I have had the opportunity to evaluate a variety of online learning platforms, including Udemy, Coursera, LinkedIn Learning, and Google Skillshop courses. Each platform has its strengths and weaknesses, and I will provide a comprehensive review of each one below.
Udemy:
Udemy is a popular online learning platform that offers a vast library of courses on a wide range of topics such as coding, photography, marketing, etc.
Pros:
One of the key strengths of Udemy is its affordability, with many courses available for under $20 and it is pay per course model. The platform also features a user-friendly interface, making it easy to navigate and find courses of interest. Udemy courses are typically taught by industry professionals, ensuring that the content is relevant and fairly up-to-date.
Cons:
A downside of Udemy is the lack of quality control over the courses offered. Anyone can create and publish a course on the platform, so the quality of courses can vary significantly. Some courses may be outdated, poorly structured, or have low-quality content. Additionally, Udemy courses are not accredited, so they may not be suitable for individuals seeking formal qualifications or credentials.
I did the 100 Days of Code: The Complete Python Bootcamp 2023 by Dr. Angela Yu. She taught the course really well and was very clear in her videos. The assignments, quizzes and projects given were entertaining and provided room for growth. She also provided the answers and walked through the projects to show how it can be done and also explains clearly why. If you are looking to learn coding, you should definitely give it a go!
Note: Udemy Business is free right now on the Singapore National Library Board (NLB) website as long as you sign up for a free NLB account as well!
Coursera:
Coursera is a well-established online learning platform that partners with universities and organizations to offer courses and programs.
Pros:
The platform features high-quality courses taught by world-renowned instructors, providing learners with an excellent learning experience. Many courses on Coursera are also accredited, meaning that learners can earn recognized qualifications and credentials. There are some courses taught for free as well and it is free to sign up for an account.
Cons:
Coursera courses are typically more expensive than Udemy courses, with some programs costing several hundred dollars. There is also a monthly subscription model for individuals. However, the quality of courses and the credentials learners can earn make the investment worthwhile. Coursera also offers financial aid and scholarships to eligible learners, making it more accessible to a wider audience.
Recently, I got the chance to complete the Google Data Analytics Professional Certificate. It is an accredited course in partnership with Google. It taught me new skills such as data visualization using Tableau online and data analysis using SQL on BigQuery Sandbox and basic Excel/Google Sheets analysis skills. There is a final capstone project that is optional to complete but you may need to sign up for paid software like BigQuery and Tableau to handle such a large amount of data. All in all, it was quite a good experience and the instructors teach really well through bite sized videos and assignments which makes the self-paced learning experience more flexible and accessible for me. At the end of the project, you get a certification that you can display on your LinkedIn profile well!
LinkedIn Learning:
LinkedIn Learning is a relatively new player in the online learning space, but it has quickly gained popularity due to its integration with LinkedIn's professional network. The platform features a wide range of courses taught by industry professionals, covering topics such as business, technology, and creative skills.
Pros:
One of the key strengths of LinkedIn Learning is its personalized learning experience. The platform uses learners' data and insights from their LinkedIn profiles to recommend relevant courses and learning paths. Additionally, LinkedIn Learning courses are available in bite-sized chunks, making it easy for busy professionals to fit learning into their schedules.
Cons:
However, one downside of LinkedIn Learning is its lack of accreditation. The platform does not offer formal qualifications or credentials, so learners may need to look elsewhere if they are seeking accreditation.
Google Skillshop:
Google Skillshop is an online learning platform that offers courses and programs on a range of topics related to Google's products and services. The platform features courses taught by Google experts, providing learners with valuable insights and knowledge.
Pros:
One of the key strengths of Google Courses is its accessibility. The platform is free and open to anyone, making it an excellent resource for individuals looking to develop new skills or gain knowledge in a specific area. Additionally, Google Courses offer interactive learning experiences, including quizzes and exercises, to help learners reinforce their learning.
Cons:
However, one downside of Google Courses is its limited scope. The platform primarily focuses on Google's products and services, so it may not be suitable for individuals looking to learn about other topics. Additionally, Google Courses do not offer formal qualifications or credentials, so learners may need to look elsewhere if they are seeking accreditation.
I completed one of their courses on Youtube Ads and I learned about how they did ads on Youtube and the costs of the different types of ads such as CPM/CPV. I also learned about how each particular advertisement type is used for and why some are non-skippable. It was easy to learn and it took about 2 days only but the scope is really limited.
Overall, each of these online learning platforms has its strengths and weaknesses. Individuals looking to learn new skills or gain knowledge should consider their needs and preferences before choosing a platform.
Udemy is an excellent choice for those on a budget, while Coursera is ideal for those seeking recognized qualifications.
LinkedIn Learning is perfect for busy professionals looking for a personalized learning experience, and Google Skillshop is an excellent choice for those looking to learn about Google's products and services.
I know that there are more of such online learning platforms such as Skillshare and I am really excited to give them a go as well!
If you liked this review of the online learning platforms listed above or have used them before, do leave a comment and subscribe!
Note: There are affiliate links included in this review and I may earn a small commission from these affiliate links or when someone signs up through the link.
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