health, public health, and more.
Human-Animal Relationships: Learn about the relationships between animals and humans in this course.

Zoological Medicine: This course covers the treatment of non-traditional species, such as wildlife, zoo species, and exotic animals.
Surface Irrigation Design: Originally developed for the US Department of Agriculture, this course discusses the design and evaluation of surface irrigation systems.
Law & Politics

Brush up on the law and the political process with these classes.

Theories of Public Policy: Get a look at policymaking in this course.
International Relations: Learn the fundamentals of international relations in this course.
Terrorism, Peace and Other Inconsistencies: This course takes a look at 9/11, terrorism, global security, and more.

Judges and the Law: Learn about the ways in which judges influence law.
Mary Wollstonecraft and Mary Shelley: This political theory course discusses the implications of women's rights as they relate to mother Mary Wollstonecraft and daughter Mary Shelley.
Introduction to Political Philosophy: Get an introduction to political science with Yale professor Steven B. Smith.
Making and Using Rules: Learn how we interpret and apply rules, and how they work in the English legal system.
Social Science

Learn about human phsychology, worldwide social issues, and more with these courses.

Death: Yale's Professor Shelly Kagan discusses the issues that arise from realizing one's own mortality.
Introduction to Philosophy: This course offers a topics-based introduction to philosophy.
Introduction to Psychology: This psychology class from MIT professor Jeremy Wolfe surveys questions about human behavior.
Cultural Anthropology: In this course, you'll learn about biological evolution, the evolution of civilizations, and more.
Public Opinion: Learn about attitude and public opinion from this course.
Introducing Consciousness: Discuss the baffling aspect of conciousness in our minds.
Introduction to Philosophy: Get introduced to philosophical questions in this course.

Ancient Wisdom and Modern Love: This course takes a look at romance and erotic love, combining philosophy and literature.
Substance Abuse and the Family: Learn about how families with substance abusers function.
Promoting Positive Development Among Youth: Learn about applied developmental science theory in this course.
Women in Islamic Societies: In this course you'll find a survey of issues relating to women in the Islamic world.
Introduction to Psychology: Learn about dreams, sexual desires, and other introductory psychology topics with Yale professor Paul Bloom.
History

Learn from the past with these history courses.

19th Century Europe: Learn about life in 19th century Europe in this course.
The Roman Empire: Introducing Some Key Terms: Go over key terms that are necessary for an understanding of Roman history.

African American History: Learn about the history of African Americans.
History of Utah: This course covers the history of the state of Utah.
US Institutions: Here, you'll find the US Constitution as a focal point to institutions in America.
Islamic Societies of the Middle East and North Africa: This course discusses the religion, history, and culture of Islamic societies in the Middle East and North Africa.
History and Civilization: Understand the development of various Western civilizations.
Theology

Take a look at religious development, history, and more.

Introduction to the Old Testament: Learn about the religious life and thought of ancient Israel as well as the bible's function as a foundational document in Western civilization with Yale's Professor Christine Hayes.
Anthropology of Religion: In this course, you'll find an analysis of religion as a cultural phenomenon.
Faith and the African American Experience: Take a look at the historical development in African American faith.
Foundations of Theology: Biblical and Historical: This course will familiarize you with the Bible and development of the early Christian church.
Latino Theology and Christian Tradition: This class discusses latino theology and traditions.
Jews and Christian Throughout History: This course takes a look at the historical interaction of Jews and Christians.
Religion Today: Themes and Issues: Discuss the presence of religion in today's world.
Business & Finance

Use these courses to better understand management, economics, and innovation.

Principles of Macroeconomics: MIT Professor Huntley Schaller's course gives an overview of macroeconomic issues.
Capital Markets: This course covers monetary policy, central banks, and more.
Creating an Ethical Organization: Find out what you can do to make your organization more ethical and responsible.
Fundamentals of Personal Financial Planning: This course is designed to make financial consumers more aware of issues in financial planning.
Introduction to Economics: In this course, you'll focus on economic institutions, history, and principles.
Microeconomics for Managers: Here, you'll find an overview of macroeconomic theory and policy.
Entrepreneurial Behavior: Find out what's involved in becoming an entrepreneur.
Introduction to Microeconomics: This course will teach you about the economics of the marketplace.
Understanding Management: Get a clear definition of "management" and information on what's involved in being a manager.
Training and Human Resources Development: In this course, you'll learn how to tailor training to your specific needs.
International Economics: Learn about trade theory, policy, and international finance.
The Concept of Innovation: Examine the concept of innovation, and learn its differences from invention.
Medical Product Quality Systems: Learn about the quality control issues behind medical products.
E-Marketing: This course, offered in Spanish only, discusses the use of the Internet as a marketing tool.
International Multilateral Negotiation: Learn about the tools, techniques, and rhythms of multilateral negotiation.
Spa Operations: In this course, you'll learn how to operate a successful spa.
Managerial Economics: This course will teach you how to apply microeconomics to management decisions.
An Introduction to Business Cultures: Learn about the different cultures behind companies and how they act conceptually.
Regulatory Requirements for Pharmaceutical Products: Learn about what's required in pharmaceutical product creation.
Business Analysis: Take a look at the new partnership between business and IT in this course.
Family & Education

These courses focus on family, children and better methods for learning.

Introduction to Open Education: Understand open education issues like copyright, licensing, and sustainability, as well as learn more about the open education movement.
Psychosocial Aspects of Visual Impairment: Better understand students with vision impairments using this course.
Intro to Instructional Design: Learn about the design that falls into creating the processes of learning.
Producing Distance Education Resources: Learn how to produce resources for online education in this course.
Parents and Toddlers: Teaching and Learning at Home: See how children learn at home, and learn about different at-home teaching methods.
Why Teach Art?: Learn why art is an important part of the school curriculum.
Marriage and Family Relationships: Get a balanced understanding of marriage and the family.
Understanding Online Interaction: Better understand how to develop learning environments by learning how people interact online.
California Subject Examination for Teachers: Get the test preparation you need for the CSET here.
Accessibility of eLearning: Understand the needs of a diverse population of students with this course.
Conversation on Instructional Design: Take a look at learning theories, compare the events of instruction, as well as Component Display Theory.
Learn and Apply HTML: Designed for instructors, this course will walk you through creating educational pages with HTML.
Family Finance: Learn how to manage family values and finances with this course.
Data Visualization Theory and Practice: Learn about visualization and why it's important to use in educational instruction.
Research for the Classroom Teacher: Learn about a teaching model called Guided Design, and how it can be implemented in your classroom.
Instructional Games: Learn about using games to instruct, including products currently on the market and in development.
Advanced Topics in Learning Object Design and Reuse: Understand how to create and reuse learning objects.
Blogs, Wikis, New Media for Learning: Discover online innovations that are effective for education.
Power of Positive Parenting: This course offers information on positive parenting.
Connecting People with Online Resources: Learn how to teach others to find high-quality online resources.
Additional Resources

The courses we've listed here are just the tip of the iceberg. Check out these resources for even more free classes online.

MIT OpenCourseWare: MIT offers a whopping 1800 courses online.
Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health OpenCourseWare: Learn about public health preparedness, mental health, and more from Johns Hopkins.
Tufts OpenCourseWare: Get courses from Tufts in medicine, international relations, arts, and sciences.
UMass Boston OpenCourseWare: UMass Boston has courses in special education, history, and more.
Notre Dame OpenCourseWare: You'll learn lots from Notre Dame's extensive collection of open courses.
Utah State OpenCourseWare: Utah offers a variety of course departments, from engineering to education.
UC Irvine OpenCourseWare: Get technical training and more from UC Irvine's courses.
The Open University LearningSpace: This site has course materials in hundreds of different topics from arts to natural science.