Online freebies to improve your digital skills

Whether or not you prefer talking in person rather than through social media, or using sticky notes instead of Google Keep, we've all had to adapt to life's changes. And honestly, it's made us a lot more productive and efficient in the things we do.

So even if none of the skills below are essential for survival, they're definitely helpful to pick up in your free time. As cross-functionality in organisations increases, understanding what different teams in your office do will let you communicate with them better while collaborating.

And what better way to learn in this day and age than online? These 8 courses are completely free of cost. You can take them wherever, whenever, and however you want. Heck you might even add a few impressive bullet points to your CV.

1. Beginners Adobe Photoshop Tutorials

We've all edited photos and more often than not, poorly. Most of us don't even know the basics and stick to phone or web filters. Fortunately, Adobe itself is offering a free course on everything you need to know about Photoshop. If nothing else, you can get the perfect cover photo.

Length: 13 hours, 31 minutes/26 lectures

2. WordPress for Beginners

Do you want to open your own blog or website, but don't know where to start? Here's your big break. Udemy is teaching you all the basics of Wordpress. So dive right in and get started on advertising your portfolio!

Length: 2 hours/19 lectures

3. Programming for Everyone (Getting Started With Python)

You've probably considered taking up programming some time or the other. But either you've never had the time or there was simply no one to teach you. Coursera's uber simple tutorial teaches you the basics of Python and gives you the basis to move onto the more advanced stuff like Java or C+.

Length: 2-4 hours per week

4. Intro to HTML and CSS

If you want to create your own digital platform instead, then HTML and CSS are the way to go. This course by Udacity is great for the basics and will get you on the road to becoming a front-end developer.

Length: 6 hours a week/3 lessons

5. The Complete Google Analytics Course for Beginners

Any business worth its salt is moving into analytics these days. But if you don't know a thing about it, this tutorial will walk you through the essentials of Google Analytics. Identify patterns and obtain insight into consumer behaviour with this must-do course.

Length: 3.5 hours/20 lectures

6. LinkedIn Training Course

I, for one, am too intimidated to make proper use of my LinkedIn profile. I hardly know what does what, and I'm guessing there are lots of you out there in the same boat. But this lecture by Social Media Training takes you through all the LinkedIn basics, from connecting with others to joining networking groups. In just under two hours, you'll be a networking pro.

Length: 1 hour, 51 minutes/26 lessons

7. Google Advance SearchSearch the Web as a Professional

Can't find what you're looking for on Google? No matter how much you tinker with the keywords? It's okay, you're not the only one. Google is a treasure trove of information and this class will teach you the tricks to getting the best results.

Length: 1 hour/9 lectures

8. Writing for the Web

Knowing how to write for the web is not the same as writing in real life. People want short and sweet answers online and on social media. Content has to engaging and useful at the same time. And don't get me started on optimisation. Open2Study's lectures will help journalists and developers alike to make the best impact with their content.

Length: 4 lectures

The writer is the Sub-Editor of the career publication of The Daily Star. She is also a senior at the Institute of Business Administration, University of Dhaka.