Anybody can learn anything, anywhere, for free.
Anyone* who can read, has computer skills, can learn some things based on knowledge that is taken from a western world view and people in power (ex: English-language courses, websites work better in English, accessibility issues, lack of diverse experiences represented) as long as information is correct (sometimes it’s only presented as true), from anywhere where there is a computer, internet-enabled device, internet connection, as long as I think it’s free-free (as it may not be actually free)
*learners will be more isolated and have less human connection.
Greensboro Public Library 2/20
Some people who can read, are motivated, who feel connected to their own learning, with personal skills (professionalism, social skills) with access to technology and computer skills, know how to use the internet to find what you are trying to learn, may learn some things (not all technical/hands-on skills, not learning to ride a bike online), as long as they have some kind of practical component, have access to the right and context-based learning material (blood, computer, hands) online (it may not be credible or updated), for some cost (like college online courses) unless... life happens! Family, health, sickness, lots of things happen all the time.
Onondaga Community College 1/2020
Anybody who is informed about what is available and/or has their interest sparked, is motivated, very invested, has their needs and literacies accounted for, and has a internet connection, digital equipment, and skills should decide for themselves if they want to learn anything some things, anywhere, for free, as long as they remain accountable and have enough time. If they are in a submarine they should make sure they’ve accounted for wifi access underwater.
And also, people are learning all the time. Who decides what counts as “learning”?
Saint Paul Public Library 1/2020
Anyone, with the right tool or right technology (device, internet access, broadband), trusted, up to date, information or resource (lynda, google), depending upon the content being accessible (contrast, size of font, if they need support hearing), if you can read, have digital skills, can learn (but not practice) as long as the resource was digitized, as long as the resource or content is not filtered or censored, that is available the hours that you want it, anywhere (as long as there is electricity and you have transportation to the space that has a cell service), online, for free as long as there is no pay walls, and you can have money to pay for the internet, or know about to get around the paywalls.
Kansas City Public Library, 12/2019
Anybody with access to a computer and wifi/internet access can learn anything most things if they are computer literate and understand the language being used (as well as the jargon) and have enough free time and patience (for themselves and for other people) and support from their community, anywhere they have access to the tools required to learn that is also conducive to study (quiet, comfortable, safe) that is also willing and able to host a group of learners, for free.
Boston Public Library 12/2019
Anybody* who has time and is motivated to learn and does not require a structured learning environment, and who is comfortable with technology and time and access to any necessary resources related to learning, can learn a variety of things (but not everything and the quality of instruction varies), anywhere that they know about already, for free**, unless there is a subscription fee.
*assuming the learning fits their best style of learning and that they are visual/text-based learners, and that the learner speaks and reads fluently in the language that the resources are offered in (probably English), and that they have the confidence, grit, and prerequisite skills needed to participate
** Not including cost of laptop, broadband, transportation, opportunity cost
Carnegie Library of Pittsburgh 10/2019
Anybody who has had their various needs met (including child care and learning disabilities), the mental capacity to take on the work, curiosity, a computer, high speed internet, tools and resources related to what they are trying to learn, and a knowledge of how to use this technology can learn anything that is useful to them, anywhere that can offer a safe space with resources (like a library, assuming the library is nearby and accessible for you), for free, as long as there are the required supports between individuals and learners.
P2PU Gathering, Boston, 9/2019
Someone, who doesn’t mind surrendering their privacy, (who can clearly articulate their needs), who is self-directed, who can differentiate between real and fake information, with internet access, digital literacy, can memorize/learn, many things (things that other people have decided that is worth their time to put online, and other people with agenda/bias), as long as they have the necessary support or resources, have access to someone else or communicate with someone who knows what you want to learn/ and can help you articulate, or knows what you want to learn, anywhere, online, with time, for some cost.
Washington - Oregon Library Association 4/2019
Anybody You (as long as you’re interested, motivated, and have the desire to learn) can learn anything, anywhere, anytime (as long as they have time and access to technology/internet, offline educational resources, and equipment), for free with guidance, help, and support, if you are open to the opportunities.
Los Angeles Public Library 4/2019
Anyone, as long as they can have access to software, hardware and internet, and basic digital literacy competence, can learn anything (authoritative or not - is it trustworthy or accurate?), mostly post-secondary focused education (as long as it is mostly in English), like step by step instruction, (whatever the developer is willing to give up), if the website is accessible, mostly through videos and visual instruction, at their own pace, as long as they have subject matter support, or the support they need, and a purpose, anywhere, online, at cost (it costs money to get comprehensive information)
Toronto Public Library 3/2019
Anyone, (digitally savvy people) who has internet access, can read, see, and has access to a computer, has a question and the confidence, can search for the course and find it, if you have time, you can choose a course, you know what you need to learn, the material is relevant, you have motivation , you’ve already learned how to learn, (I wouldn’t trust anyone to operate a mill just by using a course...) can learn anything, online (head based, but no feedback) if the course is available are english, or your own language, for free.
Brave New Learning, Amsterdam, 2/2019
Anyone who has access to a computer and a fast internet network, has a certain level of digital literacy can learn some things, depending on the culture of learning, mostly in english I think, if you can get a computer, in a space that is conducive to learning, a library card, for free-ish (part 1 free, but part 3-10 you need pay for!)
West Vancouver Public Library 9/2018
Anybody can learn (while being exposed to advertisements that are targeted to your interests), something theoretical that the algorithm finds from a limited list of topics (from perspective of the educator or who developed the content and from whatever the opposite of a oral learning culture is) which is evaluated by someones else’s perspective of success, if that course is in your own language that you are interested in, anywhere, online if you have access (computer, internet, electricity), childcare, and you feel safe, are not hungry and have available free time.
Community Developers of Ottawa Retreat, Ottawa, 6/2018
Some people (with access to the internet and a device (computer) (often western, privileged) and digital competence) in some languages (mostly english) can learn some subject and entry level subjects online using OER (but OER is not just ONLINE!)
Open Education Week 24-Hour Global Webathon, Online, 3/2018
Most people with discipline, fully able body, actual literacy, digital literacy, can take a lot courses that may not be university accredited, and that they may or may not learn from, anywhere with computer equipment that is functional and also internet access, for free or $.
Librarians from FL and MI, 10/2017
Anybody with reading/digital literacy, and time to spare can learn anything that somebody has already designed a course for (assuming they know what they want to learn), anywhere accessible to you with internet and computers, for free the cost of your time.
Librarians from CA, KS, MI, NC, RI, SC, & WA, Online, 9/2017
Anybody who is lucky, privileged, and motivated with access to the internet and computers without visual or other not accounted for disabilities who have the ability to safely and comfortably access learning environments can theoretically learn parts of some things--mostly in english-- that people have bothered to put online and made publicly available, anywhere, for “free” some cost.
Civic Tech, Toronto, 9/2017
Anybody with computers or access to a library and the internet who is really self-motivated and knows how to put in effort, and has lots of background knowledge can learn anything that course providers have already made or already exists, for free some cost (at least your time), assuming that they understand the language of the course and that their needs and disabilities are accounted for.
Librarians from FL, GA, NC, OH, PA, OH & WA, Online, 9/2017
Anybody who is motivated and ready to learn, digitally literate, and aware of learning opportunities, can learn mostly Western-oriented things that online learning organizations deem important, anywhere with an internet connection and consistent access to computers for free the cost of your time.
Next Library, Aarhus, 6/2017
Anybody who speaks English, is digitally literate, has free time, and understands how to learn can learn see stuff online that has already been created by people who think something is important (assuming accessibility issues are accounted for), anywhere with reliable broadband internet access, for free some cost.
Creative Commons Summit, Toronto, 4/2017
Anybody who knows how to learn with enough internet access with some digital literacy can learn a bit of a lot of some things, anywhere* for free* (it’s easier with money) in most large languages.
Open Education Global, Cape Town, 3/2017
Anybody with motivation with access to tools/internet (or other mechanisms) + digital/linguistic literacies and social support in a state that doesn’t block materials can learn some content (maybe not pedagogical lessons) in your language, anywhere that you can access the tools needs to access the materials, for free some cost of your time/transport/tools.
Berkman Klein Center, Cambridge, 11/2016
Anybody with a friend or with sufficient digital/linguistic literacy (+ other literacies) and a good amount of motivation who also knows where to look can learn a lot of mostly Western oriented things that already exist, anywhere with connectivity, for free some sort of cost (in theory), but these people won’t actually know if they learned anything...but what is the point anyway?
Mozfest, London 10/2016