News flash: major employers are already accepting online accreditations (source: UCAS).
As technology continues to advance at breakneck speed, the need for us to constantly update our skills and knowledge in order to thrive remains paramount.
Thanks to widespread adoption of online learning platforms, we can now take courses from big educational institutions and proven experts, even when on the bog at home.
In this guide, we review ten of these top online learning platforms… Ready? Let’s go!
Table of Contents:
- Online Learning Platform (UK): 2023’s Top Ten
- 1. 📘 Coursera review
- 2. 📚 Udemy review
- 3. 📘 Udacity review
- 4. 📘 LinkedIn Learning review
- 5. 📘 edX review
- 6. 📘 Skillshare review
- 7. 📘 Khan Academy review
- 8. 📘 Amazon Web Services review
- 9. 📘 Google Cloud Learning review
- 10. 📘 LearnWorlds review
- Online Learning Platforms Defined
- Coursera vs. Udemy vs. Lynda.com
- Which is the World's Largest Online Learning Platform
Online Learning Platform (UK): 2023’s Top Ten 🇬🇧
At light-speed, with the power of data science and good old fashioned research skills, we’ve compiled the best online educational platforms available for you today.
This route is slower. But hard skills win out over time to the short-lived dream of ‘Bonnie & Clyde’ cash. Without further ado:
Top Online Learning Service – Reviews 2023
1. Coursera Review – Best Overall Online Learning Platform
Another oceanic name in top online learning platforms you should try in 2023 is Coursera. They’re another internationally-renowned online learning service, established in 2012.
Coursera currently has over 28 million users in more than 200 countries. Its platform hosts more than 1000 courses from some of the top universities in the world.
These include Stanford, Yale, MIT and many others. Coursera’s online courses are generally free to use. This includes a certain number of course “segments”. If you want to access the full course and receive a certificate at the end then you will need to pay a fee.
One of the best things about Coursera is that it lets you take courses at your own pace. You can pause, stop and restart your learning as often as you like. This makes it great for people with busy work or family lives. You can schedule your learning around other commitments.
Chances are, if you’re considering an online course run by a major educational institute, they’ve probably got a course on Coursera. If you can pay more for the proper accreditation, this might be your best source for upskilling.
PROS
CONS
2. Udemy Review – Most-Loved Online Education Platform
Of all the ten platforms, Udemy is one of the most popular online courses platforms for entrepreneurs.
Udemy offers thousands of courses that range from skill-based topics to more in-depth lectures on marketing, finance, and more (eg. trading crypto).
Oh, I haven’t included Lynda.com in this review. If you’re an animator or graphics/digital pro, head to their page - they’re the second-largest online learning platform for a reason. And top-notch for digital tutes… So possibly should be no.1 on this list!
The site hosts a variety of courses for self-starters from experts in their respective fields and offers a wide range of pricing options. The platform is especially great for those on the go with its mobile app and short, concise lessons. You don’t have to invest a ton of time into these courses either; they average around five hours each.
One downside is that sometimes it can be hard to find exactly what you are looking for when you are browsing through the selection because there's just so much content available. That doesn't mean that there aren't enough classes though! If you know what you're looking for, Udemy can be an excellent place to learn new skills or brush up on old ones.
Udemy has a diverse online learning marketplace. From courses in business to coding to health and wellness, there’s something for everyone. With over 45,000 courses and 20 million students, it’s become a mainstay of online learning under two different pricing models:
1. Pay As You Go:
You pay for each course individually. So if you want to take more than one course, you’ll have to pay for each one separately. Udemy offers courses in a variety of formats, including video and audio lessons, PDF downloads, and live webinars. Often, there is supplemental materials eg. worksheets.
2. Pay Monthly:
If you’d like to take more than one course at a time, you can choose to pay monthly instead of per course. With this option, you get unlimited access to all of Udemy’s courses for one monthly fee.
This is a great option if you know you’re going to be taking multiple courses at once. It can also be easier on your budget if you only need to pay one monthly fee instead of paying for each individual course.
PROS
CONS
3. Udacity Review – Top Online Learning Platform for Data Science
If you want to try one of the best online learning platforms for computer science then Udacity should be on your list. This for-profit online education company was founded in 2011 by Sebastian Thrun.
Sebastian is a computer scientist who helped to create Google’s self-driving car. The aim of his platform is to “educate millions of people not only how to code, but also how to create with code”. Its platform hosts a wide range of courses in tech-related fields.
These include data science (databases included, which is one of our special interests. Read more about how big data will transform everything, from VR to self-driving cars, so it’s an interesting field to get into), artificial intelligence, robotics, VR/AR and autonomous vehicles. It has a strong focus on job-ready skills for people who want to switch careers. What’s great about udacity is that it is free to sign up and use. You can also sign up for free courses that are available on the website. udacity also has an expert network of engineers and professionals.
These can help you to learn new skills and find a secure job in the tech industry.
PROS
CONS
4. LinkedIn Learning Review – Top-Rated Online Learning Platform for Hard Technology
LinkedIn Learning is a resource for professional development that’s not quite like any other. It has features that others don’t have, and it offers training in a specific area that can be hard to find elsewhere.
Learning professionals are always coming up with new ways to solve problems and improve performance, whether they’re virtual reality, artificial intelligence, and other technology-based tools.
With the LinkedIn Learning app, you’ll have access to over 3,000 courses and the ability to learn from renowned authors and industry experts. LinkedIn Learning is a powerful learning, coaching, and development resource that all professionals should use in their career.
It:
- has been ranked as the #1 learning site by Forbes
- offers specialised training
- is accessible on mobile devices
- has a vibrant community of learners
You can also take courses in person through LinkedIn Learning On Campus at colleges and universities around the country. While earning and even living online, eg. mobile trading apps, is a tempting idea, working in a physical shared environment remains a deeply human desire. LinkedIn Learning has a variety of courses on human resources, marketing, entrepreneurship and more.
PROS
CONS
5. edX Review – Top Online Learning Platform for Professional Upskilling
If you want to take a look at how technology is changing education then take a look at edX. Founded in 2012, it’s one of the world’s foremost online learning platforms.
edX provides online courses in subjects including machine learning, computer science, business, humanities, public health, engineering and the arts.
A bit on its background. This top online learning platform is a non-profit partnership between MIT and Harvard, with other prestigious institutions joining its network every year.
It has over 20 million students worldwide, including learners from over 150 countries. It is also one of the top online learning platforms you should try in 2023. What makes it so popular is that it is free to access.
edX is also available on many different devices and platforms including mobile, tablet and the web. There are many courses on edX that you can learn at your own pace. This means that you can work around your own schedule. You are also able to take advantage of the discussion boards on each course to network with fellow students.
edX provides a wide range of online courses in a variety of subjects. These include artificial intelligence, data science, computer science, ethics, finance, health and many more. It also has a section dedicated to students who want to improve their skills academically in a particular field. Many students who enrol are in the health and financial services industries (eg. day trading).
Overall, a great choice for folk looking to learn online across a wide range of subjects and topics.
PROS
CONS
6. Skillshare Review – Best Online Learning Platform by Real Experts
Skillshare is an online learning platform that offers both free and paid courses. It’s a great resource to use for both beginner self-starters and more advanced entrepreneurs.
Skillshare has classes on everything from marketing and sales to design, writing, photography, and so much more. Skillshare is one of the best online learning platforms for entrepreneurs because it teaches 'tried and true' methods based on experience from successful entrepreneurs.
The courses are taught by experts in-the-field with real-world knowledge who have created successful businesses themselves. The classes do cost money — but provide you with an in-depth curriculum and proof of undertaking that you can share with employers. Skillshare is still a valuable resource for any entrepreneur. There are many different types of courses you can take on Skillshare, including finance lessons that show you how to make money work for you as an entrepreneur instead of being at the mercy of your finances.
No matter what type of entrepreneurial business you're running or thinking about starting someday, there are supposedly countless opportunities to learn new skills via the Skillshare online platform. Learn what actually works to bring the bacon home.
PROS
CONS
7. Khan Academy Review – Best Online Education Platform for Free Learning
One of the best online learning platforms for education is Khan Academy. This is a nonprofit, online learning platform that was founded in 2006.
Khan Academy offers free online tutorials in a wide range of subjects including math, chemistry, biology, economics, finance and history. It is primarily aimed at people who want to learn at their own pace.
It is designed to be accessible to people of all ages, incomes and educational backgrounds. Its website has over 5,000 videos that you can watch for free.
Its platform also offers personalised study playlists for each subject. If you want to get a printed certificate for your studies then you can do so for a small fee. Khan Academy is a great way for people to learn for free. It has a wide range of subjects and topics that are easily accessible online. Definitely one of the best online learning platforms for education regardless of price tag.
PROS
CONS
8. Amazon Web Services Review – A Developer’s Ideal Online Learning Platform
If you want to try an online learning platform that teaches you the skills you need to be an expert developer across a range of bleeding-edge technologies then you should try Amazon Web Services.
AWS was launched in 2006 by Amazon as a web services provider. AWS has since become one of the world’s largest cloud computing services.
AWS provides a wide range of services for businesses. These include hosting, data storage, database services, and application services. It also provides a range of tools for individuals looking to learn programming skills. It features a wide range of online courses on topics including web development, computer science, data analytics and artificial intelligence.
It also has a section dedicated to students who want to improve their skills in a particular field. These include students who are in the health and financial services industries.
PROS
CONS
9. Google Cloud Learning – Top Online Learning Platform for Data Analysts
If you want to try an online learning platform that teaches you the skills you need to be an expert data analyst then you should try Google Cloud Platform. It was launched in 2008 by Google as a cloud computing service.
Google Cloud Platform has since become one of the world’s leading platforms for hosting data (no pun intended) and running applications.
It provides a number of services including application development, data storage, machine learning and artificial intelligence tools. It also provides a range of online courses for individuals looking to learn data analysis skills.
These include courses on machine learning and languages such as Python and R. It also has a section dedicated to students who want to improve their skills in a particular field. These include students who are in the healthcare, government and financial services industries.
No better place to deeply understand how cloud storage works and how to design that and other systems.
PROS
CONS
10. LearnWorlds – Best Online Learning Platform for Certifications
LearnWorlds is an online learning platform that offers a wide variety of courses from top universities and companies, like Harvard Business School, Stanford Graduate School of Business and more.
The company also has a partnership with the Wall Street Journal to offer their lectures and videos on the platform.
LearnWorlds does not charge for any of its courses, but it does offer premium services for those who want to receive verified certificates for their completed courses.
One of the great things about LearnWorlds is that you can learn anywhere. If you have internet access, you’ll have everything you need to start learning immediately. You can also watch videos on your phone or tablet if you prefer to learn while on the go. You can even download course materials if you want them available offline so that you can study at any time, anywhere. LearnWorlds is a great place to go when looking for online learning opportunities as it offers high quality content from top universities and companies around the world.
In summary, learn anything from accounting to marketing at your own pace without big upfront costs!
PROS
CONS
Best Online Learning Platforms – Buying Guide 🦾
The main attraction of online learning platforms is that they simplify the learning process by cutting out the middlemen, and oftentimes greatly reducing the fees.
There’s a saying in business; the size of contracts you’re able to land is in direct relationship to how much you invest in your own education.
What Are Online Learning Platforms?
An online learning platform is the perfect place for an entrepreneur to go to find knowledge and skills they need. These platforms offer courses, lectures and more on topics on everything from marketing to finance to human resources — all topics that are essential for entrepreneurs.
What platforms are used for online classes?
There are many different platforms you can use for online classes, but two of the most popular are Skillshare and Udacity.
Skillshare is great because it offers a variety of classes that teach entrepreneurs how to do everything from coding to social media marketing. There’s also a section on the website with curated content that is related to entrepreneurship.
Udacity is another platform that many entrepreneurs like to use because it offers more than just online courses. Udacity also provides scholarships and mentorship opportunities for those who are looking for a little extra support in their business venture.
Both of these platforms offer something different, but they’re both great resources for learning more about entrepreneurship and growing your knowledge in your industry. See Coursera vs. Udemy.
How Do Online Learning Platforms Work?
Online learning platforms offer a wide range of different services to entrepreneurs.
For example, you might find a course on how to start a business, or a lecture on how to improve your sales skills. Some online learning platforms offer the option of taking a course that is often taught at universities and colleges, but in an online format.
These platforms can be accessed anywhere with internet access and are open 24/7. Many of these platforms have mobile apps that allow you to access lectures on demand and watch them when it's most convenient for you.
You also have the option of paying for classes or lectures by the month, which is an added bonus for entrepreneurs who want to focus on other aspects of their business while making progress in some courses at the same time.
Coursera vs. Udemy vs. Lynda.com
Is Coursera better than Udemy and others?
Coursera and Udemy are two of the most popular online learning platforms for entrepreneurs. Coursera is a nonprofit company that offers courses from top universities around the world. It also partners with companies to offer corporate training. Udemy, meanwhile, is a marketplace where instructors can create and sell their own courses.
See my thoughts on Lynda.com below.
Some people might say that Coursera is better than Udemy, while others would say the opposite. When it comes down to it, you should decide which platform is best for your needs by looking at factors like course quality, cost, and instructor qualifications.
For example, Coursera has more courses in various industries, but they're all rated as "Good." On the other hand, some of Udemy's courses are rated "Excellent." You should also consider cost when deciding which one is best for you; Udemy has more free offerings than Coursera does.
Finally, if you're an entrepreneur who wants to learn about marketing techniques or finances, you'll want to go with Coursera because there are no options for these subjects on Udemy.
FAQs
Which is the World's Largest Online Learning Platform?
The world's largest online learning platform is the Khan Academy. The Khan Academy offers thousands of lessons and videos on a variety of topics, from coding to art history to maths. Anyone can use the Khan Academy for free, but it also offers special programs for schools and businesses.
The second-largest online learning platform is Lynda.com. Lynda.com is particularly amazing for digital and graphics professionals (animators included) and provides video tutorials on software programs like Photoshop and InDesign, as well as web design tools like WordPress and Drupal. It also offers many other courses related to business, finance and technology — all areas that are important topics for entrepreneurs.
