Best Online Learning Platforms for Teens in Australia: A Comparison
For teenagers in Australia looking to expand their knowledge, develop new skills, or even explore potential career paths, online learning platforms offer a wealth of opportunities. With so many options available, choosing the right platform can be a challenge. This article compares three of the most popular platforms – Udemy, Coursera, and Skillshare – to help you make an informed decision.
Udemy vs Coursera vs Skillshare: Key Differences
These three platforms offer distinct approaches to online learning. Understanding their core differences is crucial in selecting the one that aligns best with your learning style and goals.
Udemy: Udemy operates as a marketplace for individual courses. Instructors create and sell their courses directly on the platform. This results in a vast and diverse catalogue, covering almost any topic imaginable. Udemy is known for its affordability and lifetime access to purchased courses.
Coursera: Coursera partners with universities and institutions worldwide to offer courses, Specializations (series of related courses), and even full degree programmes. This partnership lends Coursera a strong academic focus, with many courses mirroring university-level content. Coursera often includes graded assignments, peer reviews, and certificates upon completion.
Skillshare: Skillshare focuses on creative skills and practical application. Courses are typically project-based, encouraging students to learn by doing. Skillshare's community aspect is also strong, with opportunities for students to share their work and receive feedback. The platform operates on a subscription model, granting access to a wide range of courses for a monthly or annual fee.
Here's a table summarising the key differences:
| Feature | Udemy | Coursera | Skillshare |
|-------------------|----------------------------------------|-----------------------------------------|-----------------------------------------|
| Focus | Broad range of topics | Academic and professional development | Creative skills and practical projects |
| Content Source | Individual instructors | Universities and institutions | Individual instructors |
| Learning Style | Self-paced, individual courses | Structured, often with deadlines | Project-based, community-focused |
| Certification | Certificate of Completion (paid) | Course Certificate, Specialization Certificate, Degree | No formal certification |
| Access Model | Purchase individual courses | Subscription or individual course purchase | Subscription-based |
Pricing and Subscription Models
Understanding the pricing structures of each platform is essential for budgeting and choosing the most cost-effective option.
Udemy: Udemy primarily uses a pay-per-course model. Prices vary widely depending on the course length, instructor, and subject matter. Udemy frequently offers sales and discounts, making it possible to purchase courses at significantly reduced prices. Once purchased, you have lifetime access to the course content. Keep an eye out for deals and promotions to maximise your budget.
Coursera: Coursera offers a mix of free and paid content. Many courses can be audited for free, allowing you to access the lectures without completing assignments or receiving a certificate. Paid options include individual course purchases, Specialization subscriptions, and degree programmes. Subscriptions typically run monthly, and the cost varies depending on the Specialization. Financial aid is often available for eligible students. Check frequently asked questions for more information.
Skillshare: Skillshare operates on a subscription model. A monthly or annual fee grants access to the vast majority of courses on the platform. Skillshare often offers free trials, allowing you to explore the platform before committing to a subscription. This is a great way to see if the platform's content and learning style suit you. Consider what Youngsters offers in comparison to Skillshare's subscription model to find the best value.
Cost Comparison
It's difficult to provide exact cost comparisons due to the varying nature of courses and subscription options. However, here's a general guideline:
Most Affordable (per course): Udemy (especially during sales)
Potentially Affordable (with free audit options): Coursera
Best Value for Broad Access: Skillshare (if you plan to take multiple courses)
Course Variety and Quality
The range of subjects covered and the quality of instruction are critical factors in choosing an online learning platform.
Udemy: Udemy boasts the widest variety of courses, covering everything from coding and design to business and personal development. However, the quality can vary significantly, as anyone can create and sell a course. It's crucial to read reviews and previews before purchasing. Look for courses with high ratings and positive feedback from other students. The platform also offers courses specifically for teens, covering subjects like web development and digital marketing.
Coursera: Coursera's course selection is more focused on academic and professional development. The platform offers courses in subjects like computer science, business, data science, and humanities. The quality is generally high due to the partnerships with reputable universities and institutions. Coursera's courses often include rigorous assessments and assignments, providing a more structured learning experience.
Skillshare: Skillshare specialises in creative skills, such as illustration, photography, video editing, and graphic design. The platform's courses are typically project-based, encouraging students to learn by doing. While the quality is generally good, it's important to note that the focus is on practical skills rather than academic theory. If you are interested in creative fields, Skillshare is a great resource. You can learn more about Youngsters and how we support creative learning.
Assessing Course Quality
Before committing to a course on any platform, consider the following:
Instructor Credentials: Research the instructor's background and experience. Are they experts in their field?
Course Reviews: Read reviews from other students to get an idea of the course's quality and effectiveness.
Course Preview: Watch the introductory videos or preview lectures to get a sense of the instructor's teaching style and the course content.
Syllabus: Review the course syllabus to ensure it covers the topics you're interested in learning.
User Interface and Accessibility
A user-friendly interface and accessibility features are essential for a positive learning experience.
Udemy: Udemy's interface is relatively straightforward and easy to navigate. Courses are organised by category, and the search function is effective. The platform offers mobile apps for both iOS and Android, allowing you to learn on the go. Udemy also includes features like closed captions and adjustable playback speed.
Coursera: Coursera's interface is clean and modern. Courses are well-organised, and the platform offers personalised recommendations based on your interests. Coursera also provides mobile apps and accessibility features like subtitles and transcripts. The platform is designed to be intuitive and easy to use, even for beginners.
Skillshare: Skillshare's interface is visually appealing and easy to use. The platform focuses on showcasing creative projects, making it inspiring to browse. Skillshare also offers mobile apps and accessibility features. The emphasis is on visual learning, which can be particularly engaging for creative subjects.
Accessibility Considerations
When choosing a platform, consider the following accessibility features:
Closed Captions/Subtitles: Are captions available for all videos?
Transcripts: Are transcripts provided for lectures?
Adjustable Playback Speed: Can you adjust the playback speed to suit your learning pace?
Mobile Accessibility: Is the platform accessible on mobile devices?
Community and Support Features
The availability of community and support features can significantly enhance your learning experience.
Udemy: Udemy's community features are limited. While you can ask questions in the course Q&A section, there's no dedicated forum or community space. Support is primarily provided by the course instructor. This can be a drawback if you prefer a more collaborative learning environment.
Coursera: Coursera offers robust community features, including discussion forums, peer review assignments, and group projects. These features allow you to connect with other learners, share your knowledge, and receive feedback on your work. Coursera also provides technical support and assistance with course-related issues. The strong community aspect is a significant advantage of Coursera.
Skillshare: Skillshare's community is a key aspect of the platform. Students are encouraged to share their projects, provide feedback, and participate in discussions. Skillshare also hosts workshops and events to foster community engagement. The platform's emphasis on collaboration and peer support makes it a great choice for creative learners. Consider our services and how they foster community learning in comparison.
By carefully considering these factors, you can choose the online learning platform that best suits your needs and interests. Good luck with your learning journey!