Top 10 Online Learning Platforms for Skill Development

The world is rapidly evolving to the stage where we are no longer tied to physical classrooms. A couple of institutions even recommend supplementing college studies with courses from reliable online platforms to further hone skills and boost academic readiness.

This shift has made it easier for learners of all fields and levels to acquire new knowledge and gain certifications from the comfort of their homes. In this article, we will explore various learning platforms that can help you develop your skill set, regardless of your background or expertise.

Benefits of Online Learning Platforms

Before we proceed, let's discuss the pros of online learning and why they are preferred by many to learn different skills.

• Convenience

Convenience is a key reason why many choose online learning platforms to acquire new skills. Take, for instance, the situation of someone juggling two jobs in a bustling city and looking to expand their franchise knowledge. Registering for an onsite learning class simply isn't practical due to time constraints, associated costs, and additional expenses (like transportation). In contrast, online platforms offer the flexibility to choose your ideal learning time, making it easily adaptable to busy schedules.

• Pricing/Course Fee

Beyond convenience and flexibility, cost often presents a barrier to accessing desired degrees or certifications, especially for learners from low-income countries who may struggle with basic expenses, let alone education. Thankfully, online platforms excel in addressing this issue. They offer incredible discounts and even scholarships worth thousands of dollars for a wide range of courses, making premium education accessible to anyone willing to learn. These platforms ensure that learners get the best possible experience at their own pace and budget.

• Support Services

If you are to ponder on how much stress you went through during the enrollment of a course or particular degree you are currently enrolled in, there would be several stories to tell on how you almost didn’t get the help you needed during registration and while taking the course.

Most learners are even used to the DIY (Do It Yourself) of learning institutions and how they have been programmed to do things by themselves with little or no supervision. Thankfully, online platforms offer a refreshing change. There are standby support teams that would be ready to answer questions, guide you through modules, and promptly respond to your emails as soon as you encounter any roadblocks. This comprehensive support ensures any learner, regardless of their level, thrives in their learning journey.

Now, let's dive deeper into platforms you can learn from, whether as a beginner or an expert in your field!

Top 10 Learning Platforms for Skill Development

Coursera

Some readers might already be familiar with Coursera, renowned for its extensive and diverse course catalog. Their dedication to making learning accessible is further boosted by attractive discounts and financial aid options for learners. Over 90 million learners on this platform gain valuable knowledge and improved skills through diverse coursework. Coursera also offers hands-on projects, assessments, and assignments that equip you with real-world experience and help you stand out from the crowd. They've even gone the extra mile with a dedicated app, allowing you to learn on the go, from your mobile device or laptop. No more relying on specific links or websites to access your course content. And to top it off, their completion certificates carry weight, being recognized by well-renowned institutions like Harvard, MIT, Cambridge, and more. So, rest assured, your Coursera certificate holds value and can confidently be presented for job or internship applications.

SkillShare

Skillshare is a renowned platform that focuses on areas like writing, graphic design, digital marketing, photography, video editing, and animation. So, if you're a content creator aiming to level up in any of these fields, this could be the perfect platform. With over 40,000 classes taught by seasoned professionals, you are on your way to expertise - dedication and commitment are key, of course! Unlike some platforms with non-professional teams, you get to learn directly through the app from experienced professionals. Although SkillShare courses can be quite expensive, the depth of each course has been recommended by learners who have gone through the same experience. Therefore, this is a perfect choice for you as long as you can afford them.

EdX

Although not fully known by many, EdX is doing a mind-blowing job by offering students the chance to earn bachelor's and master's degrees from the comfort of their homes. These courses align with the standards of Ivy League schools, which ensure their curriculum matches the output of teaching. Also, some courses involve lecturers from these schools, so there's no need to worry about the credibility of your certificates.

Udemy

Unlike other learning platforms, Udemy doesn't require subscriptions to access all courses. Even for paid courses, there's a 30-day money-back guarantee, letting you request a refund and switch to a different course if needed. Plus, their courses have no restrictions or a designated date of completion, so you can start and complete them at your own pace.

Udacity

For students who are interested in getting into tech or know more about data science, data analytics, artificial intelligence, programming, frontend, and backend development, learning on Udacity is a really good place to start. Their nano degree courses are also in affiliations to a couple of organizations like Amazon web services, and Microsoft, where they provide in-demand tech courses for 21st-century learners.

LinkedIn Learning

LinkedIn Learning is a relatively new platform that offers courses to help you develop skills and earn certifications relevant to your LinkedIn profile job descriptions. You will frequently find suggestions aligned with your current role, and completing them can enhance your profile and showcase your skills to potential employers. After completion, you are eligible to receive a LinkedIn certification badge alongside detailed How-To guides for mastering the application when subscribed to the Premium Package.

Khan Academy

While primarily aimed at K-12 education, Khan Academy offers comprehensive and current learning materials. It further extends its reach by partnering with charities and organizations to offer free courses when they register on the platform as one, thereby bridging educational gaps for people in underrepresented countries.

MasterClass

Though most MasterClass certifications focus on entrepreneurial skills like photography, cooking, writing, filmmaking, etc., these courses aim to equip learners with diverse skills, not solely relying on traditional education. For mobile learners, MasterClass offers a dedicated app. The platform further enriches your learning journey with downloadable materials, engaging community forums, and insightful video lessons.

ALX

As a tech enthusiast looking to build a reputable career in various fields like Virtual assistance, AWS salesforce administrator, Software engineering, Front and back-end development, Machine learning, Data science, and analytics, ALX platform might as well be a good starting point for you.

By learning with ALX, you not only get to learn in-demand core hard skills, but are also given chances and opportunities to learn basic and essential soft skills from the ALX Foundations which serves as a criteria for any course you would be taking. You should also know that after getting certified in any of these fields, you would be offered a provisional opportunity to be an ALX fellow and invited into THE ROOM. THE ROOM is a platform where all graduated learners get to meet with big tech CEOs and recruiters for job opportunities. There would be provision for weekly and monthly seminars just to make sure graduated learners are up to date on recent happenings in the tech world as well.

Moodle

Developed in collaboration with various organizations, Moodle is a free and open learning system that allows educators and experts to create and manage course modules. Introduced in 2002, it has grown to over 300 million users, helping learners across continents. Its vast user base fosters a diverse network of learners and experts, enriching the knowledge available.

Final Thoughts

We hope this list will keep you informed on the best choices for learners who are eager to start their learning journeys. As the world constantly evolves, staying ahead in your skillset and acquiring foundational knowledge in other fields remains crucial for navigating in-demand job opportunities.