A new year brings promise. What can I do? What new trends are on the
horizon? What can I learn?
We are constantly seeking to improve ourselves. Learning is an important
part of running a business. As a small business owner, time and resources are
precious commodities. Balancing the demands of running a business while seeking
to expand your skills or gain new knowledge can be challenging. Fortunately, numerous
online learning platforms cater to busy professionals, offering flexible and
affordable educational resources. Whether you are looking to sharpen your
business acumen, learn a new language, or dive into creative pursuits, there's
a platform for you.
Here's a roundup of top learning sites, including Quizlet and Coursera, with insights into their features, AI usage, and pricing.
1. Quizlet
Quizlet is a fantastic tool for
creating and studying flashcards and quizzes. Ideal for quick learning
sessions, it leverages AI to suggest study modes and customize your learning
experience. The platform offers free basic access, while Quizlet Plus provides
additional features for a fee.
2. Coursera
Coursera partners with top
universities and companies to offer a wide range of courses. It uses AI to
provide personalized learning recommendations and assessments, helping you find
the most relevant content. Many courses are available for free, but you'll need
to pay for certificates and specializations.
3. Udemy
Udemy boasts an extensive
library of courses on diverse topics. While its use of AI is limited mainly to
course recommendations, the platform is highly accessible, offering individual
course purchases with frequent discounts—no subscription required.
4. Khan Academy
For those looking for free
educational resources, Khan Academy is a standout. This nonprofit offers
comprehensive courses across various subjects, using AI to tailor learning
paths to your needs.
5. LinkedIn Learning
LinkedIn Learning provides
professional development courses, making it perfect for skill enhancement.
AI-driven course recommendations are based on your LinkedIn profile, helping
you find the most relevant courses. It operates on a subscription basis, with a
free trial available.
6. Skillshare
Skillshare focuses on creative
skills, offering project-based classes in areas like design, photography, and
writing. The platform uses algorithms for course recommendations and operates
on a subscription model, offering a free trial period.
7. edX
edX partners with leading
institutions to provide university-level courses. With AI enhancing course
recommendations and adaptive learning, you can access most courses for free,
though certificates and degrees are paid.
8. Duolingo
Duolingo is a go-to for
language learning, featuring gamified lessons that make the process enjoyable.
AI helps create personalized lessons and tracks your progress. The basic
version is free, with a premium Duolingo Plus option for additional features.
9. FutureLearn
FutureLearn offers courses from
universities and cultural institutions, with limited use of AI mainly for
course recommendations. While many courses are free, certificates and unlimited
access come at a cost.
10. Udacity
Udacity specializes in
tech-related "Nanodegree" programs, using AI for personalized
feedback and assessments. While most programs are paid, a free trial is
available for some courses.
11. Memrise
Memrise excels in language
learning, combining video and gamified lessons. AI helps enhance memory
retention and personalizes your learning journey. The platform offers a free
version with limited content and a paid subscription for full access.
Conclusion
With these platforms, you small
business owners can easily access valuable learning resources that fit their
schedules and budgets. Whether you prefer free content or don't mind paying for
premium features, there's an option that will suit your needs. Leverage these
tools to enhance your skills and stay ahead in your industry, all while
managing the day-to-day demands of your business.
The research was done with the assistance of ChatGPT.
Edits are mine.