Free, on demand, self-directed education at your fingertips
Learn a Language |
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Little Pim: Expose young children up to age 6 to foreign languages with these video vocabulary lessons in Spanish, French, German, Italian, Russian, Chinese, Japanese, Arabic, and Hebrew. |
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MUZZY Online: Kids ages 6 and up can watch videos, play interactive learning games, and get animated vocabulary lessons. |
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Mango: Teens and adults can engage in fun conversational online lessons in more than 70 languages. Create a free account to keep track of your learning progress. Free mobile app available for Apple & Android devices. |
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Rosetta Stone Online: Engage in the proven language immersion method that more than 22,000 schools and 12,000 businesses have trusted for over the last 20+ years. Select from 30 languages structured around core lessons in reading, writing, speaking, and listening. Microphone required for speaking lessons. ** Important note: Only customers with library cards starting with 21267 can use Rosetta Stone. To get a 21267 card, please visit your nearest HCLS branch during business hours. Also, Rosetta Stone isn’t licensed for classroom use. A+ student cards will not authenticate. For classroom use, please use Mango Languages instead. |
Personal & Professional Development |
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ArtistWorks: Learn an instrument or vocal techniques from award-winning teachers with these free self-paced online video classes. Classes include traditional instruments such as piano and guitar as well as less common ones such as mandolin and ukulele. Click on the “get a pass” button to sign in with your library card number and get 30 days of access to music lessons. | |
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Cisco Networking Academy: Prepare for a new career in a technology field or brush up on your digital literacy skills. Available classes cover topics of Digital Literacy, Entrepreneurship, Cybersecurity, the Internet of Things (IoT), and the Linux Operating System. | |
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Gale Courses: More than 300 six-week structured online classes on topics ranging from business to hobbies. Take quizzes and complete exercises to reinforce the material. |
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LinkedIn Learning for Library [formerly Lynda.com]: More than 16,000 on-demand streaming video classes taught by real-world experts on technical skills, creative techniques, and business strategies. Free mobile app available. When asked to enter library ID, please type hcls (all lowercase letters). You will then be prompted to enter your library card number and PIN. ** Please note that you must use the login link on this page. You cannot sign in from your personal LinkedIn profile. |
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NorthStar Digital Literacy: Online, self-guided assessments measure mastery of basic and advanced computer skills. Build skills in key areas and demonstrate your knowledge by earning badges. Topics include: Basic Computer Skills, Internet Basics, Using Email, advanced skills like Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Google Docs, Social Media and Using Technology in Daily Life. |
Test Prep |
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LearningExpress Library: Practice tests for AP exams, the GED, the SAT, grad school entrance exams, and various jobs. Also find tutorials for grades 4 – 12 on math, reading, and writing skills. Create a free account to keep track of your learning progress. |
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Peterson’s Test & Career Prep (Gale Presents) [formerly Testing & Education Reference Center]: Practice tests for entering private high school, the AP exams, the GED, the SAT, grad school entrance exams, various career tests, and the U.S. citizenship test. Also includes a scholarship and college search tool. |
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Driving-Tests.org: Prepare to take the written Maryland driving exams for cars, motorcycles, and a commercial driver’s license (CDL) with this series of free online tests. |
