Free online resources

The web abounds with resources for learning, productivity, and sharing. Here are some of our favorite free online tools—this is by no means an exhaustive list, but everyone from the beginner to the seasoned pro will find something to help them learn, work, or play.

Coding and Programming

Codecademy – Offers tutorials in a wide variety of programming languages, including Java, Ruby, JQuery, Git, HTML, and APIs.

W3 Schools – Learn HTML, XML, CSS, JavaScript, and other web skills in these self-paced courses.

Hour of Code tutorials – These tutorials are designed to support the Hour of Code initiative in K-12 schools, but adults can use them, too.

Google CS Education – Google has collected its computer education resources, including coding tutorials, all in one site.

RegExr – For something a little more advanced, try RexExr. This web-based tool teaches you how to construct regular expressions for coding.

TextWrangler – If you write code regularly, you probably use a text editor. TextWrangler is an editor just for Mac users.

ExamDiff – Here’s another one for the coders out there: a tool that lets you compare different versions of files side by side.

Online Learning

Coursera – Take courses from the world’s leading institutions. Many courses are free and offer self-paced options.

EdX – Offers courses from major universities, with the option to earn high school and college credit.

Khan Academy – Self-paced exercises for all ages.

Duolingo – Learn languages in a fun, game-based interface.

MIT Open Courseware – Online course materials from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology.

Photo Editing

Images

White Noise Generators

Collaboration & Project Management

Productivity

Doodle Poll – Trying to schedule a meeting for a large group? Quickly find everyone’s availability using Doodle Poll.

Hello Sign – Ditch your fax machine. Fill out & sign PDFs online.

IFTTT – Make your apps work for you. Automate common tasks using If This Then That.

Feedly – Keep up on all your favorite blogs using this popular RSS reader.

Mint – A financial management and tracking tool.

Book Recommendations

Amy Hitchner

Metadata & Integration Services Senior Consultant at Colorado State Library

Contact Amy at ahitchner@coloradovirtuallibrary.org