Skillshare Review - Pros, Cons and Features

Skillshare is a leading online learning platform that offers a wide range of creative courses and workshops taught by experts in various fields. From design to writing, photography, entrepreneurship, and more, Skillshare has something for everyone looking to learn new skills and enhance their knowledge.

This article aims to provide a comprehensive review of Skillshare and explain its capabilities to help you decide whether it's the right platform for your learning needs.

Online learning has come a long way since the early days of the internet when it was seen as a less effective way of learning compared to traditional classroom learning. However, with the advent of modern e-learning platforms like Skillshare, online learning has become more engaging and interactive, making it a popular choice for people looking to improve their skills and knowledge.

With the flexibility to learn at your own pace and on your own schedule, online learning has become the preferred choice for busy professionals and learners who want to balance their work and personal life while still pursuing their educational goals.

• What is SkillShare

• Creative Skills

• Business and Entrepreneurship

• Technology

• Writing

• Lifestyle

• Community

• Pros & Cons

• Before Making a Decision

What is SkillShare?

Skillshare was founded in 2010 with a mission to make learning accessible to everyone, regardless of their location or financial status. The platform offers more than 30,000 classes in various disciplines, from creative skills to entrepreneurship, marketing, and technology.

Skillshare's classes are designed to be short and concise, making them easy to fit into your busy schedule. The platform has over 12 million registered learners and 8,000 teachers from around the world, making it one of the most popular online learning platforms globally.

Let's go over some of the capabilities and offerings of Skillshare.

Creative Skills

Skillshare's creative skills classes cover a wide range of topics, including graphic design, illustration, animation, and photography. These classes are taught by expert instructors who share their knowledge and experience, providing learners with the skills they need to create high-quality designs and visual content.

Skillshare's creative skills classes are particularly popular among freelancers, entrepreneurs, and artists looking to develop their creative skills.

In addition to the above-mentioned creative skills, Skillshare also offers a wide range of classes on graphic design. Graphic design is a popular field with growing demand for professionals with design skills. Skillshare has a vast collection of courses in graphic design, ranging from beginner-level classes in Photoshop and Illustrator to advanced courses on logo design and branding.

The platform also offers courses on user interface design and web design, making it a one-stop destination for all your design learning needs. Another key area of focus for Skillshare is photography and videography.

The platform offers courses on various aspects of photography, including composition, lighting, and editing. Skillshare also has a wide range of courses on videography, covering topics such as storytelling, cinematography, and post-production.

Whether you are a beginner looking to learn the basics or an experienced professional seeking to enhance your skills, Skillshare's extensive collection of photography and videography courses is sure to have something for everyone.

The platform's vast collection of classes, active community, and affordable pricing make it a top choice for learners around the world. Whether you are looking to learn a new skill or enhance your existing skills, Skillshare's diverse range of courses is sure to have something for everyone.

Business and Entrepreneurship

Skillshare's business and entrepreneurship classes cover topics such as marketing, finance, and management, providing learners with the knowledge and skills they need to start and grow a successful business.

The platform offers courses taught by successful entrepreneurs, marketing experts, and business leaders, providing learners with practical insights into the world of business.

In addition to the various courses and classes available for business and entrepreneurship, Skillshare also offers a range of resources and tools to help learners develop and grow their own businesses.

For example, the platform offers a community forum where learners can connect with other entrepreneurs, share ideas and resources, and receive feedback on their work. Skillshare also offers a variety of marketing and branding courses that can help learners promote and grow their businesses online.

Furthermore, Skillshare's partnership program provides an opportunity for entrepreneurs and small business owners to monetize their skills and knowledge by teaching on the platform. Through the program, instructors can earn revenue from their classes while also building their brand and growing their audience.

This unique opportunity can be a valuable resource for entrepreneurs looking to diversify their income streams and establish themselves as experts in their fields.

Technology

Skillshare's technology classes cover topics such as coding, web development, and data science. These classes are taught by industry experts who provide learners with hands-on experience and practical skills that are in high demand in the job market.

Skillshare's technology classes are particularly popular among learners looking to start a career in the tech industry. In addition to its user-friendly interface and mobile app, Skillshare also uses sophisticated technology to provide a personalized learning experience for each user.

The platform uses machine learning algorithms to suggest classes based on the learner's interests and previous viewing history. This means that learners can easily discover new classes and topics to explore, without having to manually search for them.

Moreover, Skillshare also uses advanced video streaming technology to ensure that learners can access classes seamlessly and without interruption.

The platform's video player is optimized for various devices and internet connections, so learners can watch classes in high-definition quality regardless of their device or location. This technology makes it easy for learners to access classes anytime, anywhere, and on any device, which is particularly beneficial for those with busy schedules or on-the-go lifestyles.

Writing

Skillshare's writing classes cover a wide range of topics, including creative writing, copywriting, and content marketing. These classes are taught by experienced writers and editors, providing learners with the skills they need to write high-quality content for their personal or professional projects.

In addition to the writing courses available on Skillshare, the platform also offers a range of resources to support writers in their creative pursuits. The Skillshare blog regularly features articles and interviews with successful writers, providing insights into their creative process and offering practical tips for aspiring writers.

The platform also offers a community forum where writers can connect with one another, share their work, and provide feedback. Whether you're an experienced writer or just starting, Skillshare offers a robust range of courses and resources to help you hone your craft and achieve your creative goals.

With a supportive community of learners and instructors and an easy-to-use platform, Skillshare is an excellent choice for writers looking to improve their skills and connect with like-minded individuals.

Lifestyle

Skillshare's lifestyle classes cover topics such as cooking, gardening, and mindfulness. These classes are taught by experts in their respective fields, providing learners with practical knowledge and skills to improve their daily lives.

In addition to the lifestyle courses, Skillshare also offers a variety of courses in the business and technology fields. The business courses cover a range of topics such as entrepreneurship, marketing, and finance.

The technology courses cover subjects like coding, web development, and graphic design. The business and technology courses on Skillshare are particularly helpful for individuals who are looking to develop new skills or advance their careers.

Finally, Skillshare offers a unique opportunity for instructors to share their knowledge and earn money. Anyone can become a teacher on Skillshare and create a course on any topic they choose. Skillshare instructors earn money based on the number of students enrolled in their courses.

This creates a win-win situation for both instructors and students, as instructors can earn passive income while sharing their expertise, and students can learn from a wide variety of skilled teachers. This also ensures that the courses offered on Skillshare are diverse and cover a wide range of topics.

Community

Skillshare has a vibrant and active community of learners and teachers who share their knowledge and experience with each other. The platform has features like discussion boards, project galleries, and live events that enable learners to interact with their peers and instructors, providing a supportive learning environment.

In addition to the above-mentioned features, Skillshare also offers a vibrant community where learners can connect with like-minded individuals and share their work.

The community aspect of Skillshare allows learners to receive feedback from others, collaborate on projects, and participate in challenges and contests. The platform also allows learners to follow their favorite instructors and other learners, enabling them to stay up to date with new courses and trends in their field.

Another benefit of the Skillshare community is the ability to network with other professionals in your field. By connecting with other learners and instructors, learners can build relationships and potentially find new career opportunities.

The platform also offers discussion forums where learners can engage in discussions and ask questions related to their course material, providing an additional resource for learning and problem-solving.

Overall, the community aspect of Skillshare adds an additional layer of value to the platform, allowing learners to not only enhance their skills but also connect with others in their field and potentially advance their careers.

The Pros and The Cons

So now that we know what Skillshare can offer us and in what ways, let's go over some of the pros and cons of the platform to help you get a better understanding of it.

Pros

• Wide range of classes: Skillshare offers over 30,000 classes in various disciplines, making it easy for learners to find a class that matches their interests and learning goals.

• Expert instructors: Skillshare's instructors are experts in their respective fields, providing learners with high-quality instruction and practical skills that they can apply in their personal or professional lives.

• Short and concise classes: Skillshare's classes are designed to be short and concise, making it easy for learners to fit into their busy schedules and learn at their own pace.

• Active community: Skillshare has a vibrant and active community of learners and teachers who share their knowledge and experience, providing a supportive learning environment for learners of all levels.

• Affordable pricing: Skillshare offers a free trial and affordable monthly or annual subscriptions, making it accessible to anyone looking to improve their skills and knowledge through online learning.

Cons

• Limited focus on academic subjects: Skillshare's focus is primarily on creative skills and practical knowledge, so learners looking for academic subjects or in-depth theoretical knowledge may not find what they need on the platform.

• Limited interaction with instructors: Skillshare's classes are pre-recorded, so learners do not have the opportunity to interact with instructors in real-time.

• Quality of some classes varies: The quality of some classes on Skillshare may vary, as anyone can become a teacher on the platform, and there is no quality control or vetting process for instructors.

• Limited offline access: Skillshare's classes are only accessible online, so learners without consistent internet access may have difficulty accessing the platform's content.

• Limited language options: Skillshare's classes are primarily in English, so learners who do not speak English may have difficulty accessing the platform's content.

Overall, while Skillshare has its limitations, it remains a top-notch online learning platform that provides learners with access to a wide range of high-quality classes taught by expert instructors.

Get started with Skillshare ➜

Before Making a Decision

Let's go over some alternative online learning platforms out on the market today, and have a comparison between all they have to offer.

Udemy

Udemy is an online learning platform that offers over 155,000 courses in various disciplines, from business and technology to creative skills and personal development. Udemy's classes are primarily video-based, and learners can access them on demand. The platform also has a vibrant community of instructors and learners who share their knowledge and experience with each other.

Pros

• Large selection of courses in a wide range of disciplines

• Affordable pricing for most courses

• On-demand access to classes

• Active community of learners and instructors

• Course completion certificates

Cons

• Quality of some courses varies

• No subscription model, so learners must purchase courses individually

• No real-time interaction with instructors

• Courses are not always up-to-date

• Courses can be lengthy and require a significant time commitment

Udemy is a popular online learning platform that offers a wide range of courses in various disciplines. While the quality of some courses may vary, the platform's affordable pricing and active community make it an attractive option for learners of all levels.

Get started with Udemy ➜

Coursera

Coursera is an online learning platform that partners with top universities and organizations to offer courses in various disciplines. Coursera's courses are primarily video-based, and learners can access them on-demand. The platform also offers specializations, which are a series of courses focused on a specific topic.

Pros

• High-quality courses from top universities and organizations

• Specializations provide in-depth knowledge on a specific topic

• Access to courses from renowned instructors

• Active community of learners and instructors

• Course completion certificates

Cons

• Some courses can be expensive

• Limited interaction with instructors

• Courses may not be self-paced

• No free trial for all courses

• Course certificates may not be recognized by all employers

Coursera is a top online learning platform that offers high-quality courses from top universities and organizations. While some courses can be expensive, the platform's specializations and access to renowned instructors make it an excellent option for learners seeking in-depth knowledge on a specific topic.

Get started with Coursera ➜

LinkedIn Learning

LinkedIn Learning is an online learning platform that offers over 16,000 courses in various disciplines, from business and technology to creative skills and personal development. LinkedIn Learning's courses are primarily video-based, and learners can access them on demand. The platform also offers personalized learning paths based on a learner's interests and career goals.

Pros

• Large selection of courses in various disciplines

• Personalized learning paths

• Access to courses from industry experts

• An active community of learners and instructors

• Course completion certificates

Cons

• Limited interaction with instructors

• Limited focus on academic subjects

• Limited free trial

• No subscription model, so learners must purchase courses individually

• Some courses may be outdated

LinkedIn Learning is a powerful online learning platform that offers learners access to a large selection of courses in various disciplines. While the platform may not be ideal for learners seeking academic subjects or real-time interaction with instructors, its personalized learning paths and access to industry experts make it an excellent option for learners seeking to enhance their professional skills.

Get started with LinkedIn Learning ➜

MasterClass

MasterClass is an online learning platform that offers classes taught by world-renowned experts in various disciplines, from writing and acting to cooking and music. MasterClass's classes are primarily video-based, and learners can access them on demand. The platform also offers a community of learners who can interact with each other and provide feedback.

Pros

• High-quality classes taught by world-renowned experts

• Access to classes in various disciplines

• Active community of learners

• Option to purchase individual classes or a yearly subscription

• High production value for classes

Cons

• Limited number of classes available

• No certificates or credentials are offered

• Classes are not self-paced and require a significant time commitment

• Limited interaction with instructors

• Expensive compared to other online learning platforms

MasterClass is a unique online learning platform that offers high-quality classes taught by world-renowned experts in various disciplines. While the platform may not be ideal for learners seeking certificates or credentials, its active community and high production value for classes makes it an attractive option for those looking to learn from the best in their field.

Get started with MasterClass ➜

Khan Academy

Khan Academy is a non-profit educational organization that offers free online courses in various disciplines, from math and science to humanities and finance. Khan Academy's courses are primarily video-based, and learners can access them on demand. The platform also offers interactive exercises and quizzes to reinforce learning.

Pros

• Free access to high-quality courses in various disciplines

• Self-paced learning

• Interactive exercises and quizzes to reinforce learning

• No ads or marketing on the platform

• Available in multiple languages

Cons

• Limited selection of courses compared to other online learning platforms

• No interaction with instructors

• Limited focus on creative skills or personal development

• Limited resources for advanced learners

• No certificates or credentials are offered

Khan Academy is a valuable online learning platform that offers free access to high-quality courses in various disciplines. While the platform may not be ideal for learners seeking creative skills or personal development courses, it's self-paced learning and interactive exercises make it an excellent option for learners seeking to enhance their academic skills.

Get started with Khan Academy ➜

Overall, each of these online learning platforms offers unique advantages and disadvantages for learners. It's important to consider your learning goals and preferences when selecting the platform that's right for you.

Final Thoughts

Skillshare is a leading online learning platform that offers a wide range of creative courses and workshops taught by expert instructors. The platform has over 30,000 classes in various disciplines, from creative skills to business, technology, writing, lifestyle, and more.

Skillshare's classes are short and concise, making it easy for learners to fit into their busy schedules. The platform has a vibrant and active community of learners and teachers who share their knowledge and experience with each other.

Whether you're looking to learn a new skill, enhance your knowledge, or pursue a passion project, Skillshare has something for you. With its wide range of classes and vibrant community, Skillshare is an excellent platform for learners of all levels.

Moreover, Skillshare's pricing model, which offers a free trial and affordable monthly or annual subscriptions, makes it accessible to anyone looking to unlock their potential through online learning.

In conclusion, Skillshare is a top-notch online learning platform that offers high-quality classes taught by expert instructors in various disciplines. With its comprehensive capabilities and vibrant community, Skillshare provides an engaging and supportive learning environment that can help you unlock your potential and achieve your learning goals.

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