Skillshare is an online learning platform that provides access to over 27,000 courses across a range of creative and business disciplines. In this article, we will provide a detailed review of Skillshare, including its pricing, features, and overall user experience.
1. What is Skillshare?
Skillshare is an online learning platform that provides users with access to over 27,000 courses across a range of creative and business disciplines. It was founded in 2010 by Michael Karnjanaprakorn and Malcolm Ong, and since then, it has grown to become one of the most popular online learning platforms on the web.
Skillshare’s courses are taught by industry professionals, and cover topics such as graphic design, photography, illustration, writing, business, and technology. Each course is broken down into bite-sized video lessons, making it easy for users to learn at their own pace.
2. How does Skillshare work?
To get started with Skillshare, users must first sign up for an account. Once they have created an account, they can browse through the course offerings and select the courses that interest them.
Each course on Skillshare is broken down into video lessons, which are usually between 10 and 25 minutes long. Users can watch these lessons at their own pace, and can pause, rewind, or fast-forward as needed.
3. Skillshare Pricing
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Skillshare offers two different pricing plans: a monthly subscription plan and an annual subscription plan.
Monthly Subscription
The monthly subscription plan costs $15 per month and gives users unlimited access to all of the courses on Skillshare.
Annual Subscription
The annual subscription plan costs $99 per year (which works out to $8.25 per month) and also gives users unlimited access to all of the courses on Skillshare.
4. Skillshare Features
In addition to its course offerings, Skillshare also provides a range of features that make it a popular choice among online learners.
Course Offerings
Skillshare offers courses in a wide range of creative and business disciplines. Some of the most popular categories on the platform include graphic design, photography, illustration, writing, business, and technology.
Projects and Assignments
Many courses on Skillshare include projects and assignments that allow users to put their newly acquired skills into practice. These projects can be submitted for feedback and critique from the instructor and other users in the community.
Community and Feedback
Skillshare has a strong community of users who are passionate about learning and creating. Users can interact with each other through the platform’s discussion boards, and can provide feedback and critique on each other’s work.
Offline Access
One of the most convenient features of Skillshare is its offline access feature. Users can download course materials and watch video lessons offline, which is especially useful for those who want to learn while on the go.
5. User Experience
Skillshare has a user-friendly website and app, which make it easy for users to find and enroll in courses. The courses themselves are well-produced and engaging, and are taught by knowledgeable instructors.
Website and App Navigation
Skillshare’s website and app are easy to navigate, with clear categories and search functions to help users find the courses they are interested in. The platform also offers curated playlists and recommendations based on a user’s interests and past activity on the site.
Course Quality and Instructors
Skillshare is known for its high-quality courses, which are taught by experienced professionals in their respective fields. The video lessons are well-produced and engaging, with clear instructions and examples that make it easy for users to follow along.
User Reviews
Skillshare also has a robust review system that allows users to rate and review courses. This feedback helps users make informed decisions about which courses to take and provides valuable feedback to the instructors.
Customer Support
Skillshare offers customer support via email and social media, and users can also access the platform’s help center for answers to common questions.
6. Skillshare Pros and Cons
Like any online learning platform, Skillshare has its pros and cons.
Pros
- Large selection of courses across a range of creative and business disciplines
- Well-produced video lessons taught by experienced professionals
- Projects and assignments that allow users to put their newly acquired skills into practice
- Strong community of users who provide feedback and support
- Affordable pricing plans, including a low-cost annual subscription
Cons
- Limited course offerings in some niche fields
- No certificates or credentials for completing courses
- Limited interaction with instructors, who may not be available for direct feedback
7. Skillshare Alternatives
If Skillshare doesn’t meet your needs, there are several other online learning platforms to consider. Some popular alternatives include:
- Udemy: Another popular online learning platform with a wide range of courses across different disciplines.
- Coursera: A platform that partners with universities and organizations to offer online courses and certifications.
- Lynda: A platform focused on creative and technology skills, with a strong emphasis on software and technology tools.
8. Conclusion
Overall, Skillshare is a great choice for anyone looking to learn new skills or improve their existing ones. With its wide range of courses, engaging video lessons, and supportive community, it offers a valuable learning experience at an affordable price. While it may not be the best fit for everyone, it is certainly worth considering for anyone interested in creative or business skills.
9. FAQs
- Do I need any prior knowledge or experience to take Skillshare courses?
- No, Skillshare courses are designed for users of all skill levels and backgrounds.
- Can I cancel my Skillshare subscription at any time?
- Yes, users can cancel their subscription at any time, and their access will be retained until the end of their current billing period.
- Are there any free courses on Skillshare?
- Yes, Skillshare offers a limited selection of free courses, as well as a free trial for new users.
- Can I download Skillshare courses for offline viewing?
- Yes, Skillshare allows users to download courses and watch them offline using the platform’s mobile app.
- Can I get a certificate or credential for completing a Skillshare course?
- No, Skillshare does not offer any certificates or credentials for completing courses.
