Over the past year, millions of people have been confined to their homes. Though not by choice, there is suddenly a lot of free time after working from home, attending online classes, keeping in touch with people through various apps.
Now while its super fun to use OTT platforms, mindlessly scroll through social media and play games, this might be the perfect time to learn a new skill, practice a new language or any other things which you wanted to explore but couldn’t find time in the daily schedules.
Here are 4 ideas which I found interesting…..
- FUTURELEARN – This website has short courses, programs and online degrees where you can learn through videos and articles
There are many free courses available and there are reviews provided from other learners to help you decide on the course. The Free courses are accessible for the duration of the course + 14 days. They have an upgrade option for lifestyle access and a certificate of achievement.
What I like is the cool option of Unlimited at a nominal annual cost for access to hundreds of short courses, certificates of achievement and self-paced learning.
Some interesting courses:
- Evidence and Data Collection for Problem Solving
- Creating Apps in the Classroom
- Food as Medicine
Check out more on www.futurelearn.com
2. DRAWSPACE – If drawing was what you indulged in as a hobby and couldn’t explore it as much you wanted to, then check out this website.
They have the Guided Learning approach with online assignments to meet your goals and the Self-Directed Learning approach where you can set your own goals with lessons of your choice.
There are paid and free courses to choose from and the details of the instructor are mentioned below each course. There is simple stuff for beginners and areas like contour drawing, shading techniques, self-portraits and even creative cartoon drawings.
Check out more on www.drawspace.com
3. PEAR – Personal Fitness Coach App
Heard about this app on the local radio station and explored it recently. Yes, I know there are lots and lots of resources out there for personal fitness. But I found this to be quite motivating as instead of watching random videos, it’s all in one app, has varied workout routines, has an audio track of a real coach who talks you through the workout and is pretty well designed and fun to use.
You can select the type of workouts which interest you and then the app uses this data to suggest training programs for you. Additionally, it can be linked to the Health App on iOS devices. There are a lot of options among the free content, and plenty more if you are willing to pay the subscription.
You can work on the plans at home or in the gym or outdoors and select the desired duration, adjust it if you have more time (and stamina!).
It’s like carrying a Trainer in your pocket!
4. DOIT YOURSELF
Owing to the current circumstances, we don’t always get the help we need for certain tasks like in the past. On the bright side, we have all discovered our creative side (or not!). While looking out for some online help for tasks, chanced upon this website which mainly has 3 sections:
- How-Tos – This has various categories to explore and learn from like decorating, gardening, woodwork, home improvement, household & cleaning, cars, etc. The explanations are pretty easy to implement. I was searching for a tip on coffee stain removal and a simple trick of detergent, vinegar and water solved it!
- Projects – This is where you can inspire others with your work. You can post projects you are proud of and mention the tools used and approximate cost involved. And if you are starting something, often you can find someone who has done same before and get good advice and recommendations from them. I found an interesting project on how to convert some part of your house into a home office, def what’s trending these days!
- Forums – This is where subscribers discuss requirements and suggestions on various topics. So, in case you don’t find a tip or project you are looking for in the other sections, can drop a question here.
You can sign up to get the latest DIY Projects and Advice. Sometimes very simple ideas can make things so easy.
Check out more at www.doityourself.com
