Comparing Popular Online Learning Platforms

Online learning is a viable choice for students who prefer self-paced learning or need to fit their education into a flexible schedule. While numerous online platforms provide this convenience, determining which platform is ideal for you may be tricky. Each platform offers a unique set of services, expertise, and pricing. It’s critical to grasp the features of online learning platforms before deciding which one is best for you.

In this section, we will compare and explain some of the most popular online learning systems, both free and paid.

Free Online Learning Platforms

The best part about free online learning platforms is that students can take advantage without paying. This is a major benefit for users, but there is most likely no professional growth to come out of free platforms. Free online learning platforms are great if you are just looking to become more educated in a certain topic or would like to get a stronger understanding of your specialty. However, you will not be earning any proof of completion afterward.

Academic Earth

While Academic Earth is a website that helps you find live online courses to enroll in from different universities that will cost you money, they also have a wide selection of free online college courses that you can study and go through. The lectures, notes, and assignments for these free courses have already been posted online for your convenience. In this way, you may self-educate yourself for free through a recognized college course. The only catch is that you will not earn any credit for achieving this; it is just for your betterment.

The lectures, notes, and assignments for these free courses have already been posted online for your convenience. In this way, you may educate yourself for free through a recognized college course. The only catch is that you will not earn any credit for achieving this; it is just for your own personal betterment.

YouTube

Numerous people might not consider YouTube while considering online learning options. Nevertheless, if you’re seeking educational and instructive videos online, YouTube could be the biggest and greatest resource. On YouTube, innumerable channels offer instructional content as well as fun how-to videos. The fact that YouTube is accessible to everyone is its most fantastic feature.

Paid Online Learning Platforms

Now, if you are looking for a platform that offers professional growth or college degrees, you will have to open your wallet for that. Even though these platforms aren’t free, they may be a cost-effective way to earn certificates or degrees without having to go into debt at a university. They offer courses in a wide-ranging set of subjects and skill areas with different kinds of accreditation. This is why it is important to learn about what each platform has to offer and whether it’s worth the cost.

Coursera

Coursera is among the most popular and successful online learning platforms for students looking to further their education in certain fields. If you are looking to earn a legitimate degree or certificate online, Coursera can provide that for you. Coursera collaborates with several colleges and businesses to offer approved online courses.

Coursera offers students the opportunity to earn a bachelor’s or even master’s degree, but only in certain areas. With Coursera, you can earn one of these degrees in Data Science, Computer Science, Information Technology, Engineering, MBA, Accounting, Entrepreneurship, and Public Health.

The prices of courses may vary, but you can also pay for a bundle for about $400 a year and will be able to access almost all of what Coursera has to offer. Making it worth it for students looking to earn degrees through Coursera instead of having to take classes at a University.

Udemy

Udemy is also another popular online learning platform. Unlike Coursera, you will not be able to earn a degree or certification through Udemy, but Udemy does offer professional development. 

Employers often turn to Udemy to train and educate their employees. Employees can take courses and complete training through Udemy, offering those employees growth opportunities within the company.

Anyone can also take classes from Udemy if they intend to learn more about academic subjects or the arts. Udemy is quite cost-effective, with classes ranging anywhere from $12 to $30 each. 

Summary

Online learning platforms offer a wide variety of opportunities for people looking to further their knowledge or professional careers. Some may be more costly than others, but that is because they may have more to offer you. Be clear with what you are looking for and from there you will have endless options to choose from.