Nowadays, offers the Internet a wide range of study opportunities. Accordingly, there is an opportunity to obtain a certificate or even a degree from home. In addition, you have a chance to hear online lectures from the best universities and companies in the world.
The last few years have become increasingly popular the MOOC platforms (Massive Open Online Courses), where you can get any knowledge on the subject only with the laptop. On the spread of this phenomenon says the fact that universities are beginning to integrate the courses online. Every MOOC platform has the task to convey general knowledge in a certain area. The advantage of such courses is that you have a wide range of courses offered by top universities in the world. Of course, one wonders what platforms are best for those seeking a certificate, what to consider, and what criteria are most important.
- Coursera
Coursera was founded in 2012 by two Stanford Computer Science professors who wanted to share their knowledge with the world.
Universities and Companies: Coursera works with Stanford University, Columbia University, Google, Amazon Web Services, University of Zurich.
Fees: Almost all courses on this platform are chargeable, sometimes you just have to pay for the certificate and the course is free. This means that the materials are free.
Tips: Of course, students do not have much money to pay for the courses. For this reason, the platform offers financial support to people who are unable to pay the full amount. All you have to do is fill in a form and describe your situation. In many cases, Coursera covers all costs.
- EDX
Founded in 2012 by Harvard University and the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), EdX is a Massive Open Online Course provider offering highly qualified courses from the best universities and institutions in the world for all learners.
Universities and Companies: edX offers courses from Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Harvard University, University of Oxford, Microsoft, Amazon Web Services and many others.
Fees: The conditions are similar to Coursera. The prices vary from course to course and are dependent on the university.
Tips: Just like Coursera edX provides financial support. There is only one contra here because edX can cover only 90% of all costs.
- Udemy
Udemy was founded in 2010. In a few months, 1000 lecturers have founded about 2,000 courses.
Special feature: The special feature of this platform is not in the universities, but in the numerous courses offered. This platform will be particularly helpful for those who are interested in IT. But there are other courses in design, music, photography, lifestyle, business and etc.
Fees: As with other courses, there are different prices, but there are perks and a 30-day money-back guarantee, which makes this site different from others.
Tips: Udemy can be used not only for learning but also for teaching. If you are good in one area and feel confident in teaching, you can register as a lecturer and teach others what you can and love. Udemy provides all the tools needed to create an online course.