Online e-learning platforms have revolutionized education, offering unparalleled opportunities for both learning and teaching. For creators, these platforms are powerful tools to build and monetize content, establishing new revenue streams. However, with a plethora of options available, selecting the right online e-learning platform can be overwhelming. This guide explores the top platforms in 2024, helping you navigate the choices and find the perfect fit.
Quick Facts: Leading Online E-Learning Platforms
| Platform | Best For | G2 Score | Pricing |
|---|---|---|---|
| Custom course creation | 4.7/5 | Free plan available; paid plans start at $149/mo | |
| Accredited certificates & degrees | 4.5/5 | Free courses available; paid courses start at $9.99 | |
| Professional skill-building | 4.4/5 | $39.99/mo or $239.88/yr | |
| Creative skills & projects | 3.4/5 | $168/yr or $14/mo | |
| Formal education | 4.5/5 | Free classes available; certificates start at $50 | |
| Microcredentials & community | 4.6/5 | Free courses; credentials $150-$500 | |
| Variety & affordability | 4.5/5 | Courses from $10 to $200 | |
| Coding & web development | 4.3/5 | $25/mo or $250/yr | |
| Learning from experts | 4.5/5 | $10/mo (billed annually) | |
| Free foundational education | 4.5/5 | Free |
The Intrinsic Value of Online E-Learning Platforms
Online e-learning platforms are more than just a trend; they represent a fundamental shift in how education is accessed and delivered. Academic research highlights their transformative potential. In the paper “Online Learning Platforms: Reconstructing Modern Higher Education,” researchers Zi-Yu Liu, Natalya Lomovtseva, and Elena Korobeynikova emphasize the significant advantages these platforms bring to the educational landscape. These benefits include:
- Enhanced Accessibility: Breaking down geographical barriers and making education available to a wider audience.
- Reduced Costs: Offering more affordable learning opportunities compared to traditional educational institutions.
- Modular Content Design: Enabling the division of e-courses into focused modules for better learning.
- Flexible Learning Schedules: Adapting to the modern pace of life, allowing learners to study at their own convenience.
- Clear Knowledge Assessment: Providing defined criteria for evaluating student understanding and progress.
These advantages underscore why online e-learning platforms are not just a supplementary tool but a crucial component in the evolution of modern education.
Key Considerations When Selecting an Online E-Learning Platform
Choosing the ideal online e-learning platform requires careful evaluation of several core aspects. Whether you are a student seeking knowledge or an educator aiming to share it, balancing these elements is crucial for a successful online learning experience. The primary factors to consider are structure, course content, community, and pricing.
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Platform Structure and Learning Design
The structure of an e-learning platform significantly impacts the learning experience. A well-structured platform facilitates effective knowledge acquisition and professional development. Unlike unstructured resources like YouTube, a dedicated platform provides a progressive and organized environment conducive to independent learning. Effective course structure is intrinsically linked to better learning experience design (LXD), ensuring that the platform supports pedagogical best practices.
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Course Content Availability and Relevance
The heart of any e-learning platform is its course content. The depth, breadth, and specialization of courses available are critical factors. For learners, it’s about finding content that aligns with their learning objectives. For educators, it’s about identifying platforms that support their subject matter and target audience. For instance, within fields like web development and programming, the vast array of specializations necessitates platforms offering focused and specialized courses, rather than just general overviews. Consider the spectrum from free mini-courses designed to attract broad audiences to comprehensive Bachelor’s degree programs when evaluating content relevance.
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Community and Collaborative Learning Features
Community support enriches the online learning journey. Interaction with peers fosters a more engaging and effective learning environment. Collaborative learning allows students to gain diverse perspectives and reinforces understanding through shared problem-solving. From a teaching perspective, integrating learning communities within a platform promotes brainstorming, encourages independent problem-solving, and cultivates enthusiasm for the subject matter. Platforms that offer robust community features, such as forums, group projects, and peer review, significantly enhance the overall educational experience.
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Pricing Models and Value Proposition
Price is a practical yet vital consideration. While numerous free courses exist, paid courses often provide higher quality content and more engaging learning experiences. Pricing models vary widely, from subscription-based access to lifetime access for a one-time fee. When evaluating pricing, consider the value offered in relation to the cost. Does the course content justify the price? Does it align with your learning goals or monetization strategy? For educators, understanding the platform’s fee structure, whether per-sale commissions or monthly fees, is crucial for financial planning.
Online E-Learning Platforms vs. Learning Management Systems (LMS)
It’s important to differentiate between online e-learning platforms and learning management systems (LMS). While often used interchangeably, they serve distinct roles in the online education ecosystem. An online e-learning platform is primarily student-facing, providing the interface and environment where learners access courses and interact with content. In contrast, an LMS is a back-end system designed to equip the e-learning platform with the necessary tools for administration and management. LMS functionalities include content uploading, quiz creation, assignment grading, student tracking, and various administrative features that ensure the smooth operation of the learning platform.
Online e-learning platforms also share similarities with online course websites. However, e-learning platforms typically offer greater versatility. Online course websites are generally focused on delivering structured courses, whereas e-learning platforms can accommodate a broader spectrum of learning formats, from short video tutorials to comprehensive degree programs, and often incorporate community and interactive features more extensively.
Top 10 Online E-Learning Platforms to Explore in 2024
Now, let’s delve into ten of the best online e-learning platforms available today. These platforms have been selected based on their features, user reviews, and specific strengths.
1. Thinkific
Thinkific stands out as a highly adaptable platform, ideal for creators looking to build and brand their own online learning environments. It’s not a course marketplace but a robust tool for designing custom learning experiences for diverse audiences, including students, employees, and customers. Thinkific Academy provides resources to help creators effectively build, price, and market their courses.
Best For: Custom course creation and digital product development.
G2 Score: 4.7/5
Pricing: Offers a free plan to start, with paid plans from $149/month for expanded features. Course pricing for learners is set individually by course creators.
Pros:
- Free course creation capabilities.
- Flexible and intuitive course builder.
- Excellent customer support for creators.
Cons:
- Lacks a built-in course discovery marketplace.
“It was just so easy. I decided to stick with it, and I have never had any problems. If I’d known that platforms like Thinkific were available to me, I think I could have handled it better on my own from the beginning.” – Amanda Schonberg, Baking Business Success Story.
2. Coursera
Coursera partners with prestigious universities and institutions globally to offer accredited certificates and degrees. It’s a prime destination for learners seeking formal academic credentials or professional development in a wide array of subjects.
Best For: Accredited certificates and degree programs.
G2 Score: 4.5/5
Pricing: Many free courses are available. Paid courses start at $9.99, with certificates from $39 and degree programs from $2,000. Subscription options are also available, excluding degrees and MasterTrack certificates.
Pros:
- Extensive catalog of over 1,500 free courses.
- Diverse subject coverage, from arts to computer science.
- Official certifications recognized by numerous employers.
Cons:
- Certificates are not included with free courses.
- Some courses have enrollment time restrictions.
“Being a mother — especially a working mother means I’m constantly trying to juggle my schedule, my kids’ schedules, and work. I am very grateful for the flexible and remote learning programs that Coursera has to offer.” – Kenia R., Coursera Learner.
3. LinkedIn Learning
LinkedIn Learning is tailored for professionals aiming to enhance their career skills. Integrated with the LinkedIn social network, it allows users to easily showcase completed certifications on their profiles, boosting professional visibility.
Best For: Professional skill development and career advancement.
G2 Score: 4.4/5
Pricing: Individual courses range from $20 to $50. Subscriptions are $39.99 monthly or $239.88 annually, including LinkedIn Premium features. Bulk pricing is available for organizations.
Pros:
- Over 17,000 courses focused on professional skills.
- In-depth tutorials for popular software applications.
- Direct integration with LinkedIn profiles for certification display.
Cons:
- Requires a LinkedIn profile for access.
“Step by step, we’re leveraging LinkedIn Learning to exchange knowledge and create a more open learning culture. We’re changing the learning mindset to teach our coworkers how they can use LinkedIn Learning to build up their skills and grow their careers.” – Stefanie Reich, CDW.
4. Skillshare
Skillshare focuses on creative skills, offering project-based courses taught by industry professionals. It’s particularly popular among artists, designers, and creative hobbyists seeking practical, hands-on learning.
Best For: Creative skill-building and project-based learning.
G2 Score: 3.4/5
Pricing: Approximately $168 per year or $14 per month, with slight variations depending on region.
Pros:
- More than 35,000 courses in creative fields.
- Mobile app for learning on the go.
- Instructors are often practicing professionals in their fields.
Cons:
- Courses may lack in-depth academic rigor.
- Instructor qualifications may vary; professional training is not always guaranteed.
“I absolutely love Skillshare! There are a huge range of subjects to choose from with different levels usually available. The rating system is terrific for picking teachers. I’ve also never had a bad teacher—of the classes I’ve taken, the teachers have all been wonderful. Can’t recommend Skillshare enough!” – Elizapainter, Skillshare User.
5. edX
edX, founded by Harvard and MIT, provides access to high-quality courses from top global universities. It’s geared towards learners who want formal education experiences, including bachelor’s and master’s degrees, at a more accessible cost than traditional on-campus programs.
Best For: Formal education and university-level courses.
G2 Score: 4.5/5
Pricing: Free courses are available without certificates. Certificate-bearing courses range from $50 to $300, and degree programs start at $1,000 and up.
Pros:
- Extensive library of high-quality courses from renowned universities.
- Opportunities to earn bachelor’s and master’s degrees online.
- Strong in STEM subjects and various other disciplines.
- More affordable degree options compared to in-person education.
Cons:
- Fewer course options in creative arts and humanities.
“edX has a wide range of courses that are easy to follow and genuinely useful. I just finished a course in Project Management, and it’s already making a difference at work.” – Louise, edX Learner.
6. OpenLearning
OpenLearning emphasizes community and collaborative learning, particularly popular in regions like Australia. It offers microcredentials that can contribute towards university degrees, blending structured education with community interaction.
Best For: Microcredentials and community-driven learning experiences.
G2 Score: 4.6/5
Pricing: Free courses are available, with microcredential courses priced between $150 and $500. Course creation tools start at $900/year for educators.
Pros:
- Microcredentials can be applied towards university degrees.
- Strong community support and interactive learning environment.
- Leverages AI to enhance the learning experience.
Cons:
- Course costs can be relatively high.
“The taster team at CSU has had unbelievable support from the OpenLearning team. Whether it involved suggesting ways to improve our search results, creating a results-oriented marketing campaign, developing creative and clean online modules, responding to any technical requests, or providing input and feedback into a myriad of questions, OpenLearning has been there for us.” – Professor Valerie Peachey, CSU.
7. Udemy
Udemy boasts the largest variety of courses across the online e-learning landscape. It covers a vast spectrum of topics, from personal enrichment to professional skills, offered on a pay-per-course basis, providing flexibility and choice.
Best For: Wide variety of courses and affordable learning options.
G2 Score: 4.5/5
Pricing: Courses are individually priced from $10 to $200. Subscription options are limited, often requiring individual course purchases for comprehensive learning.
Pros:
- Largest selection of courses available online.
- 30-day money-back guarantee for courses.
- No subscription required; pay only for courses you choose.
- No deadlines, allowing self-paced learning.
Cons:
- Course quality can vary due to a less stringent instructor vetting process.
- Courses generally do not offer academic credit towards higher education.
“The beauty of Udemy is that anyone, anywhere with an internet connection can learn from the world’s experts. Most courses are taught on demand, meaning you can take them at your own pace, and every course includes a discussion board where you can interact with the instructor and your fellow students. The best part is that most courses are free(!) … and even the paid courses cost far less than what you’d pay at a local college or university.” – Udemy Reviews, edshelf.
8. Treehouse
Treehouse is specifically designed for learning coding and web development. It offers structured learning paths called “Tracks,” making it ideal for individuals pursuing careers in tech, with courses ranging from front-end development to cybersecurity.
Best For: Coding and web development education.
G2 Score: 4.3/5
Pricing: $25 per month for a regular membership or $250 annually. Techdegree programs with certificates start at $49 per month.
Pros:
- High-quality, progressive courses in technology fields.
- Integrated text editor for coding practice and assignments.
- Affordable pricing for focused tech education.
Cons:
- Limited subject offerings outside of programming and technology.
“Treehouse has such a variety of learning, and the easy-to-follow videos, challenges, and practices are fantastic. The community is amazing, especially in the Techdegrees.” – Claire Tregunna, Treehouse Learner.
9. MasterClass
MasterClass provides a unique learning experience by featuring courses taught by celebrity experts and industry leaders, such as Gordon Ramsay and Martin Scorsese. It’s perfect for those seeking inspiration and insights directly from masters in their respective fields.
Best For: Learning from industry experts and celebrities.
G2 Score: 4.5/5
Pricing: Annual subscription billed at $10 per month for an Individual plan, $20 for Duo, and $23 for Family plans.
Pros:
- Courses taught by celebrity instructors and top professionals.
- High-quality video production and engaging content.
- Offers introductory knowledge across various disciplines.
Cons:
- Limited depth in course content, mostly introductory level.
- Lacks progress tracking and assessment features.
- Not open for smaller content creators to publish courses.
“Masterclass is amazing! The instructors are top experts, and the lessons are both inspiring and practical. The platform is user-friendly, and the video lessons are so engaging. I really can’t fault Masterclass!” – Jasmine, MasterClass User.
10. Khan Academy
Khan Academy is a non-profit platform offering free educational resources primarily for K-12 subjects like math, science, and economics. It’s an invaluable resource for students, parents, and anyone seeking foundational knowledge across core academic areas.
Best For: Free foundational education and K-12 learning.
G2 Score: 4.5/5
Pricing: Completely free. Khan Academy operates as a non-profit organization.
Pros:
- Entirely free access to all courses.
- Wide variety of subjects, especially in core academic areas.
- Gamified learning elements to enhance engagement.
Cons:
- Primarily focused on K-12 curriculum, less content for advanced learners or professional skills.
“Fantastic resource for all! I’m so very impressed with the extensive content available to everyone, for free, via Khan Academy. What a gift!” – Caroline Williams, Khan Academy User.
Monetizing Your Expertise on Online E-Learning Platforms
Once you’ve gained expertise, online e-learning platforms provide a fantastic avenue to monetize your skills and knowledge. Creating and selling your own courses allows you to generate income while sharing your passion with others. Key steps to consider when creating your online courses include:
- Skill Inventory: Identify your areas of expertise and skills that are in demand.
- Market Demand Analysis: Research what topics potential learners are interested in learning.
- Course Structure Planning: Design a logical and engaging course structure that facilitates effective learning.
- Pricing Strategy: Determine a competitive and value-based pricing model for your course.
- Marketing and Promotion: Develop a robust marketing plan to reach your target audience and promote your course effectively.
- Feedback and Iteration: Collect student feedback to continuously improve and update your course content.
Launch Your E-Learning Journey with Thinkific
Thinkific offers an accessible and powerful platform to create and sell online courses, regardless of your technical skills. Its user-friendly, drag-and-drop interface and professionally designed templates simplify course creation, allowing you to quickly turn your knowledge into a revenue-generating asset.
Start your free Thinkific trial today!
Originally published in February 2024, updated in August 2024 for accuracy and relevance.
