The arrival of digital learning has transformed the industry of online education, offering a simple, accessible and affordable way to deliver information to new employees, customers and students. The very best learning platforms deliver these courses with accessible interactivity, providing a range of different engaging features that make learning enjoyable.
However, creating a great eLearning platform starts by getting the right professionals in the right places, which is where we come in. Connecting hiring managers with qualified candidates who are up to the task, we deliver exemplary online learning recruitment. No matter if you’re an applicant looking for eLearning jobs or wish to submit a vacancy to fill a new digital role at your company, we can help.
As professional eLearning consultants across a range of different sectors, we can help source instructional design jobs, LMS vacancies, development positions and more. Elevate your company today with the perfect eLearning candidates by contacting us and scheduling a consultation session where we can ascertain exactly what you need.
But, before you reach out, explore with us the very best eLearning platforms on offer to customers and businesses.
What separates the best learning platforms?
A great eLearning platform should tailor itself to the needs of the consumer, providing a solution that’s efficient, engaging and accessible. Indeed, the very best learning platforms should:
- Feature a simple, user-friendly interface.
- Include high-quality content that is well-researched and never AI-generated.
- Include engaging features such as gamification and other cutting-edge tech innovations.
- Feature customisable options that allow you to tailor lessons and create your own branding.
What’s the difference between an LMS and an eLearning platform?
LMS stands for Learning Management System and describes a platform that can be used for the tracking, reporting and general administration of an eLearning service. Meanwhile, an eLearning platform allows content to be created and delivered to the consumer. An LMS is usually used by the team behind the development and management of the programme developer, whereas the eLearning platform is what the user sees and interacts with.
The 10 best eLearning platforms
From free platforms that offer outstanding educational resources to paid services that deliver exceptional courses to a multitude of sectors, explore the ten best learning platforms (listed in no particular order) below.
1. Coursera
Created for those who are looking for university-standard education without having to leave the comfort of their study, Coursera has become an outstanding eLearning platform offering courses and degrees from across the globe. The presence of such established global brands and establishments as Google, IBM and Imperial College London allows Cousea to offer the chance to earn legal certifications and degrees.
Collaborating with over 350 market-leading companies and world-renowned universities, when using Coursera you can enjoy completing instructor-led courses in your own time. For those looking for professional courses with certified academic credentials, few platforms have a better reputation and range of outstanding lessons than Coursera.
- Price: Cost varies greatly. Free courses are available, while other certifications will cost approximately £40. Signing up for a degree programme will mean shelling out anything over £8,000.
- Positives and negatives: Coursera offers well-respected qualifications from influential organisations, but its cost structure can be complex and might price some students out.
2. edX
If education eLearning is your prerogative, you’ll certainly want to consider the perks of edX, a platform founded by the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) and Harvard University that offers certified academic courses. Delivering eLearning courses in a number of different fields, by using edX, you can make use of an accessible platform that allows for individual learning at your own pace.
Ideal for students seeking a platform to broaden their expertise and qualifications, edX offers over 4000 courses from 260 renowned universities and brands, and counting. Focused on upgrading your current skills or helping you transition to an entirely new role, edX offers online courses that are specifically tailored to new job opportunities, helping you make your career switch.
- Price: You can enjoy free courses on edX, or you can pay approximately £40 for certified courses, or upwards of £8,000 for online degrees.
- Positives and negatives: Enjoy a wide range of excellent courses and degrees on edX. But you may find that your learning is stifled by a lack of instructor-led guidance.
3. Exercism
For programmers looking for a specific eLearning platform that’s tailored to their needs, Exercism is the answer. A totally free platform, Exercism offers over 7000 coding exercises and online mentoring to help you become fluent in 75 programming languages, including Python, JavaScript, Rust and many more.
Ideal for programmers looking for free online training, Exercism allows you to deepen your knowledge across a range of different services. Learn the fundamentals of coding, explore their video archive, listen to interviews and even get involved in the Discord of this unique eLearning platform that prioritises education through collective learning.
- Price: Completely free!
- Positives and negatives: Perfect for programmers looking to enhance their knowledge, this free service is a community hub but may lack in-depth eLearning courses.
4. FutureLearn
Covering a vast range of subjects, FutureLearn provides thousands of courses thanks to the 200+ institutions that choose to partner with them, including Accenture, the NHS and the University of Cambridge. Offering digital eLearning courses and programmes that are necessary for NHS recruitment, FutureLearn facilitates everything from short, bite-sized lessons to full degrees.
If you have an industry specialism that you want to upgrade and hone, FutureLearn is the perfect platform, thanks to its sheer breadth of resources and areas of expertise. With an accessible subscription model, you can engage with interactive courses in whatever way suits you, choosing between free lessons and full degrees from top universities.
- Price: The subscription model means you can enjoy free courses or pay between £20.83 and £44.99 for varied levels of access.
- Positives and negatives: With FutureLearn you can explore a wide range of courses from different sectors, but you may find support options limited.
5. Khan Academy
If you’re a young person looking for an eLearning platform, but don’t have a large budget to play with, then Khan Academy is likely your best option. Completely free for all users, Khan Academy is a non-profit organisation that helps young people to bolster their knowledge when it comes to core school subjects. While educating through video content and gamified lessons, Khan Academy will also prepare students for standardised tests.
Useful for both schools and parents, Khan Academy is one of the most accessible eLearning platforms for students, providing unrestricted access to helpful courses online and on a specially-made app. If you’re looking for an eLearning platform that focuses on helping young students, Khan Academy is elite, especially when considering its personalised dashboard that allows you to easily track student learning.
- Price: Completely free!
- Positives and negatives: A highly accessible, totally free platform tailored to young learners. Users in the UK may find the content of courses skewed to US learners, however.
6. LinkedIn Learning
Combining the contemporary need for visibility on social media when applying for job roles and genuinely engaging courses, LinkedIn learning is quickly becoming a popular eLearning platform. Ideal for students of all ages who are looking to hone their skills in a number of different professional areas, the courses on LinkedIn learning will help you upgrade your digital skills.
Able to be purchased for individual use or your wider team, LinkedIn learning is perfectly accessible, offering courses of all sizes online and on their app so that they can be completed on the move. Since it’s directly associated with the social media platform, one of the key selling points of the service is the fact that completed courses can be showcased on your LinkedIn profile, demonstrating a commitment to personal development to employers.
- Price: Free for one month, then, depending on subscription, it can cost anything from £30 a month to £300 a year.
- Positives and negatives: Accessible eLearning that can easily be promoted on LinkedIn, but some content lacks engaging innovation.
7. Masterclass
Well-known for the famous industry figures that it uses to advertise its courses, Masterclass specialises in creating sleek, high-quality video eLearning, largely for the creative sector. Led by industry professionals, such as actor Samuel L. Jackson, businessman Mark Cuban and zoologist Jane Goodall, among hundreds of others, Masterclass has a large following of students.
Showcasing engaging, informative videos, Masterclass has built such a following thanks to the authority of its course leaders who magnetise and maintain the interest of students. With just one flat fee, you can access as many courses as you please and become inspired by experts who have reached the very top of your desired field.
- Price: Annual payments ranging from £120-£228, depending on which plan you opt for.
- Positives and negatives: A unique eLearning platform, Masterclass has the power to inspire ambition, but if you’re looking for actual qualifications, you’ll want to look elsewhere.
8. SkillShare
Used primarily by those in the creative sector, Skillshare boasts over 600,000 members and in excess of 25,000 courses. Specialising in everything from marketing to music, SkillShare features video classes from industry experts and influential businesses that students can learn from and become inspired by.
While these courses are video-led, they include interactive elements that enhance practical skills, making the most of their short run-time. A great investment for any creative looking for short-form eLearning content to constantly bolster their skills while on the go, Skillshare is unparalleled in its delivery of information.
- Price: Enjoy a one-month free trial followed by a monthly subscription of £11 or an annual plan of £75. One-to-one sessions vary in cost.
- Positives and negatives: Engaging eLearning videos from industry professionals at a reasonable price, but some find the content unbalanced, lacking a full spectrum of skill levels.
9. Treehouse
Students of Treehouse have been employed by giants in the industry such as Nike, Adobe, and Verizon, and the coding eLearning platform is proud of its comprehensive video-led courses. Dedicated to creating engaging content, each of Treehouse’s courses includes blended learning, with integrated quizzes and challenges to create an engaging eLearning experience.
Offering a range of plans for individuals, businesses, schools, libraries and the military, signing up for Treehouse gives you access to a wider community of coders. While accessing courses or carrying out a comprehensive Techdegree, you can also engage with fellow students and professionals using the Discord server.
- Price: Costs range from £20-£170 for varying levels of online courses, or £230 for an Enterprise business subscription.
- Positives and negatives: Coders can enjoy specialised courses and an inviting, helpful community, but may miss the lack of in-depth courses.
10. Udemy
Hosting over 27,000 courses, Udemy is one of the most popular and trusted eLearning platforms on the market, boasting 77 million learners. Develop your knowledge in a range of different sectors, including data science, statistics and artificial intelligence, with a platform that prioritises practical tests, exercises, quizzes and more to keep you engaged.
If you want to join a vast network of digital learners benefiting from upgrading their skills in a variety of different sectors, Udemy is the platform for you. Offering unique features, such as the ability to preview a course before purchase, Udemy feels like a platform that has been made directly with the customer’s needs in mind.
- Price: £15-£23 a month, depending on the subscription. Business plans are also available upon request.
- Positives and negatives: One of the most popular eLearning platforms, Udemy offers a large range of courses, but many range greatly in size, scale and quality.
How Instinct Resourcing can help your business
While we might not host eLearning platforms, we can help connect experts in the industry to hiring managers looking to utilise qualified specialists. An eLearning recruiter who can provide a comprehensive service to businesses, we can source candidates from our vast talent pool, organise interviews and even provide an aftercare package to make sure your new hire is integrating well.
No matter what kind of expert you’re seeking, we can find what you need with pace and efficiency. Using our peerless network of organically-gained contacts, we can offer a 24-hour turnaround for on-contract candidates, as well as an efficient service for finding permanent roles, too.
As experts in our field, we recognise the challenges that businesses face when hiring for the eLearning sector and have tailored our service to make combating these hurdles simple. Effortlessly connecting you with the people who matter, we can offer a complete recruitment solution thanks to our dedicated, boutique team of specialists. Ready to upgrade your eLearning operations?
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