Are you looking to expand your skillset and unlock your creative potential? Skillshare is a platform that offers a wide range of online courses to help you do just that. In this Skillshare Review 2023, we will take a closer look at what Skillshare has to offer, how it works, and what sets it apart from other online learning platforms.
What is Skillshare?
Skillshare is an online learning platform that offers over 30,000 courses on a variety of topics. The platform was founded in 2010 by Michael Karnjanaprakorn and Malcolm Ong with the goal of providing affordable, accessible education to everyone. Today, Skillshare has over 12 million registered users and offers courses in categories such as:
- Creative Writing
- Photography
- Design
- Business
- Technology
- Lifestyle
- and many more!
How Does Skillshare Work?
Skillshare is a subscription-based platform that offers two types of memberships: free and premium. With a free membership, you can access a limited selection of classes, but you won’t be able to participate in projects, access offline viewing, or earn certificates of completion. Premium membership, on the other hand, unlocks full access to all of Skillshare’s features and classes.
Once you have signed up for a membership, you can browse Skillshare’s catalog of classes and choose the ones that interest you. Classes are divided into categories such as design, photography, business, and technology, making it easy to find the classes that are most relevant to your interests and goals. Each class typically consists of a series of video lessons, with some classes including additional materials such as assignments, quizzes, and projects.
What Sets Skillshare Apart?
There are many online learning platforms out there, but what sets Skillshare apart? Here are a few key features that make Skillshare stand out:
- Affordable Pricing: Skillshare’s premium membership is one of the most affordable options on the market, making it accessible to a wide range of learners.
- Creative Focus: Skillshare’s classes are geared towards creatives and those looking to develop creative skills, with a particular emphasis on design, photography, and other artistic pursuits.
- Community: Skillshare is more than just a learning platform; it’s also a community of learners and creators. Members can participate in discussion boards, share their work, and connect with other creatives.
- Project-Based Learning: Many of Skillshare’s classes are project-based, which means that learners can apply what they have learned in a practical way and build a portfolio of work.
Skillshare Review 2023: Pros and Cons
As with any service, there are both pros and cons to using Skillshare. Here are some of the main ones:
Pros:
- Wide variety of courses: Skillshare has a vast library of courses, with over 30,000 classes available. This means there is something for everyone, no matter what your interests or skill level.
- Affordable: Skillshare’s subscription service is relatively inexpensive compared to other online learning platforms. It also offers a free trial period, so you can try it out before committing to a subscription.
- High-quality instruction: Skillshare’s instructors are professionals in their respective fields and are carefully vetted before being allowed to teach on the platform. This ensures that the courses are of high quality and provide valuable knowledge.
- Flexible scheduling: Since the courses are pre-recorded, you can take them at your own pace and on your own schedule. This is ideal for busy individuals who cannot commit to attending live classes.
Cons:
- Limited interaction with instructors: While Skillshare’s instructors are knowledgeable, there is limited interaction between students and instructors. This means that you may not receive the personalized attention and feedback that you would in a traditional classroom setting.
- Quality of courses may vary: Although Skillshare does vet its instructors, there is no guarantee that all of the courses are of the same quality. Some courses may be outdated, incomplete, or poorly structured.
- No accreditation: Skillshare courses are not accredited, which means that you cannot use them to earn academic credit or certification.
- Limited offline access: Skillshare courses can only be accessed online, which can be a disadvantage for individuals who do not have reliable internet access.
In conclusion, Skillshare is a useful tool for individuals who want to learn new skills and improve their knowledge on various subjects. While there are some downsides to the platform, the pros outweigh the cons for most users.
Features of Skillshare
Skillshare’s user-friendly interface and unique features make it stand out from other online learning platforms. Here are some of the features that make Skillshare popular among learners:
1. Affordable Pricing
One of the biggest advantages of Skillshare is its affordable pricing. It offers two types of subscriptions: Free and Premium. With a free subscription, you can access thousands of classes, but with limited features. The premium subscription costs $19 per month or $99 per year, providing unlimited access to all classes, offline viewing, and no ads.
2. Variety of Courses
Skillshare has a vast collection of courses that are taught by experts in their respective fields. You can find courses in various categories, including Creative Arts, Business, Technology, Lifestyle, and more.
3. Project-Based Learning
Skillshare’s unique project-based learning approach sets it apart from other e-learning platforms. After completing each class, you’ll have the opportunity to complete a project related to the class. This allows you to apply what you’ve learned in a practical setting, making the learning experience more engaging and memorable.
4. User-Friendly Interface
Skillshare’s user-friendly interface makes it easy to navigate and find the classes you want. You can search for classes by category, teacher, or keyword, making it easier to find classes that meet your specific needs.
5. Accessible on Multiple Devices
Skillshare is accessible on multiple devices, including desktop, tablet, and mobile. You can also download classes and watch them offline, making it easy to learn on the go.
Skillshare Review 2023 : Pricing
Free Membership
- Thousands of free classes in a wide range of topics, from design and illustration to writing and marketing
- Ability to create and join student groups to connect with other learners
- Mobile app access to learn on-the-go
- Skillshare community support
Premium Membership
With a premium membership, you get everything included in the free membership plus:
- Unlimited access to over 30,000 premium classes
- Offline viewing capabilities
- No ads
- Exclusive access to Skillshare workshops
- Access to Skillshare’s community of experts and fellow creatives
- Ability to download class materials and resources
- Discounted rates on third-party tools and services
The premium membership costs $19.00 per month, or $99.00 per year (which is a savings of almost 50% compared to monthly payments). Skillshare also offers a 7-day free trial for new premium members, so you can test out the premium features before committing to a subscription.
Skillshare’s pricing is very affordable, especially when compared to other online learning platforms that can cost hundreds or thousands of dollars for a single course. Plus, with the wide range of free classes available, you can start learning right away without any financial commitment.
Is Skillshare Worth It?
Whether or not Skillshare is worth the subscription cost depends on each individual’s learning needs and preferences. However, some of the benefits of using Skillshare include:
- Access to a wide range of courses in various topics
- Affordable subscription cost compared to other online learning platforms
- Opportunities for interaction with instructors and peers
- Flexibility to learn at one’s own pace and on one’s own schedule
Frequently Asked Questions
1. How much does Skillshare cost?
Skillshare offers two subscription options: a monthly membership for $15 per month, or an annual membership for $99 per year.
2. Can I cancel my Skillshare membership at any time?
Yes, you can cancel your membership at any time. If you cancel within the first 7 days of signing up, you’ll receive a full refund.
3. Are Skillshare courses accredited?
No, Skillshare courses do not offer any sort of certification or accreditation.
4. How long do I have access to a course once I enroll?
Once you enroll in a course, you have unlimited access to it for as long as you’re a Skillshare member.
5. Can I download Skillshare courses to watch offline?
No, Skillshare courses are only available to stream online.
6. Can I teach a course on Skillshare?
Yes, anyone can apply to become a Skillshare teacher. You’ll need to submit a course proposal and go through a vetting process before your course is approved.
Skillshare Review 2023 – Final Conclusion
An excellent online learning platform that offers a vast selection of classes in a variety of topics, from creative to business-related. The platform is easy to use, and the community aspect provides opportunities to connect with other learners and experts.
The pricing is very reasonable, with a free membership option and affordable premium membership rates. The ability to download class materials and access content offline is a significant advantage for those who want to learn on-the-go.
One drawback of Skillshare is that the quality of the classes can vary, and some classes may not be as comprehensive or in-depth as others. However, with a large selection of classes available, there is sure to be something for everyone.
This is an excellent choice for anyone looking to expand their knowledge and skills in a particular area. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced professional, there’s something for everyone on Skillshare. So, if you’re looking for an affordable and comprehensive online learning platform, Skillshare is definitely worth considering.
