The Top 8 Online Learning Platforms

Quick Summary

• E-Learning Platforms: Digital environments whose courses and learning materials in diverse disciplines are online.

• Learning Management Systems: LMS are incorporated into organizations or institutions that manage, deliver, and track educational courses.

• Overview of Top Platforms: Thinkific, Coursera, LinkedIn Learning, Skillshare, OpenLearning, Udemy, Treehouse, MasterClass.

• Key Considerations: Structure, content, community, and pricing.

What is am online Learning Platform?

A web-based learning platform is that online area where learners can get access to anything from simple to complex courses. An online learning platform provides learners with video lectures, reading materials, quizzes, discussion forums, and other utilities that a broad user category requires—students, professionals, and hobbyists. This makes online learning platforms user-friendly and easily accessible in terms of pace.

Why is it Different from LMS?

While online learning platforms resemble LMSs in some ways, they differ in the purpose they serve. In general, an LMS is used for the management and tracking of educational courses within institutions or organizations. The focus of an LMS is mainly on the administration of learning activities, assignment of courses, tracking of student's progress, and generation of reports. By contrast, online learning platforms tend to be more oriented to the individual learner, offering a wider portfolio of courses and resources for self-directed learning, many of them freely open to anyone.

Quick Facts: Top Online Learning Platforms

A brief overview of the most widely used online learning platforms is given below:

How to choose the best online learning platform

Some elements will lead you in identifying the best online learning platform. Consider the following:

1. Structure of the platform

The structure of the learning online platform involves how courses will be organized and delivered. Look out for platforms that have clear, intuitive user interfaces, navigations that are not hard to find your way through, and course catalogs that are well-organized. A good structure ensures that learners can pay attention to learning, rather than a layout that would confuse someone.

2. Available Course Content

Breadth and depth of course content are important. Some platforms specialize in particular subjects or industries; others can have a huge mixture of courses across many different fields. Consider your learning goals and select a platform which can give you relevant, up-to-date content. Also check for accreditation or certification options, if those are important for your career or education.

3. Community Support

Community support can significantly enhance learning. Most platforms incorporate features that enable learners to discuss through forums, review peer work, and even work in groups. A good community will be a source of motivation and support when one needs them most to get through with the completion of courses.

4. Pricing

The pricing is considered the major deciding factor while choosing an online learning site. While some of these websites offer their courses free of cost or offer a free trial, other websites require subscription-based or one-time payments. For instance, one should budget and consider value received with the usage of such a platform. Note that the pricier options may include better content, more resources, and better support.

8 Best Online Learning Platforms

1. Thinkific

This is an ideal, full-featured suite of online course creations and selling. Services include building one's learning site, integrating any type of multimedia with it, and managing student progress through such sites.​

Pros:

• Custom course creation

• Strong digital product support

• Integrated marketing

Cons:

• Requires some technical knowledge

• Few course template

Best For:

Custom course creation and digital product creators

Price:

Starting at $39/month

2. Coursera

Coursera offers online classes from top universities and institutions all over the world. It does professional certifications on a wide array of subjects, mostly in partnership with renowned educational organizations.

Pros:

• Accredited Certificates and Degrees

• Partnered with top universities and organizations

• High quality of Content

Cons:

• Courses can be expensive

• Instructors are somewhat not involved

Best for: 

The most affordable accredited certificates and degrees.

Pricing: 

Various free courses; paid individual courses start at $39/month.

3. LinkedIn Learning

A huge library of professional development class videos dealing with business, technology, and creative skills, integrated with LinkedIn profiles to help users build their careers.

Pros:

• Focus on professional skill-building

• This platform is integrated with LinkedIn profiles.

• Offers certificates of completion

Cons:

• Lack of creative and non-business content

• The subscription model can be pricey.

Best For: 

Professional skill-building

Price: 

Starting at $29.99/mo

4. Skillshare

Skillshare is an online learning community for any creative and entrepreneurial class, from design and business to technology. Project-based learning and communit​y interaction are key aspects of this platform.​

Pros:

• Creative course catalog on a wide range of subjects

• Community-driven content

• Affordable subscription

Cons:

• Not as rigorous as other platforms

• No accredited certificates

Best For: 

Creative skills and projects

Price: 

Starting at $19/mo

5. OpenLearning

​OpenLearning is an online learning platform that has been designed in a flexible manner for educators and learners alike. It focuses on creating immersive learning experiences that foster engagement and interaction, with community playing a vital role in its approach.​

Pros:

• Community learning focus

• Has microcredentials

• Course content is interactive

Cons:

• Courses not that diverse

• Interface can sometimes be a bit fiddly

Best For: 

Microcredential and community learning

Pricing: 

Some free courses; paid version starts from $29/month

6. Udemy

​This is the global marketplace for learning and teaching online courses, with a range of subjects offered through courses created by industry experts, allowing lifetime access to course materials.​

Pros:

• A great variety of courses

• Frequent discounts and sales

• Lifetime access to bought courses

Cons:

• Course quality is often variable

• Not all certificates recognized

Best For: 

Variety and value

Pricing: 

Courses can be as low as $10.99

7. Treehouse

Treehouse specializes in technology and coding, working on the interactivity of learning. It offers structured pathways and hands-on projects that help users develop their programming skills and progress their careers.​

Pros:

• Strong courses in coding and web development

• Interactive learning process

• Career-oriented tracks

Cons:

• The variety of courses is limited within the technology sphere.

• No free courses available.

Best For: 

Coding and web development

Pricing: 

From $25.00 per month

8. MasterClass 

MasterClass features high-quality courses instructed by well-known experts and celebrities in their fields. The site is more oriented toward immersive lessons high in production value for learning activities related to cooking, writing, and acting.​

Pros:

• Learn from industry legends.

• High production value

• Unique topics

Cons:

• Pricier than many of the other websites in this list

• No accredited certificates

Best For: 

Learning from experts

Pricing: 

From $180.00 per year

Conclusion

Online learning platforms have everything, from acquiring new skills to furthering your career and satisfying personal interest. Whether you are looking for professional development, creative inspiration, or technical skills, there is something out there for everyone. You can choose the best for your needs by considering some of the key factors that make up a learning platform: its structure, courses, community support, and pricing. Begin your learning odyssey right now with the top eight reviewed platforms that house their own strengths.