Online learning has become an essential tool for students across the world. These days, it’s certainly not restricted to undergrads and grad students, either. There are countless online learning platforms designed to make knowledge accessible to everyone. This article will focus specifically on those that offer users the ability to view lectures remotely for uninterrupted learning.
1. Coursera
Unlike some online learning platforms, Coursera offers real academic courses with everything from streaming lectures to graded quizzes and homework assignments. Coursera partners with more than 200 universities and companies to provide lectures and learning experiences that come with real-world benefits. Students can even earn certain types of certifications and degrees online through the platform.
2. Udemy
Udemy offers an incredible range of lectures and courses, so students can find just about any topic imaginable on this platform. From traditional business skills to topics like personal development and lifestyle that aren’t covered in normal academic settings, there’s something for everyone. There’s no standard format for the courses, but instructors often include not just lectures but also readings, quizzes, and additional activities.
3. MasterClass
MasterClass courses are video-based and include a mix of straightforward lectures, class discussions, and workbooks. The platform focuses primarily on creative topics, but there are over 100 courses to choose from, and they vary significantly. There are also plenty of in-depth courses on practical topics like leadership skills given by world-class instructors.
4. EdX
EdX is an online lecture and learning platform for education-oriented courses that can be used to advance a career from home. The platform is partnered with Harvard, MIT, UC Berkeley, and many other top-ranking educational institutions and has over 15,000 instructors. Unlike most online learning platforms, EdX also offers professional degree certificates and micro-degree programs at both bachelor’s and master’s levels. Users can even earn transferrable credits for select courses at some universities.
5. Pluralsight
Designed for working professionals who want to expand their knowledge of data-related fields, Pluralsight is an excellent online learning option for intermediate and advanced users. The pricing is relatively affordable, the platform organizes courses into paths that function somewhat like mini-degrees to maximize the effectiveness of its learning program, and its course library includes over 7,000 classes. The pricing is the same no matter how many courses students want to take or paths they want to follow.
6. Udacity
Udacity offers four-month “nanodegree” courses that offer not just access to lectures but also one-on-one learning from advisors who work with students on work samples and resumes. Like Pluralsight, Udacity is focused on tech skills, covering all of the most in-demand fields. The courses are intensive programs that include many lessons, projects, discussions, and personalized reviews. Students can expect to spend between one and five months completing each program if they are studying part-time.
7. Skillshare
Not all specialized online lecture and learning platforms focus on STEM subjects or data technology. Skillshare is a subscription-based platform that focuses on creative topics instead. Students can learn about everything from photography and film to interior design, and the focus of these courses is on teaching practical skills that can be applied in real-world scenarios.
How to Choose the Right Platform
With so many great options out there, choosing the right video lecture streaming and online coursework platform can be a challenge. The best way to get started is to check out the courses available through a few of the popular options listed above and learn about their fee structures. Many online learning platforms offer free trials or the ability to take courses for no credit, so there’s an option for every learner.
With a solid foundation in technology, backed by a BIT degree, Lucas Noah has carved a niche for himself in the world of content creation and digital storytelling. Currently lending his expertise to Creative Outrank LLC and Oceana Express LLC, Lucas has become a... Read more