As far as education goes, there has never been such an extensive collection of tools and resources available to our society as there are right now. Across the world there are people of every age that are interested in learning something new – and along with those wanting to learn, there are countless digital sources offering to teach them. In fact, there are so many online programs to choose between that wading through the options can be more challenging and time-consuming than taking the actual courses. Udemy is one of many options and while it does have its benefits, it shouldn’t be the only option you consider. To make things easier for you and to help you find your best fit, we’ve gone ahead and listed some other platforms similar to Udemy that may be worth considering.
#1. Skillshare
- Founded: November, 2010
- Headquarters: New York, New York, United States
Need to know
Skillshare is a subscription based platform that offers over 35,000 classes that are generally focused toward creative learning – making this an excellent choice if you are interested in courses for writing, photography, design, marketing, or anything related to the fine arts. Alternatively to Udemy and their pay-per-course model, Skillshare charges a small monthly fee and allows unlimited access to all of their classes.
While the courses on Skillshare are not accredited and do not offer certification, the knowledge gained is valuable if you are interested in advancing your practical or entrepreneurial skill set. The instructors on Skillshare are often experts in the field and the courses are centered around interactive learning – providing a better opportunity to engage with the coursework and connect with a like-minded community. If you are interested but want to learn more before becoming a member, Skillshare offers many free courses as well as a free one month trial – giving every potential customer a chance to experience their courses risk-free.
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#2. Udacity
- Founded: June, 2011
- Headquarters: Emeryville, California, United States
Need to know
Udacity is a much smaller program compared to Udemy due to a lack of variety in their courses. While Udemy offers a wide range of topics, Udacity only covers subjects similar or related to computer science, data science, and business. The limited material means there are fewer classes available on their platform, but if you are interested in these fields, Udacity is a great option to consider.
Udacity stands out in comparison to other elearning programs due to a handful of valuable partnerships the company has with leading tech giants including Google, Amazon, and Facebook. These collaborations allow for the development of high-quality content that is available in the form of single paid courses as well as Nanodegrees. Nanodegrees are a series of 3 or 4 classes that result in a certificate. Although the courses are not accredited, their association with companies like Google give them recognition in the industry and make them great additions to a professional CV.
Udacity is more expensive than some of its alternatives, but the program provides exceptional opportunities to learn and grow professionally. If you are interested in checking the company out, there are a handful of classes available for free on Udacity’s website.
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#3. BitDegree
- Founded: 2017
- Headquarters: Kaunas, Lithuania
Need to know
BitDegree is the world’s first elearning platform that uses blockchain to connect students, teachers, and employers together through a uniquely designed educational program that turns learning into a game-like experience. BitDegree content is centered around the introduction and development of digital skills such as programming and graphic design, but the company is looking to expand into other fields of study eventually.
Similar to Udemy, BitDegree allows for the purchase of individual courses at a reasonable price. However, Bitdegree has an incredibly unique reward model that adds a level of value to the program unmatched by its competitors. While enrolled in a class, engaging in coursework and completing assignments results in “BitDegree Tokens”. When these tokens are earned, they can then be used to purchase additional courses. In addition to tokens, BitDegree also offers “micro-scholarship” opportunities that you can apply for.
The last notable difference between BitDegree and other alternative online learning programs is the company’s course sponsorships that directly connect the students to potential employers. Various companies fund and develop courses curated to the advancement of skills their employees need to have. Once you have participated in one of these sponsored classes, they have the ability to contact you directly and hire you if they are impressed by your performance.
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#4. Khan Academy
- Founded: 2007
- Headquarters: Mountain View, California, United States
Need to know
If you are interested in learning about things more academically generalized than they are uniquely specialized, Khan Academy is a free alternative to Udemy that may be perfect for you. This nonprofit online learning platform delivers condensed lessons covering a range of standardized topics that vary by age and skill level. If you want to learn something like algebra, physics, or economics, Khan Academy offers small, specific classes that give you short bursts of knowledge on a particular subject.
While Khan Academy is not quite as detailed or extensive as other elearning programs, it is a valuable tool that many students and teachers use to advance their understanding and abilities. Since all the coursework is totally free there is no harm in checking out Khan Academy next time you have a question you need help answering.
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#5. Linkedin Learning
- Founded: 1995
- Headquarters: Carpinteria, California, United States
Need to know
LinkedIn Learning is an online course program that covers a handful of categories including areas of marketing, technology, and business in addition to some more random and specialized fields of study such as graphic design or photography. There are more than 16,000 courses available through LinkedIn Learning that offer the chance to learn from experts on a subject while gaining valuable skills you can use to advance professionally. There are even courses available for entire businesses to take together as a team.
There are benefits to using LinkedIn Learning that you can take advantage of through your normal LinkedIn account, including gaining access to LinkedIn’s premium career features.
LinkedIn Learning uses your profile information to create course recommendations that are personalized to you and your career. Depending on the job you have, your skills, and even the courses that others in your field have taken – you will receive a curated course list that can help you kick start your online education.
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#6. Coursera
- Founded: 2012
- Headquarters: California, United States
Need to know
If you are interested in taking accredited courses and being a part of prestigious online learning programs, Coursera is the right choice for you. Udemy, as well as the Udemy alternatives we’ve mentioned, does not offer the recognition and accreditation that Coursera can provide – in fact, there are very few online education programs that can compare to Coursera. In addition to free courses and course certification, Coursera even offers bachelor and master degrees at rates significantly lower than you would find through a traditional college or university.
The courses and programs available through Coursera are extremely reputable due to the extensive collection of classes taught by subject-matter experts that are either professors at world-class educational institutions or high-ranking professionals from Fortune 500 companies. The courses and degrees cover many different subjects including data science, business, health, social science, and more.