Online Learning Platforms Uk

Online learning platforms uk : Online learning can be an exciting, fun and incredibly rewarding experience. But maybe you’re wondering if it’s right for you. Or maybe you want to find out more about the different types of online learning available.

This guide will set out all of the facts, so that you can make an informed choice about which direction to take. And whether this new wave of online learning is right for your child. Or your business.

Udacity

The cutting-edge program for the tech student of the future

Nanodegree program is unique and gaining traction as a cutting-edge education system
Has many courses on tech training and skills
Partners with leading institutions and tech companies like Google and Salesforce

Udacity.com is one of the most well-known Coursera competitors. One of its best features is its “Nanodegree” course streams. It offers certification for courses in technical fields, such as website development, software engineering, data science, and other roles that the world’s leading tech companies (including Google, Facebook, and Salesforce) are looking to fill. It’s okay if you’re new to technology, though, as you can search for courses based on how much technical knowledge you need to succeed. This lets you start out with the easier courses first (like simple programming and design) and then move on to more advanced concepts, like their amazing course on self-driving cars.

Cost: Some courses offered for free. Nanodegree subscriptions cost $199+/month.

Masterclass

Celebrity and industry professional-taught classes on skills you actually want to learn

Courses are taught by industry professionals and celebrities
Each course only covers one specific skill, so you can learn about exactly what interests you most
A subscription to get unlimited access is relatively cheap when compared to other websites

One of the best things about Coursera is that it gives you the attention of university professors. With Masterclass.com, you get the attention of leading industry professionals, and can learn a specific skill with each course. The classes are taught by celebrities you know who have gained success in their field and have valuable information to share with you. With Masterclass, you truly do get the opportunity to learn from the best, and you’ll more than likely enjoy all the time you spend learning because you get to listen to one of your idols.

Here are some of the coolest courses Masterclass offers:

Cost: $180/year or $90/class

Udemy

The biggest online course catalogue to learn anything and everything online

One of the largest catalogues of online courses available
Covers the most minute of topics so you can learn a variety of specific skills
Some certifications are transferable to programs at real institutions

Udemy.com is one of the largest alternatives to Coursera, with over 7 million users and 30,000 courses. The reason for this is that unlike Coursera, EdX, and Udacity (which rely on partnerships with major corporations and educational institutions to provide their material), almost anyone can put together a course to teach on Udemy about pretty much anything. As a result, it doesn’t have any courses that count towards a university degree, though some may count towards skilled trade certification. Some of its courses are free to take, while others require you to pay a small tuition fee.

Cost: Courses are listed from $9-300, but Udemy is known for huge discounts on their courses, so most cost $50 or less.

EdX

Harvard and MIT education for the at-home self-starting student

Content provided by MIT and Harvard universities
Certificates offered for completing courses
Quality of courses is exactly the same for free or for paid (you just don’t get the certificate if you don’t pay)

EdX.org is one of the two most often-mentioned Coursera alternatives. Created from a joint effort by the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (M.I.T.) and Harvard University in 2012, EdX is very similar to Coursera. In addition to its lessons being similarly structured, EdX offers learner’s certificates for completing courses, as well as groups of related courses called “XSeries.” However, EdX is run on a non-profit basis (though that doesn’t necessarily mean that it’s completely free), and works by using open-source software (so people can look inside and see how it works). As of the end of 2014, EdX had over 500 courses and over 4 million registered students.

Cost: Free or you can pay to get a certificate, costing between $50-300 per course.

Pluralsight

For learning real tech skills you can put into practice instantly

Many courses are offered for free, allowing you to test out classes before paying for them
IT and computer-related material instruction is what Pluralsight focuses on
The skill level required to complete a course is clearly indicated before you enroll

If you’re looking to learn computer-related skills, Pluralsight.com is probably the place for you. For a monthly/yearly subscription, you get unlimited access to all Pluralsight materials, and can enroll in as many courses as you like. Courses are offered at various levels of skill, so you can work with Pluralsight courses no matter if you’re a beginner, or an expert with tech. With Pluralsight, because the courses all focus on only one subject, you’re getting the best-quality information about computers and IT. You can also use Pluralsight to help train your employees if you run your own business, to help improve computer and tech skills in the workplace.

Cost: Some courses are free; premium subscription costs $29/month or $299/year

Lynda.com

LinkedIn-owned to help you get the workplace skills you need to succeed

Courses are focused on workplace skill development to help your career
Can help you improve your resume or climb the ladder at your current job by filling in gaps in your knowledge
Focuses on business and marketing skills

Lynda.com is another educational website that, like Udemy, you have to pay to use. Powered by LinkedIn, its courses focus mainly on employability skills for today’s digital workplaces, such as computer programming, audio engineering, graphic design, videography, office software proficiency, and meeting/presentation management.

It’s mainly video-based, and has a few neat features like the ability to search video transcripts for something specific that you want to learn about, or add specific videos to your own custom playlists. It also has a program that makes it available for a reduced cost through libraries or other educational institutions.

Our Lynda.com course has the lowdown on this alternative to Coursera!

Cost: basic — $19.99/month; premium $29/month

Skillshare

Industry professionals are the teachers – so you can do more than just learn

Courses are taught by professionals that are successful in their industry, still making their living that way
Notable industry celebs and moguls teach courses on Skillshare
Courses are taught from experience, so they emphasize action above simply reading along with material

If you like to learn by doing, Skillshare.com is the eLearning site for you. With courses in photography, design, marketing, fine art, music production, and more, you can learn from real professionals who have made their living in their respective fields. Some notable instructors include social media consultant Gary Vaynerchuk, fashion designer Marc Ecko, and real estate mogul Barbara Corcoran. Some courses are available for free, but most require a subscription.

Cost: Some courses are free. Premium courses cost $12/month or $100/year.

FutureLearn

FutureLearn is a massive open online course provider founded in the United Kingdom in 2012 by 12 university partners, including King’s College London and the University of Leeds. Students can complete one of 418 short courses to learn new skills in areas like digital product management, ecology and wildlife science, and the future of globalization. They may also obtain microcredentials from leading universities and major companies.

Additionally, FutureLearn provides low-cost online academic programs that enable candidates to earn a bachelor of arts in international business or a master of science in cybersecurity. Unlike other platforms, FutureLearn structures its courses through narrative, with weekly to-do lists that help students stay on top of coursework. Learners can also access one-on-one support from a network of tutors.

iversity

Based in Berlin, iversity partners with a variety of companies, nongovernmental organizations, and universities across Europe to deliver more than 60 courses in English, German, and French. The platform maintains industry standards with the help of web designers and UX developers, ensuring the highest levels of usability and student engagement. The organization also offers corporate training services through its “iversity for Business” initiative.

Students can access traditional MOOCs or fast-paced “Espresso” classes in areas like data-driven marketing, international labor standards, and climate change and health. Iversity also offers intensive “Pro” courses that require candidates to pay a tuition price. Students can save money by bundling “Pro” classes.

Kadenze

Kadenze was launched in 2015 as a for-profit company with the support of 18 institutional partners, including Princeton University and the Rhode Island School of Design. This MOOC provider focuses on music, visual arts, creative technology, and other fields of study that lagged behind due to the prominence of STEM education. Students enjoy self-paced, mobile-friendly content that lets them showcase their skills with professional portfolio tools.

Users can access individual classes that cover topics in cinematic storytelling, project management for designers, and sound production in Ableton. Although Kadenze offers most of its MOOCs for free, students can pay to access in-depth feedback and other premium content. Kadenze also offers curated programs that enable learners to specialize in a subject.

Khan Academy

Khan Academy bases its organizational mission on the belief that education is a human right. To this end, the platform offers entirely free online courses that integrate instructional videos, practice exercises, and a personalized learning dashboard. Unlike many other MOOC providers, Khan Academy largely supports K-12 students, with content for pre-algebra, English language education, AP chemistry, and U.S government and civics.

Learners may also access preparation materials for standardized tests, including the SAT, ACT, GRE, NCLEX-RN, and even the Praxis exams. Furthermore, Khan Academy offers resources for teachers and parents, who can assign standards-aligned course materials and track student progress. Through networking tools, users may connect with students and teachers across the globe.

Conclusion

Online learning platforms are one of the fastest growing trends in education, with hundreds of millions of users globally. And it’s no wonder why these platforms are so popular. More and more companies are choosing to teach their employees using online resources.