Can I Learn Computer Science For Free?

Those interested can find plenty of resources for learning skills in computer science for free. There are several free or low-cost online resources that offer videos and tutorials for learning coding, programming languages, and other skills related to computer science. The best way might be to find simple websites to break down for replicating the HTML code and mimicking the structure as a model for building their own web pages. People can also find free video tutorials on YouTube or online courses for tips on building websites using HTML and CSS coding. Free online resources allow individuals to teach themselves fundamental skills in computer science that can include initial training with more complicated programming languages like JavaScript and Python or data analytics and artificial intelligence. Free online resources for learning computer science can help new learners get comfortable with different areas of technology. It must be noted, however, that while free resources are fantastic for gaining initial knowledge, anyone with serious ambitions for working in computer science will need to eventually move on to formal training by enrolling in paid courses, bootcamps, and certificate programs.

What Free Resources are Available for Learning Computer Science?

For people teaching themselves skills in computer science, there are free options available from a variety of education providers that offer knowledge in different areas of computer technology. For instance, new learners may want to take advantage of Udemy’s free Foundation of Computer Science: Theory and Practice course. There is also Skillshare, which is an online learning community that provides non-accredited education classes through videos that offer a variety of free on-demand computer science-related courses for self-paced training to learn about coding, programming languages, techniques, and software. This includes the Learn Coding and Become a Software Developer - A Step-by-Step Framework course, which is designed for people who have no experience with coding for learning how to create computer software. Additionally, there are prestigious colleges like Princeton University that offer free training in computer science such as the Computer Science: Algorithms, Theory, and Machines course available through Coursera that teaches students fundamental concepts associated with learning computer technology.

While not necessarily a free service, LinkedIn Learning provides a low-cost subscription service that offers a variety of on-demand video tutorials such as Computer Science Principles: Programming or Transition from Data Science to Data Engineering that trains new learners in fundamental and intermediate skills with computer science in tools for becoming Computer Programmers or Software Engineers. A LinkedIn Learning subscription is available through a free trial period.

While some people would love the opportunity to learn skills in computer science, there are many options available through video platforms like YouTube as well as education providers offering knowledge on coding, programming languages, and related procedures. These free computer science-related videos provide visual training for people who are new to coding but would also like to learn the fundamentals of programming languages.

How to Make Use of Free Computer Science Resources

While some people would love the opportunity to learn skills in computer science, there are many options available through platforms like YouTube as well as with education providers offering information on coding, programming languages, and related procedures. These free computer science-related videos provide opportunities for gaining initial knowledge in basic areas of technology. Several online education providers like Noble Desktop offer free video tutorials for becoming familiar with various areas of technology. Simplilearn, for example, offers the free Cybersecurity Full Course for Beginners video tutorial through YouTube.

There are several free resources available from a variety of sources for people looking to learn skills in computer science. These resources include the Open Source Society University (OSSU), which involves a community of students looking to help themselves and others through sharing knowledge in technology by offering a comprehensive tool for teaching new learners areas of computer technology. Another free learning resource would be Tutorials Point, which provides an option for new learners with coding, programming languages, and procedures related to computer science for anyone considering a future in computer technology who desires deeper knowledge or may be looking to expand their skill set. Additionally, MIT OpenCourseWare offers online material from MIT courses that can provide knowledge in computer science from what many believe to be the best technology institution in the world. Through the MIT OpenCourseWare platform, MIT publishes all of its educational materials from undergraduate and graduate classes online for everyone from anywhere in the world to be able to view.

Finally, people interested in teaching themselves skills related to computer science can find free video seminars from several education providers for gaining initial knowledge on the fundamentals of coding and programming languages for eventually becoming Web Developers, IT Security Specialists, or Data Analysts. Noble Desktop, for example, offers free seminars on coding, building websites, and data science. Anyone can access free computer science-related videos such as the Intro to Front End Web Development seminar, the Get Started in Data Science seminar, the Intro to Python Fundamentals seminar, and the Intro to JavaScript seminar. Noble Desktop video tutorials can provide new learners with a solid introduction into computer science.

Limitations of Free Resources

As with nearly every part of life, there are limitations with learning computer science strictly through free online resources. Anyone taking advantage of learning coding, programming languages, or procedures in computing for free will typically get the most barebones view on the fundamentals of computer technology. While the level of complexity may vary from source to source, free training usually provides only a rudimentary education on any subject. Additionally, while free online resources can provide a great option for getting feet wet with learning computer science, there are websites that have out-of-date or even inaccurate information from people who may have some knowledge in computer technology but perhaps not as much as they believe.

Another issue with free online resources might be with not being able to get feedback due to having no instructor to learn from directly or consult. While individuals may benefit from learning coding or other computer science skills for free, those people may not know whether their training is taking them in the right direction. Ultimately, while initial training through free online resources may provide a good start with learning computer science, anyone who has serious ambitions regarding a career in computer technology will eventually need to enroll in paid in-person, live online, or on-demand courses, bootcamps, or certificate programs to get formal training in coding, programming languages, data science, artificial intelligence, or cybersecurity.

What to Do After Utilizing Free Computer Science Resources

Initiating training in computer science through free online resources can help with establishing fundamental skills that can lead to careers in a variety of industries and technologies. Computer science is a broad concept that encompasses web development, software engineering, data science, and cybersecurity. Computer science involves developing systems as well as working with complex tools for processing, accessing, and distributing information or performing tasks. While people generally associate computer technology with data science for working with statistics, algorithms, and data analytics, computer science also involves developing software and websites as well as cybersecurity for protecting users, servers, and databases.

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the employment outlook for computer science-related careers such as software development and computer security is expected to increase by as much as 26 percent between 2022 and 2032 for finding work related to areas of technology involving web development, software engineering, and cybersecurity. Areas of training in computer science includes learning programming languages like Python, JavaScript and Java for opening up a path to careers in various areas of technology. For instance, taking classes related to data science for training in machine learning and artificial intelligence--which has become a widespread and controversial aspect of life today--could put someone who has skills in computer science ahead of the curve for finding work in technology. Training in computer science covers a broad range of technologies related to developing computer software and devices. While training in areas related to data science, especially AI, could lead to working in computer technology, considering classes in web development, software engineering, or cybersecurity could end up yielding dividends.

Anyone hoping to demonstrate a high level of skills with computer science can enroll in certificate programs. Certificate training can also help with passing certification exams that authenticate proficiency in different areas of computer science. Gaining certification typically requires passing an exam supervised by an industry recognized association. Whether a position requires certification or not, gaining certification will likely improve chances for getting any job. Certificate programs related to computer science can enhance a computer professional’s skill set to help with finding work in web development, software engineering, and other areas of technology. Certifications related to computer science include programming languages, areas of data science, and cybersecurity. It should be noted that certificate training and certifications are not the same. However, certificate programs not only help with learning high-level skills for landing a job involving computer technology but can also, as stated, contribute to passing a certification exam.

Skills with computer languages are essential for work involving computer science with disciplines like web development, software engineering, data analytics, cybersecurity, and machine learning. Learning programming languages and specific areas of computer science provides knowledge for working in technology.