There are so many online learning platforms out there that it can be difficult to know which one is right for you.
If you are looking to take the next step in your career and want to learn something new, choosing the appropriate platform is crucial.
You may have heard that some of the top companies in the world are using online learning as a major part of their employee development strategy.
While this may seem like a good thing, it is important to note that not all online learning platforms are created equal.
In this article, we will review some of the best options available, as well as give you our recommendations for which one is right for you.
What Is An Online Learning Platform?
An online learning platform is a website, app, or platform that allows you to study a variety of subjects and learn at your own pace, without having to commute to a classroom or sit in an office for hours on end.
You can choose from a huge list of different courses to take, as well as create your own customized course.
Once you’ve enrolled in a course, you can access it on your computer, laptop, smartphone, or tablet, and you can also take it in real-time as you are watching it on the platform.
There are many different types of online learning platforms, including live-streaming, online classes, on-demand, and hybrid learning.
Should I Become An Online Learner?
One of the best things about online learning is that you can choose the course that’s right for you.
You can choose to go with a general course that teaches you a lot, but nothing in-depth, or you can take a more targeted approach and focus on a specific skill set you are trying to develop.
There are definitely pros and cons to each approach, so we recommend doing some research and finding out which one works best for you.
The 7 Best Online Learning Platforms
1). Best Overall: Coursera
What is great about Coursera is that it’s a great option for both novices and experts.
You can take almost any course, and anyone can join your session and watch it on their computer, laptop, or smartphone.
There are also special programs, like the auto-learner, where you can easily track your progress and understand how you’re doing.
You can also take advantage of the many career-focused programs that Coursera offers, so you can choose a program that’s right for you and your career goals.
2). Best for Niche Topics: Udemy
Udemy is an online marketplace where people can create courses, and then anyone can buy them and take them in real time.
This is great for people who want to create various types of courses, such as those teaching you how to cook authentic Indian food.
Udemy is a really great option for people who want to learn a specific topic, but don’t want to pay a lot of money for a formal class.
3). Best for Creative Fields: Skillshare
You can take almost any class at Skillshare, and almost everyone can join your class and follow along on their own computer, laptop, or mobile device.
This is a great option for people who like to learn new skills, but don’t have the time or interest to sit in a classroom and learn.
Skillshare offers some of the best creative classes around, from animation to photography, and web design to music production. If you’re interested in learning new skills, Skillshare is a great option for you.
4). Best for Celebrity Lessons: MasterClass
MasterClass is a subscription-based online training service focused on helping people learn new skills.
You can sign up for a month-to-month subscription, or sign up for a yearly plan, and then pay a monthly fee for access to all of the content.
This is a great option if you’re looking to learn a new skill from a celebrity or professional.
For example, you can learn how to design and develop your own video games from the creator of Minecraft, or you can take lessons with a celebrity chef to create your own recipes.
If you’re interested in learning new skills and want to learn from a professional, MasterClass is a great option.
5). Best for STEM: EdX
If you are interested in learning new skills related to science, engineering, technology, and mathematics (STEM), then EdX is a great option for you.
While it is not specifically focused on helping you learn a new skill, many of their courses are related to the topics that they cover.
For example, if you are interested in learning about computer programming or web design and development, EdX is a great option for you.
And if you’re interested in learning about the history of agriculture or the law, EdX is also a great place to look.
EdX offers its courses in a variety of formats, including video lectures, interactive quizzes, and interactive games.
6). Best for Data Learning: Pluralsight
Pluralsight is another one of the best online learning platforms that’s ideal for people who want to learn data-driven skills.
You can take almost any course, and almost everyone can join your class and follow along on their own computer, laptop, or mobile device.
This is a great option for people who want to learn data-driven skills, but just don’t have the time for a traditional course.
7). Best for Career Building: Udacity
Udacity is another one of the best online learning platforms that offers a variety of courses related to data. Udacity is focused on career building, so it’s a great option for people who want to build their career in data or analytics.
They offer a wide variety of courses that are both free and paid, and the courses are always updated with the latest developments in the field.
How to Choose the Best Online Learning Platform for You?
There are a lot of online learning platforms out there, and finding the best one for you can be tricky. To help get it just right, here are some tips to consider:
- List out your goals: What do you hope to learn? What skills do you hope to gain? You can use this list as a guide when choosing an online learning platform.
- Consider the price: Depending on what skills you want to learn, there’s a wide range of prices available for different online learning platforms. If you’re interested in data-driven skills and want something that’s well-regarded and inexpensive, Udacity is an option. On the other hand, if you’re looking for more hands-on courses that offer certification at the end of the course or at a deep discount, Pluralsight is another good option. Look around and see what types of courses are offered by different companies; then pick the one that’s best for your needs!
- Consider how much time you have to commit: If you’re looking for a short course that’ll help you get up to speed quickly, a free option like FutureLearn might be right up your alley. However, if you have the time and resources to invest in a more thorough course, consider the options at Coursera or EdX.
- Consider the format of the online learning platform: Some online learning platforms offer free courses that anyone can access. Others are limited to paying students only. For example, I’d recommend taking an Introduction to Mathematics class through Khan Academy over Udacity because it’s more focused on teaching mathematics by using videos and problem-solving exercises as opposed to just lectures. The course is also self-paced, so you can start it whenever you feel like it.
Concluding Thoughts
There are so many online learning platforms out there that it can be difficult to know which one is right for you.
If you are looking to take the next step in your career and want to learn something new, choosing the appropriate platform is crucial.
You may have heard that some of the top companies in the world are using online learning as a major part of their employee development strategy.
While this may seem like a good thing, it’s important to note that not all online learning platforms are created equal. In this article, we’ve reviewed some of the best options available, as well as given our recommendations for which one is right for you.
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