Online learning has gone high in 2024, whereby students all over the world are in need of flexibility and accessibility to acquire knowledge. Be it for upskilling, learning a new hobby, or career-specializing yourself, online learning platforms represent an essential commodity playing a crucial role in many needs and interests of students. Following are some of the best online learning platforms available to fulfill a lot of the needs and interests of students in 2024.
Best Online Learning Platforms for Students in 2024
1. Coursera
For its relations with top–ranked universities and companies from all over the globe, Coursera can probably be considered one of the best-known online learning sites that offer classes ranging from computer science to psychology. Having thousands of free classes absolutely available and many reasonably priced pay courses, Coursera truly has something to offer to everyone. Guided projects, certificates, and even full degree programs are only a few reasons it’s especially useful for students looking to add some recognized credentials to their resume.
Top Courses: Data Science, Business Analytics, Web Development
Best For: University-Level Courses and Certifications
2. edX
edX is the nonprofit online learning initiative from Harvard and MIT that offers a range of university-level courses in many subjects, from engineering and humanities to business. It works best for learners who wish to learn on their schedule, be it taking a certificate or even doing MicroMasters-work programs at the graduate level for specialized subjects that give students focused knowledge at a fraction of the cost.
Top Courses: MicroMasters in Business Analytics, CS50’s Introduction to Computer Science
Best For: Flexible pacing, high-quality courses
3. Udemy
It features a huge library of academic and life-skill classes. With over 213,000 courses by expert instructors, Udemy is ideal for a student who wants choices with regard to the selection of courses at very affordable prices. Other than that, the courses offered on Udemy are somewhat short compared to other platforms; hence, it is really easy to dive into new topics and then finish the course on a flexible schedule.
Best Courses: Coding Bootcamps, Graphic Design, Marketing Strategies
Best For: Inexpensive, short courses on many subjects
4. Khan Academy
Khan Academy is a free online facility providing interactive learning tools for students in Kindergarten through higher education and parents and teachers. Though well-recognized for classes in mathematics, science, and economics, Khan Academy does cover SAT preparation, hence very helpful for high school students. Its practice interactive exercises and quizzes lay a great foundation for ground concepts.
Top Courses: Math, Science, SAT Preparation
Best for: Free classes to build foundational and test prep skills.
5. LinkedIn Learning
The predecessor, Lynda.com, has been a well-known online learning platform offering professional classes in everything from project management to effective communication and leadership. Part of LinkedIn, students can display completed courses right on their profiles for enhanced job opportunities. Ideal for those who want to work on both soft and technical skills for the workplace.
Best Courses: Leadership Development, Excel Essentials, Digital Marketing Best for: Career-focused skills, integration with LinkedIn profile.
6. Skillshare
Skillshare is an online learning platform for all creatives, featuring thousands of classes in design, photography, writing, and beyond. Its community-centric vibe at Skillshare invites students to explore creative skills through projects and peer reviews. Skillshare, if you‘re a student looking to sharpen creative talents or even learn specific skills that could translate into freelance opportunities, is most definitely a good bet.
Top Classes: Photography, Graphic Design, Creative Writing; Best for: Creative and practical skills with project-based learning
7. FutureLearn
FutureLearn hosts a range of short courses, professional certifications, and even degree programs. Partnerships with universities and cultural institutions help course creation in healthcare, business, and social sciences among many others. FutureLearn offers flexibility in learning, hence making it very simple to move at your pace.
Top Courses: Digital Skills, Psychology, Public Health
Best For: University partnerships, professional certifications
8. MasterClass
MasterClass approaches courses a bit differently: taught by famous experts on topics ranging from writing and cooking to film, these classes come with a subscription in exchange for incredibly engaging, high-quality content that seamlessly fuses professional insights with the lessons themselves.
Top Courses: Writing with Neil Gaiman, Cooking with Gordon Ramsay
Best For: Learning from industry celebrities in creative fields
9. Pluralsight
Pluralsight is a tad more focused on tech learners, with courses delving pretty deep in software development, IT operations, data, and cybersecurity. Skill assessments and personalized learning paths make it one of the most pragmatic learning platforms for students looking to build tech and programming skills.
Top Courses: Python, Cloud Computing, Cybersecurity
Best For: Tech-focused courses in hot skills
10. Udacity
Udacity specializes in “Nanodegree“ programs developed in cooperation with industry leaders such as Google and IBM. Its programs enable the student to enter job-ready skills in highly in-demand fields like artificial intelligence, data science, and digital marketing. With hands-on projects and mentorship provided by Udacity, this is the leading platform among all the resources for a career-oriented learner.
Best Courses: AI Programming with Python, Digital Marketing, Data Analysis
Best for: Career-focused, project-based learning in tech fields
Choosing the Right Platform for You
First, consider your goals: Coursera and edX give you career-advancing credentials, while Skillshare and Udemy are better for hobbyists and side skills. Whichever a user will choose, online learning makes education more accessible and personalized for the individual in 2024
