Despite our best efforts, boredom looms like a cloud during these weird times.
We dug up some resources you can tap into to pass the time online, many are free and some have a cost, but there’s a little something for everyone.
The National Emergency Library
The Internet Archive is suspending waitlists for roughly 1.4 million ebooks. The items available support emergency remote teaching, research universities, independent scholarship and intellectual stimulation while universities, schools, training centers, and libraries are closed. Wait lists are suspended through the end of June. Topics are virtually limitless and languages available span the globe. Keep to the older stuff, there are a lot of newer titles in the database, but not all of them are being made available in ways that benefit the creators. www.archive.org/NEL
The Science of Well-Being
This is a popular Yale University course that is now being offered free online. Professor Laurie Santos reveals misconceptions about happiness, annoying features of the mind that lead us to think the way we do, and the research that can help us change. tinyurl.com/sciencewell-being
Coursera
Coursera has numerous free online classes as well as others that come with a fee. Learn how to learn, a new language, how cryptography works and more from some of the top professors around the world. www.coursera.org
Masterclass
Learn about filmmaking from Jodie Foster, basketball shooting from Steph Curry, storytelling from Neil Gaiman, self-expression and authenticity from RuPaul and so much more. Classes can be purchased individually or with an annual subscription for $180. www.masterclass.com
edX.org
Sign up for free courses from top universities and colleges. Topics include computer science, languages, data science, business and management, engineering, humanities and more. edx.org
Open Culture
Another free course site associated with some of the top universities and colleges. Open Culture’s big emphasis is on humanities and social sciences with course names such as: Archaeology: from Dig to Lab and Beyond; Architecture Studio: Building in Landscapes and Foundations of American Cyber-Culture. openculture.com
Skillshare
Skillshare doesn’t have as many mega-celebrities, but there are several well-known names and a few metric tons of average folks with some incredible insights to share. Arts and lifestyle are the primary focus. skillshare.com
Story Club
Read or listen to a short story and then participate in a online Q&A with the author. More details at tinyurl.com/4storyclub.
DC Comics Kids Camp
The creators behind some of the most popular DC Comics are sharing projects for free on Twitter (@dccomicskids) and Instagram (@dckids). Follow the accounts to find out how to make Green Lantern rings, Superman origam, and design your own superhero. DC is planning several weeks of content to be released.