Online Learning Platforms That’ll Make You Drop out of College
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Traditional college education is entrenched as the go-to route for aspiring professionals, but times are changing. With technology and the internet rapidly transforming the way we learn and acquire skills, many are starting to question whether the debt-laden, time-consuming world of higher education remains necessary. Enter a new generation of online learning platforms that not only offer flexibility and affordability but also host some of the most compelling course content out there. Let’s explore these platforms that might make you reconsider that college diploma:
1. Udemy
This massive online learning marketplace offers over 130,000 courses in virtually every subject imaginable, ranging from web development to yoga instruction. Users pay for individual courses rather than a subscription, making it more affordable to pick and choose specific skills they want to learn without paying for extraneous classes.
2. Coursera
Coursera partners with top universities and institutions to bring high-quality courses in almost all disciplines, including computer science, business, social sciences, and more. In addition to individual courses, Coursera offers Specializations—collections of related classes—and even accredited Master’s degrees through select institutions.
3. Skillshare
Ideal for creatives looking to hone their craft or pick up a new hobby, Skillshare offers thousands of classes in design, photography, writing, and other fields. The subscription-based model grants unlimited access to its library of courses led by industry experts and passionate creators.
4. edX
Founded by Harvard University and MIT in 2012, edX features a catalog of over 2,500 courses from Ivy League schools and renowned international institutions such as Oxford, Cambridge, and the Sorbonne—all free or at a fraction of the cost of traditional higher education.
5. LinkedIn Learning (formerly Lynda.com)
A go-to platform for professionals seeking career advancement through targeted skill-building courses, LinkedIn Learning covers everything from coding to management. On top of that, completed courses are integrated directly into LinkedIn profiles, demonstrating skills and accomplishments to potential employers.
6. Codecademy
If your goal is to learn programming languages and software development, look no further than Codecademy. The platform offers tailored courses in a variety of languages such as Python, JavaScript, and Ruby alongside hands-on exercises and projects that make for an engaging learning experience.
Conclusion
The draw of a college degree is, no doubt, powerful. However, with these revolutionary online learning platforms offering affordable, flexible, skill-based education from some of the world’s most respected institutions and professionals, it’s worth considering the alternatives. Before committing to years of traditional college experience, explore these platforms—they just might redefine your approach to education and career growth.