What is Skillshare, and how does it work?
Skillshare is an online learning platform offering thousands of classes across various topics, catering to beginners and professionals alike. It operates on a subscription-based model, allowing users to access unlimited courses for a monthly or annual fee. In this section, we'll discuss the origins and mission of Skillshare, how the platform is structured, and the types of classes it offers.
The Origins and Mission of Skillshare
Founded in 2010 by Michael Karnjanaprakorn and Malcolm Ong, Skillshare started as a small project to create an online community where people could learn from one another. Over the years, it has grown into a global platform with millions of users and classes taught by industry professionals, artists, and educators. Skillshare's mission is to make learning accessible to everyone, empowering people to grow their skills, unlock opportunities, and achieve their goals.
Platform Overview and Navigation
Skillshare's user-friendly interface makes it easy to navigate the platform and find classes that align with your interests. The homepage features curated collections, trending classes, and personalized recommendations based on your interests and browsing history. You can also use the search bar to find specific classes or explore categories and subcategories using the "Browse" menu.
Class Categories and Topics
Skillshare offers classes in a wide range of categories, including but not limited to:
- Design
- Photography
- Business and entrepreneurship
- Technology
- Writing
- Film and video
- Illustration
- Lifestyle
- Productivity
- Marketing
You'll find subcategories and topics within each category, making it easier to discover classes that match your interests and skill level.
Skillshare Compared to Other Platforms
When choosing an online learning platform, it's essential to understand how Skillshare stacks up against other popular options. This section will dive deeper into the differences between Skillshare and other platforms, including Udemy, MasterClass, Coursera, LinkedIn Learning, and edX.
Skillshare vs. Udemy
Skillshare focuses primarily on creative, design, and entrepreneurial skills. It offers a subscription model, allowing unlimited classes for a monthly or yearly fee. Skillshare doesn't provide official certification but encourages hands-on learning through class projects.
Udemy, on the other hand, offers a wider variety of subjects, including technology, business, and personal development. Instead of a subscription model, Udemy uses a pay-per-course model, which can be more cost-effective for those interested in only a few courses. Some Udemy courses provide certificates of completion, but the content quality and instructor expertise can vary significantly, as there is no strict vetting process for course creators.
Mobile app
LinkedIn Learning offers mobile apps for iOS and Android devices, enabling users to learn on the go. The mobile app mirrors the functionality of the web interface, allowing users to search for courses, view their learning history, and access personalized recommendations. The app also includes bookmarks and adjustable playback speeds, ensuring a consistent learning experience across devices.
Skillshare vs. MasterClass
Skillshare provides various subjects and skill levels, with industry professionals, educators, and experienced hobbyists teaching classes. Skillshare emphasizes hands-on learning through class projects, which allows learners to apply their newly-acquired skills.
MasterClass is known for its high-quality, professionally produced courses taught exclusively by world-renowned experts and celebrities in their respective fields. The platform offers a more passive learning experience, with fewer hands-on projects, focusing on the unique insights and experiences of the instructors. As a result, MasterClass courses can be more inspirational and aspirational than Skillshare's practical, skill-based classes.
Skillshare vs. Coursera
Skillshare primarily offers short, skill-based classes on creative, design, and entrepreneurial skills. The platform needs to provide official certification or university-backed credentials.
Coursera, in contrast, offers a wide range of subjects, including technology, science, and humanities, with courses that are often more structured and academic—Coursera partners with universities and institutions to provide official certification and even degree programs. In addition, the platform features more rigorous courses with graded assignments and exams, making it more suitable for those seeking formal education and credentials.
Skillshare vs. LinkedIn Learning
Skillshare focuses on creative, design, and entrepreneurial skills, offering a community-driven platform with class discussions and group learning features. It encourages hands-on learning through class projects, which help students apply their knowledge practically.
LinkedIn Learning, previously known as Lynda.com, offers a more professional focus on business, technology, and creative skills courses. It is tailored to help learners advance their careers and improve their professional skills. In addition, LinkedIn Learning provides certificates of completion that can be added to your LinkedIn profile, which can help boost your online professional presence. While it offers hands-on learning opportunities, its primary focus is career advancement and professional development.
Skillshare vs. edX
Skillshare offers diverse subjects, focusing on creative, design, and entrepreneurial skills. It provides short, skill-based classes that often emphasize hands-on learning through class projects. Skillshare does not offer official certification or credentials.
edX, founded by Harvard University and MIT, is a platform that offers university-level courses in various subjects, including technology, science, and humanities. In addition, it partners with prestigious universities and institutions to provide official certifications and degree programs. edX courses are often more structured and academic, focusing on theoretical knowledge and formal education. As a result, the platform is better suited for learners seeking university-level education, professional certifications, or credentials from top institutions.
In conclusion, each online learning platform offers unique features and caters to different learning needs and goals. For example, Skillshare is an excellent choice for learners interested in creative, design, and entrepreneurial skills with a focus on hands-on learning and class projects. However, if you're looking for more structured academic courses, official certifications, or career-focused content, other platforms like Coursera, LinkedIn Learning, or edX might be more suitable.
When choosing a platform, consider your learning objectives, the subjects you're interested in, and your preferred learning experience. Then, by comparing Skillshare with other platforms, you can decide which online learning platform best aligns with your personal and professional goals.
Additional Resources and Alternatives
Suppose you're interested in exploring other online learning platforms and comparing them to Skillshare. In that case, we've compiled a list of resources and reviews for some of the most popular alternatives, including Udemy, Coursera, edX, MasterClass, and LinkedIn Learning.
Udemy review
Udemy is a versatile and extensive online learning platform offering courses in various subjects, from technology and business to personal development. To better understand the platform, its features, and whether it's the right choice, check out this comprehensive Udemy review: Udemy Review.
Coursera review
Coursera is an online learning platform known for its partnerships with top universities and institutions, offering various courses, specializations, and even degree programs. To learn more about Coursera's offerings and whether it's the right platform for your educational needs, read this in-depth Coursera review: Coursera Review.
edX review
edX, founded by Harvard University and MIT, is an online learning platform that provides university-level courses in various subjects focusing on academic rigor and official certification. To determine if edX aligns with your learning goals and preferences, consult this detailed edX review: edX Review.
MasterClass review
MasterClass is an online learning platform renowned for its high-quality courses taught by world-renowned experts and celebrities. To explore the unique features and offerings of MasterClass and decide if it's the right platform for your learning journey, read our comprehensive MasterClass review: MasterClass Review.
LinkedIn Learning review
LinkedIn Learning, previously known as Lynda.com, is an online learning platform tailored for career-focused individuals seeking to improve their professional skills. To better understand LinkedIn Learning's offerings and whether it's the right choice for your career development, refer to this in-depth LinkedIn Learning review: LinkedIn Learning Review.
By examining the reviews and resources for these alternative online learning platforms, you can decide which platform best aligns with your personal and professional goals and find the ideal resource to support your lifelong learning journey.
