Which is the best online learning platform for online courses? Skillshare or Shiken?
With so many online course platforms out there, it makes sense that some have tried to streamline their offering. Skillshare is an online learning platform that encourages its members to learn from each other, particularly focusing on creative courses. It particularly focuses on creatives, so members can upload courses of the things they know well and then learn new creative skills in the process. Among the best Skillshare alternatives, various platforms offer unique features and benefits that cater to different learning needs.
To best facilitate this, it works on a monthly membership, so you can create and consume as much as you like in that time period. This makes it slightly different to all the other course platforms. And there are certain subjects that are off limits, including mathematics, sciences and classical engineering. Religion, fitness, politics and pet care are also off the table. There’s a whole list of subjects that include some obvious ethical topics that promote making arms or dangerous activities. So, make sure you check out the full list.
When comparing Skillshare alternatives, Shiken stands out with its broader subject range and unique features. Meanwhile, Shiken encompasses a much wider range of subjects, but there are still a lot of similarities between the two platforms. If you are looking to create an academic course, then your option is obvious. If, however, you prefer a more creative approach, the answer might not be as clear-cut as you think.
As a Skillshare alternative, Shiken offers unique features such as a wider variety of subjects and flexible learning options, making it a strong contender for those seeking comprehensive online education.
What Is Skillshare Good For? Developing Creative Skills
Skillshare’s membership style means that members have access to thousands of video classes, with no limits on how many they can enjoy. Skillshare offers a wide range of creative courses that cater to various artistic and creative pursuits. Additionally, Skillshare offers free classes, allowing users to explore the content without a paid membership. These free classes provide quality education and a variety of options, making it easier for users to decide if they want to commit to a premium subscription. So, whatever their next creative pursuit might be, they will be able to find a course that suits their needs. And if they need creative inspiration, they will be overwhelmed with options!
This way of charging students to access courses also removes some of the pressure on course creators. Rather than panicking that you are not offering great value for money, you can get on and create the course you want, knowing that if students don’t value it, they can simply stop watching and choose another one.
In order to ensure they provide the best possible education to their members, Skillshare insists on a few rules for creators. Each course must have at least one task for learners to complete, to ensure they have understood the course and give them something to work towards. Because the platform is solely video led, these projects for students are important for engagement.
Every new sign-up to Skillshare gets a free month trial, so they can decide if the platform is right for them. This gives them immediate access to all the courses, helping to bump up your view count.
One of the biggest draws for subscribers and something that makes Skillshare the best platform for online courses, is the fact that it includes courses from industry experts, increasing trust in the website. It puts creators in great company too, adding an extra level of authority to your work.
The course upload process is simple, complemented by a comprehensive Teacher’s Handbook which will guide you through it all. It also includes information about enticing people to your course, so you can ensure it gets seen by all the right people, boosting your potential profit. Your course needs to have high-quality video and audio and a free intro section. It shouldn’t use any copyrighted material and you can upload a maximum of one course a month. This means the platform is full of courses that people actually want to watch and is moderated by Skillshare. So, your course won’t show online as soon as you upload it, but if you’ve followed all the rules, it will be live quickly.
How much does Skillshare cost?
You can join Skillshare by simply entering your email address to create an account. There’s no need to add your card details straight away, giving you peace of mind that if you don’t want to continue your membership, you don’t have to.
Then, pricing depends on where you are in the world. It is difficult to get exact numbers without creating an account, which is a shame, but you’re looking at around £30 a month for a basic package. This does only include one course upload a month, however. This encourages you to take your time to create high-quality content. Skillshare also allows creators to sell online courses, providing user-friendly tools and dedicated sections for course management and selling.
Meanwhile, Shiken’s pricing plans are easy to find, so you don’t have to sign up to marketing communications before agreeing to a monthly plan. This is an important part of the sign-up process that gives you a little more trust in the online course platform you have chosen. Additionally, Skillshare offers the ability for creators to build their own courses and market them, making it a versatile platform for instructors.
What's not so good about Skillshare?
Apart from the lack of transparency in their pricing structure, Skillshare is really only good for a certain type of creator. This is bad if you wanted to use it to create beauty content, but it does mean they can offer more specific help to creatives on the platform. It also means that when they review courses, they know what good content looks like.
On the other hand, it means that the course you want to upload may already exist a few times. It’s a good idea to check out your competition and try and upload something that hasn’t been done before.
And it’s this high competition for subject matter that might mean Skillshare is not the best platform for online courses for you. Despite the fantastic training resources available to you, you might find it difficult to attract students to your course – remember, you’re competing against some big names. And since you don’t get paid if people don’t view your course, this could be a problem. Skillshare try to help with this, giving you a free month’s trial for your students via referral, but this means you have to attract them to your course from elsewhere. If you were hoping to create a course and then sit back and reap the rewards, you’ll be disappointed. You’ll need to do the marketing work.
It’s also worth remembering that students have to view your course for a certain length of time for you to get paid. So, once you’ve done the hard work of getting people to your course, you need to keep them there. This is hard to do by relying on video courses only, especially as the only reward at the end is the knowledge they’ve gained. That’s why Shiken offers certification for your learners and helps you to mix up your learning style, keeping them interested for longer. Skillshare's learning management system could also impact user experience, as it lacks some of the interactive features and analytics that other platforms offer.
Is There a Better Skillshare Alternative?
When considering the best online course platforms, you would be crazy to forget about Shiken. This site offers a more flexible approach to course creation so you can teach the world your skills your way. Unlike Skillshare courses, which provide practical knowledge and skills but lack accreditation despite issuing certificates, Shiken allows for a more personalized and accredited learning experience.
A range of teaching techniques
Video courses are the most obvious way to promote your skills online, but every platform does them and they can get boring after a while. Shiken encourages more student interaction with live courses, quizzes, leaderboards and a deeper learning engagement style. Unlike Skillshare classes, which offer brief, non-live courses focusing on project-based learning, Shiken's approach ensures students will progress with confidence and connect with the subject.
Learning with AI
At every part of the course creation process, you'll find AI tools to help streamline your role. Create PDF versions of your course and write quizzes using the AI guide. You can build wikis, databases and project management boards, all in super-fast time reducing the hours spent on making something worthwhile for learners.
Share on the Shiken Store
The Shiken Store makes it easy for you to share your course with the wider Shiken community. Here, potential learners can sign up to your subscriptions, use one-time voucher codes or just buy your courses. You can also share your courses via the landing pages you make on Shiken.
Great pricing
Shiken offers all of this at an incredibly competitive price, with a free version that lets you create a course before deciding to take your course-making business to the next level. Then prices start from £99/year, which is slightly less expensive than Skillshare, and you get so much more for your money.
So, which online course platform will you choose?
Both platforms are great for course creators, especially if you are new to the industry and need help getting started. But, if you want to create courses in a flexible way, with full AI support and a whole marketing suite of tools to encourage students to use your course to reach their goals, then Shiken might be the platform for you. Helpfully, both sites offer free tasters, so you can try both and then settle on the one you feel most comfortable with.
Top Online Learning Platforms
MasterClass
MasterClass is a renowned online learning platform that offers a unique learning experience. With over 150 courses taught by world-famous experts, MasterClass provides an opportunity to learn from the best in their fields. The platform is known for its high-quality video lessons, easy-to-follow curriculum, and interactive features. Whether you’re looking to enhance your creative skills, delve into personal development, or gain insights from industry leaders, MasterClass has something for everyone. The platform’s engaging format and top-tier instructors make it a standout choice for those seeking a comprehensive online learning experience.
LinkedIn Learning (formerly Lynda.com)
LinkedIn Learning is a popular online learning platform that offers a wide range of courses and tutorials. With over 16,000 courses, the platform provides an opportunity to learn new skills and enhance existing ones. LinkedIn Learning is known for its expert instructors, interactive features, and personalized learning paths. This platform is particularly beneficial for professionals looking to improve their skills and advance their careers. The integration with LinkedIn also allows learners to showcase their completed courses and certifications on their professional profiles, adding an extra layer of credibility and visibility.
Udemy
Udemy is one of the largest online learning platforms, offering over 210,000 courses across various categories. The platform provides an opportunity to learn from experts and professionals in their fields, with courses covering topics such as creative skills, business, and personal development. Udemy is known for its affordable pricing, with courses starting from as low as $10. This makes it a great option for those looking for a flexible and budget-friendly online learning experience. Whether you’re looking to pick up a new hobby, advance your career, or explore personal development, Udemy’s extensive course library has something for everyone.
Coursera
Coursera is a unique online learning platform that offers courses from top universities and institutions worldwide. With over 7,000 courses, the platform provides an opportunity to learn from the best in their fields. Coursera is known for its flexible learning options, with courses available in both self-paced and instructor-led formats. The platform also offers a range of specializations and degree programs, making it a great option for those looking for a comprehensive online learning experience.
Coursera’s unique features include:
- Access to courses from top universities and institutions worldwide
- Flexible learning options, including self-paced and instructor-led formats
- Specializations and degree programs available
- Personalized learning paths and recommendations
- Opportunities to earn certificates and credits
Overall, Coursera is a great online learning platform for those looking for a comprehensive and flexible learning experience. With its unique features and wide range of courses, Coursera is an excellent option for entrepreneurs selling courses, professionals looking to improve their skills, and individuals seeking personal development opportunities.
edX
edX is a popular online learning platform that offers a wide range of courses and degree programs from top universities and institutions worldwide. With over 20 million registered users, edX is one of the largest online learning platforms in the world. edX offers courses in various subjects, including computer science, business, data science, and more. The platform is known for its high-quality courses, flexible learning options, and affordable pricing.
edX offers a unique feature called the “Audit” option, which allows users to access course materials for free, without earning a certificate. This feature is ideal for users who want to explore a subject without committing to a paid course. edX also offers a “Verified” option, which allows users to earn a certificate upon completion of a course, for a fee.
edX has partnered with over 120 top universities and institutions, including Harvard, MIT, and Stanford, to offer high-quality courses and degree programs. The platform is ideal for users who want to learn from the best institutions in the world, without the need for a traditional university setting.
DataCamp
DataCamp is an online learning platform that specializes in data science and programming courses. With over 300 courses and 1,000 hours of content, DataCamp is one of the largest online learning platforms for data science and programming. The platform offers courses in various subjects, including Python, R, SQL, and more.
DataCamp is known for its interactive learning experience, which allows users to learn by doing. The platform offers a range of interactive exercises, quizzes, and projects that help users develop practical skills in data science and programming. DataCamp also offers a range of courses and tutorials that are designed to help users prepare for industry-recognized certifications.
DataCamp has partnered with over 1,000 companies, including Google, Microsoft, and IBM, to offer courses and training programs that are tailored to the needs of the industry. The platform is ideal for users who want to learn data science and programming skills that are in demand in the job market.
Pluralsight
Pluralsight is an online learning platform that offers a wide range of courses and tutorials in various subjects, including technology, business, and creative skills. With over 7,000 courses and 130,000 hours of content, Pluralsight is one of the largest online learning platforms in the world. The platform offers courses in various subjects, including programming, data science, cybersecurity, and more.
Pluralsight is known for its high-quality courses, which are designed to help users develop practical skills in their chosen subject. The platform offers a range of courses and tutorials that are designed to help users prepare for industry-recognized certifications. Pluralsight also offers a range of features, including a personalized learning plan, a mobile app, and a community forum, that help users stay engaged and motivated.
Pluralsight has partnered with over 1,000 companies, including Google, Microsoft, and IBM, to offer courses and training programs that are tailored to the needs of the industry. The platform is ideal for users who want to learn skills that are in demand in the job market.
Choosing the Best Alternative to Skillshare
With so many online learning platforms available, choosing the best alternative to Skillshare can be overwhelming. Here are some tips to help you choose the best platform for your needs:
- Define your goals: What do you want to achieve with online learning? Are you looking to learn a new skill, improve your career prospects, or simply explore a new subject? Defining your goals will help you choose a platform that meets your needs.
- Consider your budget: Online learning platforms can range from free to expensive. Consider your budget and choose a platform that offers affordable pricing options.
- Look for high-quality courses: Look for platforms that offer high-quality courses, taught by experienced instructors. Check the course curriculum, reviews, and ratings to ensure that the course meets your needs.
- Check for flexibility: Look for platforms that offer flexible learning options, such as self-paced learning, mobile apps, and offline access.
- Read reviews and ratings: Read reviews and ratings from other users to get an idea of the platform’s quality and effectiveness.
Tips for Choosing High-Quality Online Courses
Here are some tips for choosing high-quality online courses:
- Check the instructor’s credentials: Look for instructors who are experienced and qualified in their subject area.
- Check the course curriculum: Look for courses that offer a comprehensive curriculum, with clear learning objectives and outcomes.
- Read reviews and ratings: Read reviews and ratings from other users to get an idea of the course’s quality and effectiveness.
- Look for interactive features: Look for courses that offer interactive features, such as quizzes, exercises, and projects, that help you develop practical skills.
- Check for certification: Look for courses that offer certification upon completion, which can be beneficial for career advancement.
Shiken Is The best Skillshare Alternative
Shiken has thousands of online courses in the Shiken Store including free classes. In addition Shiken also features a suite of powerful AI learning tools with a focus on active learning and quizzes.
For course creators Shiken uses AI to quickly create and translate courses with the click of a button.
