Online learning platforms have revolutionized education, offering a flexible and accessible way to learn new skills, advance your career, or simply explore personal interests. For creators and educators, these platforms provide powerful tools to build and monetize their expertise. With a vast landscape of options available, choosing the right online learning platform can feel overwhelming. This guide explores the top online learning platforms to help you make an informed decision, whether you’re a student or an instructor.
The Value Proposition of Online Learning Platforms
Online learning platforms are reshaping the landscape of modern education, particularly higher education. A study titled “Online Learning Platforms: Reconstructing Modern Higher Education” highlights the transformative potential of these platforms. Key benefits include democratizing access to education, reducing costs, enabling modular content delivery, offering flexible learning schedules, accommodating modern lifestyles, and establishing clear criteria for knowledge assessment. These advantages underscore why Learning Platforms Online are increasingly vital in today’s educational environment.
Key Considerations When Selecting an Online Learning Platform
Choosing the ideal online learning platform requires careful consideration of several factors. Whether you’re aiming to learn or share your knowledge and monetize content, focusing on structure, course content, community, and pricing is crucial. Balancing these aspects will lead you to the platform that best aligns with your individual needs and goals in the realm of online education.
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Platform Structure and User Experience
The structure of a learning platform significantly impacts the learning experience and the effectiveness of professional development programs. A well-organized platform enhances user experience and facilitates effective knowledge delivery. While resources like YouTube offer a wealth of information, they often lack the structured, progressive environment crucial for independent learning. A robust platform structure provides a clear learning path, guiding students through the material in a logical and engaging manner. This structured approach is essential for fostering a positive and effective learning journey on online learning platforms.
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Course Content and Subject Matter
The availability and relevance of course content are paramount when choosing an online learning platform, whether you’re a student or an aspiring instructor. Each online degree program and course offering presents a unique approach to its subject matter. Consider the diverse field of web development and programming, for example. The vast array of principles, languages, and frameworks necessitates specialization within courses. For educators aiming to launch a course, selecting platforms that already host similar subjects or offer comparable course structures is beneficial. Remember that the type of course content, from free mini-courses to comprehensive degree programs, attracts different audiences and should align with your learning or teaching objectives on learning platforms online.
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Community and Support Features
Community support enhances the learning experience, making it more engaging and effective. Interacting with peers for assistance provides diverse perspectives and reinforces learned concepts. Learning within a cohort fosters motivation and a sense of shared progress compared to solitary learning. From a teaching perspective, leveraging learning communities within online learning platforms fosters brainstorming, independent problem-solving, and deeper engagement with the course topic. These community features are invaluable for both students and instructors seeking a collaborative and enriching online education environment.
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Pricing Models and Value for Money
Pricing is a critical factor when selecting online learning platforms, whether you’re purchasing courses or monetizing your own. While numerous free courses exist, paid options often offer enhanced engagement and higher quality content. Consider different pricing models: free trials, money-back guarantees, lifetime access, subscription models, or limited-time access. For both learners and instructors, evaluating the value proposition is essential. Does the course content justify the price? When selling courses, understand platform fees, which may include per-sale charges or monthly subscriptions. Carefully assess pricing and value to make informed decisions on learning platforms online.
Online Learning Platforms vs. Learning Management Systems (LMS)
When researching online learning platforms, it’s crucial to differentiate them from similar solutions like Learning Management Systems (LMS) and online course websites. While these terms are sometimes used interchangeably, understanding their distinct roles is important for choosing the right tool for your needs.
An online learning platform is primarily a user-facing environment designed for students to acquire new skills and knowledge. Think of it as the digital classroom where learners directly interact with course content and instructors.
In contrast, a Learning Management System (LMS) is a back-end infrastructure that provides the essential tools and functionalities for online learning platforms to operate smoothly. LMS platforms are geared towards administrators and educators, offering features for content management, uploading videos, creating quizzes and assignments, tracking student progress, grading, and managing communication. Essentially, the LMS powers the online learning platform behind the scenes.
Online learning platforms share similarities with online course websites, but often offer greater flexibility. Online course websites are typically focused on course creation and delivery, while online learning platforms can encompass a broader range of learning experiences, from short video tutorials to comprehensive online degree programs. The key distinction lies in the scope and features offered; learning platforms online often provide more comprehensive tools for community building, marketing, and diverse learning formats.
10 Top Online Learning Platforms to Explore
Now that you understand the key aspects of online learning platforms and have a clearer idea of your learning or teaching goals, let’s explore ten of the best platforms available. Each platform caters to different needs and preferences, offering a unique learning experience.
| Platform | Best For | G2 Score | Pricing |
|---|---|---|---|
| Thinkific | Custom course creation | 4.7/5 | Free plan available; paid plans start at $149/mo |
| Coursera | Accredited certificates & degrees | 4.5/5 | Free courses available; paid courses start at $9.99 |
| LinkedIn Learning | Professional skill-building | 4.4/5 | $39.99/mo or $239.88/yr |
| Skillshare | Creative skills & projects | 3.4/5 | $168/yr or $14/mo |
| edX | Formal education | 4.5/5 | Free classes available; certificates start at $50 |
| OpenLearning | Microcredentials & community | 4.6/5 | Free courses; credentials $150-$500 |
| Udemy | Variety & affordability | 4.5/5 | Courses from $10 to $200 |
| Treehouse | Coding & web development | 4.3/5 | $25/mo or $250/yr |
| MasterClass | Learning from experts | 4.5/5 | $10/mo (billed annually) |
| Khan Academy | Free foundational education | 4.5/5 | Free |
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Thinkific
Thinkific stands out as a highly flexible online learning platform, ideal for creators who want to build custom courses and learning experiences. Unlike platforms focused on course discovery, Thinkific empowers you to create and organize your own learning products. Its versatility makes it suitable for diverse applications, from educating students and training employees to building comprehensive product education programs. Thinkific provides the tools to bring your unique learning visions to life.
For those new to online course creation, Thinkific Academy offers valuable resources on building, pricing, and marketing courses effectively.
Best For: Custom course creation and digital products
G2 Score: 4.7/5
Thinkific Pricing:
Thinkific offers a free plan to get started with course building. Paid plans, starting at $149 per month, unlock advanced features for engagement, tracking, and monetization. For learners, courses on Thinkific are individually priced by creators, with many free options available across various topics.
Pros: Learn to create courses for free, flexible and intuitive course creation system, excellent customer support for creators.
Cons: Lacks a built-in library of courses for discovery.
“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
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Coursera
Coursera partners with prestigious universities globally, including Stanford and Yale, to offer accredited certificates and degrees. It’s an excellent choice for learners seeking formal recognition for their online education, enhancing career prospects or exploring new academic fields. Coursera’s extensive catalog provides thousands of courses across diverse subjects, catering to a wide range of learning goals.
Best For: Accredited certificates and degrees
G2 Score: 4.5/5
Coursera Pricing:
Coursera provides numerous free courses for audit. Paid courses start at $9.99, with certificate courses from $39, and university-level courses beginning at $2,000. Subscription options are available at $59 monthly or $399 annually for broader access to courses, excluding degree programs and MasterTrack certificates.
Pros: Over 1,500 free courses, diverse subject range from arts to computer science, officially recognized certificates.
Cons: Free courses lack certificates, some courses have time constraints.
“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
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LinkedIn Learning
LinkedIn Learning is tailored for professionals aiming to develop career-relevant skills. With a vast library of courses spanning business, technology, and creative fields, it’s easy to acquire and showcase new skills. A key advantage is the seamless integration with LinkedIn profiles, allowing users to directly add certifications and completed courses to their professional profiles, enhancing career visibility and opportunities.
Best For: Professional skill-building
G2 Score: 4.4/5
LinkedIn Learning Pricing:
Individual courses are priced between $20 and $50. Subscription options include a monthly plan at $39.99 or an annual plan at $239.88 (offering significant savings). These subscriptions also grant access to LinkedIn Premium features, including advanced networking and career development tools. Bulk pricing is available for organizations and educational institutions.
Pros: 17,000+ courses, detailed software tutorials, easy LinkedIn certification integration.
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,” said Stefanie. “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
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Skillshare
Skillshare is an excellent platform for those focused on creative skills and project-based learning. It’s popular among artists, designers, and makers due to its flexible and accessible approach. Courses are primarily taught by practicing creatives and emphasize hands-on projects, fostering practical skill development in a dynamic and engaging environment.
Best For: Creative skills and projects
G2 Score: 3.4/5
Skillshare Pricing:
Pricing can vary by region, but generally, expect to pay around $168 annually or $14 monthly for access to Skillshare’s extensive course library.
Pros: 35,000+ courses, mobile app for learning on the go, instruction from industry professionals.
Cons: Courses may lack in-depth content, instructors may not have formal teaching credentials.
“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
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edX
edX distinguishes itself by offering courses from top-tier universities like Harvard and MIT, making formal education accessible online. It’s well-suited for learners seeking structured, academic content without the traditional costs of on-campus programs. While STEM-focused, edX provides courses across various disciplines, offering a broad spectrum of educational opportunities from globally recognized institutions.
Best For: Formal education
G2 Score: 4.5/5
edX Pricing:
Free audit options are available for many courses, but certificates require payment, ranging from $50 to $300 per course. Full degree programs, combining multiple courses, typically start at $1,000 or higher.
Pros: Large library of high-quality courses, bachelor’s and master’s degree options, strong STEM course offerings, partnerships with top universities, more affordable degrees than traditional programs.
Cons: Fewer courses in creative fields.
“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
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OpenLearning
OpenLearning is a community-centric platform that emphasizes collaborative and interactive learning experiences. Popular particularly in Australia, it offers microcredentials that can be applied towards university degrees, bridging the gap between online learning and formal academic recognition. OpenLearning fosters a supportive and engaging learning environment through community-focused features.
Best For: Microcredentials and community learning
G2 Score: 4.6/5
OpenLearning Pricing:
Free courses are available, with microcredential courses priced between $150 and $500. Course creation for instructors starts at $900 per year.
Pros: Microcredentials applicable to degrees, supportive community, AI-powered platform features.
Cons: Courses can be relatively expensive.
“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, Charles Sturt University
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Udemy
Udemy boasts the most extensive course selection among online learning platforms, covering a vast spectrum from personal development to professional skills. Its pay-per-course model allows learners to selectively purchase individual courses based on their specific needs and interests, offering flexibility and affordability for targeted learning.
Best For: Variety and affordability
G2 Score: 4.5/5
Udemy Pricing:
Courses are individually priced, typically ranging from $10 to $200. While Udemy subscriptions are not universally available, individual course purchases remain accessible. Note that subscription plans offer a limited selection of courses compared to the full catalog.
Pros: Largest course selection, 30-day money-back guarantee, no subscription required, no course deadlines.
Cons: Course quality can vary, no academic credit for 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
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Treehouse
Treehouse is specifically designed for learning coding and web development skills through interactive and structured courses. Courses are organized into learning tracks, providing a progressive curriculum in areas like front-end development, cybersecurity, and app development. Treehouse’s hands-on approach and structured learning paths are ideal for aspiring tech professionals.
Best For: Coding and web development
G2 Score: 4.3/5
Treehouse Pricing:
Regular memberships are $25 per month, or $250 annually (providing a cost saving). Techdegree programs, offering more structured learning and certificates, start at $49 per month.
Pros: High-quality progressive courses, built-in text editor for coding exercises.
Cons: Limited course options outside of programming.
“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
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MasterClass
MasterClass offers a unique learning experience by featuring courses taught by world-renowned experts and celebrities like Gordon Ramsay and Martin Scorsese. It’s perfect for learners seeking inspiration and insights directly from industry leaders in various fields. MasterClass focuses on high-quality video production and unique content, offering a premium learning experience.
Best For: Learning from experts
G2 Score: 4.5/5
MasterClass Pricing:
MasterClass subscriptions are billed annually, starting at $10 per month for an individual plan, $20 for a Duo plan (access on 2 devices), and $23 for a Family plan (up to 6 devices).
Pros: Celebrity instructors, high-quality video production, unique and engaging content.
Cons: Primarily introductory knowledge, limited progress tracking, smaller creators cannot publish content.
“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 Learner
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Khan Academy
Khan Academy is a non-profit platform offering free courses primarily focused on K-12 subjects like math, science, and economics. It serves as a valuable educational resource for students, parents, and lifelong learners seeking foundational knowledge. Khan Academy is committed to providing free, accessible education globally, supported by charitable initiatives.
Best For: Free foundational education
G2 Score: 4.5/5
Khan Academy Pricing:
Khan Academy is completely free, supported by donations as a non-profit organization.
Pros: Free courses, diverse topics, gamified learning experience.
Cons: Primarily focused on K-12 education.
“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 Learning Platforms
The abundance of online learning platforms presents a significant opportunity to not only learn but also to monetize your own knowledge. Once you’ve gained expertise in a subject, you can create and sell courses, sharing your skills and generating income. The key is choosing the right platform to host and market your online courses.
When developing your online course, consider these essential steps:
- Identify Your Skills: Reflect on your current expertise and skills that are valuable to others.
- Understand Learner Needs: Research what people are eager to learn and identify market gaps.
- Structure Your Course: Design a logical and engaging course structure that facilitates effective learning.
- Determine Course Pricing: Strategize how to price your course competitively and profitably.
- Market Your Course Effectively: Plan how you’ll market your course to reach your target audience.
- Gather Student Feedback: Actively solicit feedback to understand what resonates with students and areas for improvement.
- Continuously Optimize Content: Regularly update and refine your course content to maintain its relevance and value.
Launch Your Online Learning Platform with Thinkific
Thinkific offers an intuitive and user-friendly platform for creating and selling online courses, regardless of complexity. It eliminates the need for coding skills, providing professionally designed templates and a drag-and-drop editor for easy customization. With Thinkific, you can quickly build a course and start monetizing your expertise.
Sign up for free with Thinkific today!
This blog post was originally published in February 2024 and updated in August 2024 to ensure the most current and relevant information.
