The global online education market is set to reach $375 billion in 2024, driven by increased digitization and the shift to online and hybrid learning models.
This market is expected to grow at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 18.2% from 2024 to 2031, potentially hitting nearly $976 billion by 2031.
Given this growth, online learning platforms have become key for students, educators, and businesses seeking flexible, accessible learning options. This article outlines the top platforms in 2024, helping you choose the right one.
Defining What is an Online Learning Platform
An online learning platform is a digital space where users access educational content, take classes, and complete assignments online.
It offers flexibility, allowing learners to study from anywhere, and often includes features like videos, quizzes, and forums for interaction. While similar to learning management systems (LMS) or online course platforms, key differences exist.
Online learning platforms focus more on providing various educational resources and tools, whereas institutions often use an LMS to manage courses and track progress.
How Do Online Learning Platforms Transform Education?
Online learning platforms offer significant value, especially in education. They provide greater access to learning resources, making education more available to anyone, anywhere, at any time.
These platforms reduce costs, making education more affordable. They also allow courses to be broken down into manageable modules, helping learners focus on one aspect at a time.
The flexibility of online learning fits with the fast pace of modern life, allowing people to learn on their schedule. Additionally, learners can set clear criteria to assess their progress, ensuring they meet specific learning goals.
Online Learning Platform: How to Choose The Best
When selecting an online learning platform, focus on four key areas: structure, course content, community, and price. These factors will help you determine the platform that fits your needs, whether you’re learning or creating content for others.
Platform Structure
The platform's structure is essential for creating a smooth learning experience. A well-organized setup helps users follow a clear progression, making understanding and applying concepts easier.
For example, platforms like YouTube may offer plenty of free content but lack a structured learning path. Without this, learners can struggle to build knowledge effectively.
Course Content
The course content is crucial to what you want to learn or teach. Different platforms offer various types of content, often tailored to specific subjects.
If you're interested in web development or programming, check if the platform offers specialized courses covering different languages, frameworks, and key principles. A platform offering a variety of content will give you flexibility in your learning journey.
Course creators should consider platforms that already feature content similar to what they want to teach. If you plan to offer a series of in-depth courses, choose platforms with robust course-building tools and a focus on your area of interest.
Community Support
A strong community is vital for online learning. Interaction with peers can enhance the learning process and make it more engaging.
If you're stuck, getting help from others in the community can reinforce what you’ve learned and motivate you to keep going. Look for platforms that encourage learner interaction and provide support through forums, groups, or live sessions.
Price
Finally, price plays a significant role in your decision. Compare the costs of various platforms, keeping in mind the value they offer. Some platforms may offer free courses, while others provide advanced programs that require a subscription or a one-time fee.
Weigh the price against the platform's features, course quality, and support to determine if it’s a good investment for your learning needs.
When choosing an online learning platform, make sure it offers the best balance of these aspects for your goals. Consider the platform’s structure, course content, community, and price to find the right fit for you.
1. Academic Earth
Academic Earth aims to provide access to top-tier education worldwide. Launched in 2009, the platform offers a curated selection of online college courses and degree programs from leading universities. It focuses on key subjects, helping learners enhance their skills or progress in their careers.
Available online degree pathways include:
- Business: Accounting, marketing, administrative assistance
- Computers and IT: Computer science, graphic design, information systems
- Health: Healthcare administration, medical assisting, nutrition
- Science and Engineering: Electrical engineering, wildlife conservation, construction management
- Trades: Automotive, carpentry, HVAC, fashion design
Students can earn credentials ranging from certificates to doctorates, depending on the program. Academic Earth uses a screening tool to match students with universities, where they can inquire about financial aid options.
Some individual courses, such as art history, are available on platforms like YouTube for free but are not transferable to a degree program. These are best used for skill-building.
2. Alison Learning Paths
Alison provides free online courses designed by experts across various fields. The platform is ideal for postsecondary and non-degree training and features content from educators and entrepreneurs, offering certificates and diplomas.
Popular categories include:
- Business
- Teaching and academics
- IT
- Management
- Engineering and construction
Each course awards a certificate of completion. Courses typically take two to three hours, and diplomas require eight to fifteen hours. You can see course details, including the creator (individual or company) and estimated time to complete.
A free membership grants access to individual certificates and diploma courses. A premium membership costs €7.99 ($8.90) per month or €79 ($88) annually, adding features like a resume builder and up to 50% off certification.
Diploma course digital certificates are priced at €69 ($77), while certificate course digital certificates are €22 ($25).
3. BetterExplained
Better Explained is an educational platform designed to make math more approachable by providing clear, intuitive explanations. It focuses on breaking down complex concepts and their real-world applications. Key subjects include:
- Calculus
- Colorized math topics (Euler’s formula, Pythagorean theorem, etc.)
- Articles and cheat sheets (Brevity is beautiful, intuitive learning, etc.)
Founded by Princeton graduate Kalid Azad, BetterExplained aims to help learners grasp math in a way that is memorable and accessible, moving beyond traditional teaching methods.
Azad’s main course focuses on calculus, where you can access the text for free or purchase the full video course for $99.
The colorized math topics series uses color to simplify tough-to-understand formulas. Azad’s methods are ideal for nontraditional learners and those interested in how math impacts fields like computer programming and web development.
4. Canvas Network
Canvas Network, provided by Instructure, offers a variety of professional development courses for educators. Some courses are open to the public, promoting openness, innovation, and experimentation in education. The catalog includes free content such as:
- Copyright for Educators (K-12/HE)
- Enhancing Learning in Computer Science and Mathematics
Courses are easy to access; simply select and enroll to start learning.
5. Carnegie Mellon Open Learning Initiative
Carnegie Mellon University offers a range of free online courses through its Open Learning Initiative. The platform provides independent learners with access to classes on various topics, including:
- Computer science and programming
- Data science and causal reasoning
- Business
- Arts and humanities
- Language and Speech
To get started, simply create an account, select a course, and track your progress via your dashboard. While many courses are free, some paid options, like French language courses, are also available. Course prices range from free to $297, with certificates of completion offered for most courses.
6. Codecademy
Codecademy focuses on teaching coding skills with a hands-on, gamified approach. It’s designed for learners to quickly gain practical skills in programming, with supportive groups and a points system that keeps motivation high.
Courses cover a variety of languages, including PHP, Python, and Ruby, and also focus on career development in fields like:
- Cloud computing
- AI
- Web development
- Data Science
- Web design
Codecademy allows students to build and deploy real projects by the time they complete the course. Free courses cover basic skills, while paid memberships offer more detailed guidance and extra support through forums and Discord.
7. Coursera
Coursera is a leading platform for online education, offering more than 7,000 courses from global universities and companies. You can access many courses for free or use the platform to earn accredited degrees and certifications.
Coursera’s offerings include courses in:
- Data Science
- Business
- Computer science
- Information technology
- Language learning
- Health
It also features specialized certification programs, like the IBM AI Developer Professional Certificate and the Google Data Analytics Professional Certificate.
Courses are interactive, combining reading materials, videos, and discussions. You can audit courses for free but must pay for a certificate or degree. Financial aid is available. A seven-day free trial is offered, with subscriptions costing $59 per month or $399 annually.
Online Learning Platforms vs. Online Course Platforms vs. LMSs
Online learning platforms, online course platforms, and learning management systems (LMSs) are often confused, but each serves a different purpose.
- Online Learning Platforms are marketplaces where learners (or buyers) find and enroll in courses. These platforms handle most of the marketing, audience-building, and sales. The focus is on the front-end experience—showcasing the courses and expanding reach.
- Online Course Platforms: These platforms focus on the back end. They provide tools for instructors to create courses and manage content. Features include uploading various educational materials, organizing them into learning paths, and gaining control over analytics, branding, and marketing. The goal is to support instructors in managing the learning experience and growing their businesses.
- Learning Management Systems (LMSs): LMSs focus on efficient training delivery, often for large groups like employees or partners. Unlike online learning platforms, LMSs are built for managing training, assigning content, and tracking learner progress. They often include tools for course creation but are more centered on delivering and tracking learning rather than sales or marketing.
Each platform type has a unique role, making it important to choose the right one based on specific needs, whether you're targeting individuals or managing large-scale training programs globally.
Conclusion: Start Learning Now
Online learning platforms allow anyone to enhance their skills and expand their knowledge.
This list is a starting point for finding the right resources, no matter where you are in the world. Take action and advance your education today.
