Retirement can be the perfect time to explore new passions and challenge yourself with novel ideas — and with the rise of online learning platforms, there are more opportunities than ever to do just that.
Engaging in lifelong learning isn’t just about the skills or topics you learn; there are multiple benefits of learning itself. In addition to boosting your cognitive abilities like attention and memory, continuing education can also improve mental health and stress levels, help you find community, and enhance skills like problem-solving and time management.
These days, there’s a convenient virtual learning option for almost every interest, from academic courses taught by experts at top universities to lifestyle classes led by celebrity instructors. Take a look at our top suggestions for paid and free online classes for seniors, and see how you can narrow down your options and continue your lifelong learning journey.
*Remember: Keep online safety tips in mind as you complete your search, especially if you’re entering any payment information.
Free Online Classes for Seniors
1. Khan Academy
Khan Academy offers a wide variety of courses that focus on a traditional academic curriculum. The educational resources included in each course are designed to make learning accessible and enjoyable for everyone, regardless of age or background.
When you first log in, you can select the level of learner you identify with and several classes you’re interested in. Then, you can access your courses via your dashboard.
Here’s a quick overview of what Khan Academy has to offer:
- Completely free: All lessons, videos, practice exercises, and resources are available at no cost.
- Foundational subjects: From math and science to music and art, Khan Academy covers a broad spectrum of topics geared toward K-12 and early college foundations.
- Self-paced learning: You can take classes at your own speed and get an overview of what to expect from the course through each unit overview. You can also pay extra to get access to an AI tutor if you need help with a course.
- Varied learning elements: The platform uses videos, animations, and practice exercises to make learning engaging and interactive. You can also comment on modules and read comments from past students.
- Simple dashboard: Khan Academy saves your progress for each course and offers personalized statistics and badges that track your goals.
2. edX
Edx was founded by Harvard and MIT, and many of the free courses on the platform are taught by college professors from both universities and several other prestigious institutions. Some courses are career-driven, but you’ll also find plenty of curriculum focused on personal interests.
While edX offers a vast selection of free classes, some classes and features like certification programs, may require payment.
Here’s a quick look at what edX offers:
- Professional development and personal interests: You’ll find over 100 online classes in dozens of topics and skills, from general classes like Excel for Beginners to niche courses like The Science of Happiness.
- Flexible structure: Many classes have specific enrollment dates, but you can also access past courses through an archive. Each class details how many hours you should expect to spend per week and whether the class is self-paced or instructor-paced.
- Interactive elements: Courses often include quizzes, discussion posts, and projects to enhance your learning experience. Some may even require team projects or small group discussions.
- Certificate options: Auditing courses is free, but you can typically pay for a verified certificate to show your achievement.
3. Coursera
Like edX, Coursera offers classes through colleges and universities, as well as major organizations like Google and IBM. While many of the online classes are free, you can opt to take additional classes,certifications, and degree programs for a price.
When you select a course from the menu, you’ll see details on the recommended experience level, the estimated amount of time until completion, expected outcomes, peer reviews, and more.
Here are a few highlights of Coursera:
- Extensive catalog of subjects: The platform has over 1,000 free online courses spanning various disciplines, including arts, foreign languages, business, computer science, health, and more. When you select a class, you can see similar course offerings in the “Recommendations” section of the page.
- Variety of learning styles: Most classes are self-paced, allowing you to learn at your own convenience, but there are also options for guided projects and specializations with set schedules.
- Mix of free and paid content: Coursera offers a combination of free courses (often with the option to audit) and paid courses that provide additional features like certificate programs.
- Community interaction: You can typically interact with fellow learners through discussion forums, study groups, and peer-reviewed assignments. If you choose, you can also include a photo and personal details on your profile page.
Paid Online Classes for Seniors
4. MasterClass
Cost (billed annually): Standard: $10/month | Plus: $15/month | Premium: $20/month
MasterClass provides a unique opportunity to learn directly from accomplished individuals in their respective fields, from cooking with Gordon Ramsay to writing with James Patterson. While the platform does offer business and technology classes, most courses focus on artistic pursuits and hobbies.
Here’s a look at what you can expect from MasterClass:
- High-profile instructors: The instructors are widely recognized and respected in their fields and range from chefs and musicians to writers and filmmakers.
- Production value: The online courses are professionally produced with high-quality video and sound.
- Inspirational content: The classes often focus on broader concepts and creative processes, providing a look behind the curtains of each instructor’s approach to their craft. While classes can be educational, they lean more toward entertainment and less toward instruction.
- Community interaction: In Sessions by Masterclass, you can participate in a more structured curriculum alongside other learners, where you’ll have the opportunity to share your work and get peer feedback.
5. Skillshare
Cost: Varies based on region, typically $32/month or $168/year
Skillshare is another platform that leans more towards creative pursuits. It’s similar to a virtual art studio, where you can experiment with different mediums, learn new techniques and skills, and share your work with other learners.
Classes are taught by a wide range of instructors, from industry leaders to everyday creators. Previous students can leave reviews of classes, so be sure to check out what others say before you enroll.
Here’s a breakdown of what Skillshare has to offer:
- Project-based learning: Many Skillshare courses are project-focused, and instructors will guide you through the process of creating something via pre-recorded videos.
- Creative courses: You’ll find courses on everything from watercolor painting and digital illustration to creative writing and crochet.
- Accessible instructors: Instructors are often working professionals and experienced hobbyists, and you can usually pay extra to book live or 1-on-1 sessions with them.
- Peer interaction: Skillshare encourages communication with other learners through Student Project sharing, peer feedback, and discussion boards.
6. LinkedIn Learning
Cost: Costs vary, typically $29.99/month
LinkedIn Learning is geared toward professional development, offering courses on various business, technology, and creative skills. Think of it as a career coach, helping you stay up-to-date with industry trends and learn new professional skills.
Here’s a quick look at what LinkedIn Learning offers:
- Business and tech-focused: Courses cover topics like leadership, project management, software development, data analysis, marketing, and more. You can use the platform’s AI Coaching to narrow down courses based on your goals.
- Experienced instructors: The instructors are typically industry professionals and subject matter experts. You can select an instructor’s name to see their complete LinkedIn profile and learn more about their background.
- Bite-sized learning: Many courses are broken down into short video modules, making it easy to fit a lesson or two in when you have free time.
- Integration with LinkedIn: You can easily showcase completed courses on your LinkedIn profile with the sharing option presented at the end of each class.
How to Choose a Free Online Class
With so many paid platforms and free courses available, it can be overwhelming to narrow down your options. Here are a few questions to keep in mind as you make your decision.
- Identify your interests: What subjects or skills spark your curiosity? Are you more interested in an artistic pursuit, or do you want to get a certification? Start by exploring platforms that offer courses in areas that genuinely excite you.
- Consider your learning style: Do you prefer structured lessons or a more self-guided approach? Some platforms offer more flexibility than others, and some encourage more interaction between other students and instructors.
- Set your goals: Are you looking for personal enrichment, professional development, or a mix of both? Once you set goals, you’ll better understand the specific kind of content you’re looking for and which platform offers it.
- Read reviews and try previews: What do other learners have to say about the course and instructor? Try searching for reviews based on the classes you’re interested in. Additionally, many platforms offer previews or sample lessons to give you a feel for the content and teaching style before you commit.
- Factor in cost: Do you have the budget to explore both paid and free online classes? If so, try a mix of both to see if you have a preference.
- Don’t be afraid to experiment: Did you start a course but lose interest? Don’t hesitate to try something else — one of the great parts of online learning is the freedom to explore and discover what works best for you as you go.
Remember, choosing a class that sparks your enthusiasm and keeps you engaged is the most important thing. So take your time, explore your options, and see if you can learn something new during the discovery process.
