The Best Online Learning Programs for Students
Whether you have a high schooler at home or a college student in the family, it may seem like using online learning platforms while attending school isn’t necessary. However, many of the best online learning programs for students are worthwhile, and not just for the reasons you might think.
With the right online course platforms, students that are struggling a bit academically can get a leg up, allowing them to better grasp a subject and improve their performance. Plus, students can use the top online learning platforms to get ahead. By choosing courses that give them a stronger foundation for the educational journey that lies ahead, they can improve their performance when it counts.
If your student is trying to avoid debt, scholarships are a great option. They can cover a range of college costs and don’t have to be paid back. If you and your student want to learn about scholarships, sign up for our free college scholarship webinar! Take a quick trip over to http://thescholarshipsystem.com/webinar to reserve a spot today.
Ultimately, the best online education platforms have a lot to offer. If you’re wondering how they could help your student and which ones are worth using, here’s what you need to know.
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How Online Course Platforms Can Help Students
Many of the best online course platforms can be incredibly beneficial for students that need extra help with a subject or would like to get a bit ahead academically. Plus, some options can easily boost a student’s resume, making it easier to launch their future careers.
Even many of the free online course platforms come with that benefit. There are several widely respected platforms that make classes available to everyone at no charge. That can make them excellent choices for advancing knowledge or honing skills.
However, which options are suitable for your student may depend on where they are academically and their broader goals. Even the best online learning platforms for students come with drawbacks and benefits. Plus, each one usually targets a particular kind of learner, which makes a difference. That’s why it’s wise for students to review their options carefully before choosing a platform.
Best Online Learning Platforms for Students
Here’s an overview of the best online learning platforms for students, including information about their offerings, costs, and more.
1. Khan Academy
For high school students looking for free online learning platforms, it’s hard to beat Khan Academy. The courses are designed to target K-12 students primarily, focusing on classic subjects like English, history, and algebra. Plus, there are courses designed to assist with AP and SAT prep, which is incredibly beneficial.
The courses allow students to work at their own pace, which can prevent it from feeling overwhelming. Plus, the classes are created by experts in the subjects, ensuring the quality of the information is sound.
2. Coursera
One of the best online education platforms for college students, professionals, and college-bound high schoolers that want to get ahead, Coursera is a vast platform with courses on nearly any subject. Many of the offerings are designed in conjunction with major universities, increasing the overall quality. Plus, they’re often quite in-depth, even the beginner classes.
Generally, these are designed with college students and professionals in mind, so they aren’t always the best fit for younger high schoolers. However, the platform is an excellent option for skill acquisition and can even help students earn professional certificates or degrees.
The cost of courses on Coursera can vary. There are over 1,500 free courses, which is a nice starting point. If your student wants to access more, $59 per month or $399 a year gives them access to 7,000+ classes. Remember that the degree and certificate programs have their own price tags, which can vary depending on the subject involved.
3. Udemy
Another one of the top online learning platforms, Udemy, is home to more than 185,000 different online video courses, and new ones are published every single month. Whether your student is looking for help with high school subjects like geometry or Spanish, wants to dive into technical topics before college, or wants to boost their career, there are options available.
Like many of the best online learning programs for students, the cost for courses on Udemy varies. In most cases, the least expensive are around $15 to $20, though others will cost $200+.
4. MasterClass
MasterClass is a unique online learning platform since it focuses on classes offered by widely recognized experts, typically those with a degree of fame. The courses cover a wide range of subjects; though most of the content is aimed at adults, not all of them cover traditional academic-style topics.
For example, you’ll find numerous MasterClass courses focusing on cooking and music, which may not benefit all college students as they pursue a degree. However, there are also classes on writing, business, science, technology, history, economics, and other topics that may help those earning a degree.
Still, MasterClass is an engaging platform with reasonably priced subscriptions. On the low-end, it can run just $15 per month, giving your student access to more than 150+ courses, each with about 20 lessons.
Another option that focuses mainly on adults, Skillshare, does have some offerings that can benefit college students. Quite a few of the writing classes could be helpful to anyone pursuing a degree, while some of the other categories could be a boon for students studying specific majors. For example, there are courses focused on business, design, art, technology, marketing, and other niches.
As for the cost, it works out to about $14 per month if your student chooses the annual option. Otherwise, it runs $36 per month. If your student wants to see if it’s worthwhile, there is a free trial, allowing them to explore the platform before committing.
6. EdX
One unique facet of EdX is that it features courses that were designed by over 160 member universities. That means the offerings are academically oriented, focusing on traditional educational subjects that students commonly encounter while earning degrees.
This option is perfect for students focused on STEM degrees, are there are far more courses in those niches than some of the others. However, there are still options for other majors; they just aren’t as plentiful.
On the cost side, it varies. EdX is one of the best free online learning platforms due to its expansive collegiate-level offerings that are available to everyone. For college students (or soon-to-be high school graduates), these are great ways to prepare for higher-level courses or review critical points while taking the equivalent class.
Remember that students who choose the free option won’t get college credits or certificates by going that route, as those options come with fees. Additionally, some courses are only available for a cost, ranging from $50 to $300 in most cases.
7. Udacity
Udacity is one of the best eLearning platforms for students that want to advance an existing career. The platform offers nanodegrees designed to tackle specific skill areas. The programs focus mainly on technology, though there are also some options in the business category.
The instructors are typically working professionals that operate in the arena they’re covering. This can make the information highly relevant and easy to apply when on the job, as it focuses more on real-world applications over academic-style learning.
It’s important to note that while Udacity refers to the programs as nano degrees, the platform isn’t accredited, and the credits won’t transfer to other colleges or universities. However, many employers recognize these credentials so that they can be beneficial in certain careers.
If your student is trying to avoid debt, scholarships are a great option. They can cover a range of college costs and don’t have to be paid back. If you and your student want to learn about scholarships, sign up for our free college scholarship webinar! Take a quick trip over to http://thescholarshipsystem.com/webinar to reserve a spot today.
