If you plan to do an online course, you can opt to enroll for a free course or a paid course. However, before you enroll for a course, it is vital to do a requirement analysis. It would be best to answer a few questions like what course you want to enroll for, your expectations from the course, and how much time and money you are prepared to invest in. Moreover, online courses for kids are different from online courses for adults. Hence, you will have to evaluate the objective of the course and whether it applies to you or not. Once you find a website that offers all the necessary tools to complete your studies comfortably, you should enroll in the course. Some of the online course websites that you can consider enrolling for are as follows:
- Free online courses
The primary reasons for enrolling in an online course are that you do not have to travel anywhere to attend the classes and have flexibility. Besides attending the classes, most online course websites allow students to take the examinations as per their comfort levels and suitable timings. The free online courses that you can opt for are:
- edX
As per the website, edX is a ‘complete learning platform’ that offers technical courses that have been designed by experts from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) and Harvard University. The institute remains closely associated with many premier universities and colleges such as Berkeley University of California, Boston University, and even The Hong Kong Polytechnic University. The institute offers a myriad of courses from technical, to engineering, to humanities and foreign languages. So if you are keen on learning a foreign language through an online course, you should consider enrolling in edX. Similarly, suppose you want to improve your technical skills and want to learn Data Science. In that case, you could consider enrolling in a course that teaches you Artificial Intelligence, Big Data, Cloud Computing, Computer Programming, and many more such courses. If you want to learn more about the courses offered by edX, then click on the following link: https://www.edx.org/
- Skillshare
This is the ideal website for individuals looking to enhance their technical knowledge and skill. At Skillshare, you will have access to numerous study modules ranging from graphic designing, online illustration, creative writing, and many more courses. Skillshare’s objective is to improve the existing knowledge base of the candidates and help them become more confident about their work. Although Skillshare Basic is free, you will have to pay fees depending on the course you have opted for if you opt for the premium courses. Skillshare offers courses on a wide range of subjects, making it easier for candidates to identify and select the best course module to enhance their talents. To learn more about Skillshare and the courses offered by the institute, click on the following link: https://www.skillshare.com/
- Codecademy
If you are looking to enroll in an online coding course backed by the White House, you should consider enrolling in the Basic course by Codecademy. The institute offers Basic Interactive Courses, which you can enroll in to explore Python script, learn the basics of Java or understand web development, then you can join for free. However, the professional courses offered by the institute are paid courses. Nevertheless, you should check out the institute’s Basic courses as these are of an excellent standard as well. The objective of Codecademy is to let students learn at a pace that is comfortable for them so that they do not feel pressured. So if you are looking for flexible coding courses, then you should check out Codecademy. To learn more about the institutes, click on the following link: https://www.codecademy.com/
- iTunes U
As it is evident from the name, these courses are available free of charge in the Apple Store. You can download and complete the course from your iPhone or iPad. The unique feature of this option is that you will get a myriad of courses and easily select what best meets your requirements. Say, for instance, you are looking specifically for online courses history, then check out iTunes U and find courses suitable for graduate-level students and school level students. You can access different types of courses on a variety of subjects. Additionally, you can take the course material and build a study module suitable for you. Easy customization and access to an extensive resource are what make iTunes U such a unique online course website.
When you enroll for a free online course, you need to understand that the courses offered free of charge will be the introductory courses. If you do not feel that the introductory courses are sufficient and meet your requirements, you will have to upgrade it and start studying for the professional courses. This will improve your option of excelling in the particular field, and you can also make the most of the course. Otherwise, you can directly enroll for paid courses, and some of the best websites for paid courses are as follows:
- Paid online courses
The paid online courses offer better support to students. You will have greater access to online resources such as online libraries, video recordings of lectures that you have missed podcasts, and even access to journals and papers, which you would not otherwise have had access to. Thus, it is often considered better to enroll in a paid online course as it offers better chances of improving your career. Moreover, after completing a paid online course, the certificate that you receive will have more recognition in the market than a free course. Some of the websites that offer paid courses are as follows:
- Lynda.com
Lynda.com is one of the best online institutes that you can enroll in if you are looking to improve your technical skills. Say, for instance, you want to learn more about web development, application of Python in web development. To become a front-end web developer, you should check out the specific courses offered by the institute. Similarly, if you want to become a cybersecurity expert or improve your marketing skills, there are specific courses to enhance these skills. Lynda.com is one of the pro websites in the online courses market affiliated with Full Sail University and the University of Southern California. Hence, you can be assured that if you enroll for any one of the suitable paid courses of Lynda.com, you are bound to enhance your skills.
- Coursera
This is one of the best online websites that offer numerous courses for adults. If you are looking to move ahead in your career and feel that you need to do a certification course to set you on track, you should check out the various courses offered by Coursera. If you are looking for online courses in business administration, you should check out the Master’s and the institute’s certificate courses. As the institute is affiliated with numerous premier universities, you can be assured that professionals and experts in particular fields curate the courses. For university and college students, Coursera offers free learning resources, which can prove to be extremely beneficial. Coursera also ensures that you have access to their online resources anytime and from anywhere. If you want to learn more about the courses offered by Coursera and their specific pricing, then click on the following link: https://www.coursera.org/
- MasterClass
If you are looking to do a course in lifestyle management, enhance your culinary skills, or looking to make headway in Arts and Entertainment, then you could consider enrolling in one of the courses offered by MasterClass. The courses are designed and promoted by the best professionals in particular fields. So if you enroll for a culinary course, you will be learning from the best chefs, and if you enroll for an interior designing course, you will be learning from experts like Kelly Wearstler. Hence, you can be assured that the courses will be organized, designed, and managed expertly. You will get the chance from individuals who are proficient in their fields and get to pick up tips as to how they managed to become successful. By incorporating these methods in your career, you too can become successful. However, such exclusive access is only offered by MasterClass. So if you are looking for such a particular approach to your career, then check out the courses offered by MasterClass by clicking on the following link: https://www.masterclass.com/
Thus, depending on your requirements, you should opt for a particular type of course. Sometimes, it is preferable that you first check out the free courses before enrolling for a paid course. This will help make the selection process more straightforward. Additionally, you will not have to worry about investing money in particular courses. Only when you are satisfied with the course you can move on to the premium membership. Nevertheless, if you are looking to enhance your career or improve your studies and want to do it at your own pace, online courses are the best solution.
Reference URL
https://www.thegoodtrade.com/features/online-education-websites
https://www.upwork.com/blog/2014/02/10-top-sites-online-education/
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