Carnegie Mellon University’s Open Learning Initiative (OLI) is great for those who want to have their high schooler learn from a college-level program, or for those wishing to know more about a subject.
For Students: OLI’s Open & Free courses are just that — open and free. They are open to anyone around the world who wants access to learning and they are 100% free. Any catch? You won’t receive credit or a diploma from Carnegie Mellon, but you may arrange that with your local school*. The current Open & Free courses available at OLI are:
For Teachers: Go to the “Teach an Academic Course using OLI” page for more information on how to set up the courses for students. NOTE: The instructor account is free. The students that you add under an instructor account are free for some courses, but a few courses charge $15-25 maintenance fee per student. OLI suggests that you contact them if the amount of money suggested will prevent a student from taking the course. All of the fees (free included) are listed in a blue sidebar box on the instructor’s information page.
Will I receive credit? Students will not receive credit from Carnegie Mellon for courses taken; however, students may convince a school to offer credit or diplomas for the courses taken at OLI. See the FAQ page for more information on how to get credit for the courses. Many schools are already accepting OLI courses, so check with yours.
Visit OLI to see the free college courses available.
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