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I've had some down time lately while mum has been working on her wool selling business which means I will do one of two things while I keep her company in the 'office' (which in fact is my bedroom with two desks in it).

My first option - having asked mum if there's anything I can help her with, three times just in case- is some design work with my friend Erin who also works a full time job. Design isn't always so easy if I'm not feeling particularly inspired or the shop she works at is super busy and we can't really communicate well. My second option is to today my desk and all the storage draws around it, again.

I was really struggling on how to be productive when I'm not designing and in this search for something to do I found Futurelearn.com. This truly magical place is full to the brim with all kinds of free courses ranging from two week long to six week long courses on a large variety of subjects, from anatomy and English literature to pre-university courses and politics. These courses are supplied by a number of actual universities from across the world and though most are English universities, I recently took a course supplied by the University of Cape Town.

It really does depend on how much time you have free to take on some of these and how you learn best as to which kinds of courses you might take on and if you know that it might take little while to get through some of the sections per week there is always the chance to upgrade your access to the course for £35 which means not only will you always have access to the course but once you've completed it you'll be sent a certificate of completion as proof that you've taken it.

The vast range of courses also means that you are able to take course that might help you get ahead in your job but also some that are purely out of interest.

I started on future learn with a course about the brain because it's always been something that's fascinating to me and this three week course has multiple start dates which accommodates fitting it in around all sorts of other commitments.

It takes just five minutes to have a browse knowing all the listed ones in the courses section are completely free and just maybe you'll find something that piques your interest enough to give a free online course a chance. It's honestly so rewarding to learn new things and if you're anything like me a lot of these courses will appeal. I had to write mine down and it's double sided...


You'll also be able to interact with leading professors from all over as well as other enthusiastic learners who can answer any extra questions and really help to expand your learning experience and challenge your thinking. If you're a little nervous about starting a new course along, Future Learn also suggests that you do this course with someone you know and that way you can ask them if you don't understand something instead a stranger. A study buddy if you will.

So head on over take a quick look at the site and take a look at the 254 free courses available because they are worth taking a browse. Head over to https://www.futurelearn.com/courses to get started now.

And if you can, name one thing that you want to know about that has nothing to do with what your currently studying or doing as job down there in the comments.

Have a good day all, the weekend will be here soon.

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