Five ways to learn on MIT Learn, beyond courses and programs

On MIT Learn, we know that knowledge comes in many forms and that people learn in different ways. That's why we have a growing collection of learning resources that go beyond online courses and programs. Explore more ways to enrich your mind, from short educational videos to intimate seminars and documentaries. 

1. Dive into podcasts that make you think

Podcasts are perfect for learning on your own schedule. Our collection of podcasts brings MIT expert insights directly to your ears, each offering self-contained episodes you can explore at your own pace.

Curious about biology and health? Beyond Biology Podcast connects high-level research and the human heart, featuring experts with deep scientific understanding of diseases and personal connections to their research topics. Hosted by Mary Ellen Wiltrout, academic director of DELTA science and director of online and blended learning initiatives, the podcast offers inspirational lessons of perseverance, empathy, and the power of a growth mindset.

Looking for science that explains the world around you? Science of Everyday Life uncovers the physics and chemistry behind ordinary phenomena you encounter daily. Host John Harrold, program lead of Universal Entrepreneurship, has interviewed MIT experts on everything, from fashionable physics to urban mobility to entrepreneurial ecosystems. 

Need context on what matters most? Why This Matters investigates the stories that shape our future. Hosted by Daniel Braconnier, digital learning postdoctoral associate, the podcast covers the intersection of science, policy, and design with the people that know where these topics affect you. 

Want fresh perspectives from some of the sharpest minds at MIT? Teach Us Something New takes a deep dive into the expertise, research, and ideas that drive members of the MIT community. Learn something new alongside host Luke Hobson, assistant director of instructional design. 

Interested in a behind-the-scenes look at MIT courses? Chalk Radio dives deep into education and teaching innovation, bringing you inside some of the most interesting courses at MIT. Hosted by Sarah Hansen, assistant director of open education innovation, episodes feature MIT educators sharing their teaching styles, personal lives, and how their learning journeys have shaped their research, teaching, and initiatives in their fields.

2. Tune in to Open Seminars for informal talks

Open Seminars bring you into the room where ideas are actively debated and developed, offering a window into MIT’s intellectual culture. These sessions capture expert-led discussions on emerging research, from space chemistry and gravitational waves to structural color in bird feathers and concept maps. Watch real scholarship in action, hear from leading thinkers, and gain insights that go beyond polished presentations.

3. Learn through bite-sized educational videos

MIT Pulse introduces you to the people, ideas, and places at the heart of MIT in two minutes or less. These short educational videos spotlight research breakthroughs, explain complex concepts simply, and highlight the people and ideas shaping our world. You’ll learn how sustainability is revolutionizing aquaculture, what lipid nanoparticles are, the true size of cells, and more. These videos are designed for learners who want substantive learning without the time commitment.

4. Discover the human stories shaping the MIT community

MIT Stories documentaries bring you into the lives and work of MIT researchers, innovators, and thinkers. These films tell compelling narratives about how MIT’s community tackles global challenges, pursues curiosity, and drives change — from School of Engineering Dean Paula Hammond’s professional journey and breakthrough research in nanotechnology and ovarian cancer, to the global influence of MIT OpenCourseWare, to the Cambridge biotech boom.

5. Learn a new topic through our educational articles

Beyond videos and seminars, the MIT Learn News page offers in-depth articles from the world of learning at MIT. Discover stories about learners who have changed their lives through our courses and resources, explorations of AI governance and systems thinking in the workplace, and insights into the intersection of technology and learning, from new programs, courses, and initiatives to top-ranked MIT subjects.