Why You Need an Online Education + Top 6 Best Resources

Are you considering leveling-up a skill, earning a college degree, or simply challenging yourself to learn something new this year? If so, an online program could be the right choice for you. You may be asking yourself: With thousands of reputable Universities around the world, why would I choose to pursue an education online rather than in-person?

There are many valid reasons why you may choose to further your education online in 2021, such as easy accessibility while social distancing, flexibility with work or family, or minimized financial burden. If you are interested in getting a world-class education from the comfort of your couch, these 6 resources are a great place to get started.

1.   edX

If you are looking for the best all-around option for a convenient and well-rounded online education, I would start here. edX is a non-profit educational organization founded by Harvard and MIT and has been perfecting the model for almost a decade. You can take a course on almost any topic from an array of distinguished universities for an affordable price, or choose to audit a class for free.

The goal at edX is to let anyone and everyone receive an education, regardless of financial barriers or location. If you are someone who is searching for a new job or a pay raise, edX is a great option to hone your skills.

2.   Coursera

Much like edX, Coursera will allow you to get a college education without the burden of high tuition or loans. You can take advantage of Coursera’s classes at the entry-level for free, or even earn a certification or college degree for a fee. Coursera offers the opportunity to take classes from some of the best institutions in the world, such as Stanford and Johns Hopkins.

3.   Masterclass

Whether you are looking to hone your skills in a specific area or are interested in exploring something entirely new, Masterclass is a great subscription service to consider. For $15 per month, you gain access to unlimited video classes from experts and celebrities in every category imaginable from dog training to the science of sleep. Turn on Masterclass after work to cook restaurant-level food with Gordon Ramsay or curate music with Questlove.

4.   Babbel

If you are interested in furthering your education online, consider signing up for a language learning subscription such as Babbel. You can get a yearly subscription for under $100, and choose your daily course difficulty, length, and pacing. Learning a foreign language can be helpful when communicating with others, but there are also health benefits to learning a new language such as improved brain function and increased ability to multitask. If you want a taste of a new language without the cost, download the Duolingo app and learn in small increments for free.

5.   LinkedIn Learning

This is a wonderful option if you want to learn a new skill for your resume like video editing, spreadsheets, or web design. The great thing about LinkedIn Learning is that with each course you take, they give you a certification that you can add to your LinkedIn profile. If you want to add legitimate, hireable skills to your resume and get noticed by potential employers or colleagues in your field, the fee for LinkedIn Learning is $30 per month with additional class costs.

6.   Adobe

Are you a creative individual who wants to take your art into the digital age? Adobe offers many free tutorials online for Photoshop, InDesign, and Illustrator that will allow you to digitize your endeavors in art, design, and photography. Plus, if you are a current art student, you can purchase a discounted subscription to all of the programs included in Adobe Creative Cloud.

If you are someone who wants to learn without taking out loans, educate yourself while keeping a job and family life afloat, or perhaps simply acquire a new skill in quarantine, these are some useful resources to help you get started and get learning!