In the ever-evolving landscape of online learning platforms, Skillshare has emerged as a prominent player, offering a diverse range of courses designed to cater to the skill development needs of a broad audience.
In this comprehensive review, we will delve into the core aspects of Skillshare, exploring its functionality, features, instructors, and much more. By the end, you will have a clearer understanding of what Skillshare offers and whether it might be the right choice for your learning journey.
Skillshare Review – Key Takeaways
- Product Name: Skillshare
- Website: https://www.skillshare.com/
- Overall Rank: 4.7/5
Table of Contents
- What is Skillshare?
- How Does Skillshare Work?
- Features of Skillshare
- What Kind Of Accreditation Does Skillshare Offer?
- Who Are the Instructors for Skillshare Classes?
- How to Find The Best Skillshare Class?
- Who is Skillshare For?
- Who is Skillshare Not For?
- How Much Does Skillshare Cost?
- What are Customers Saying
- Is Skillshare a Scam or Legit?
- Pros of Skillshare
- Cons of Skillshare
- Final Verdict: Skillshare Review
Skillshare is an online self-paced learning community based in the United States. Unlike traditional educational institutions, Skillshare focuses on skill development through a wide array of courses, primarily delivered in video format. Founded in 2010 by Michael Karnjanaprakorn and Michael Ong, Skillshare has quickly grown to become one of the youngest and most dynamic platforms of its kind.
The central concept that sets Skillshare apart is its emphasis on learning through project completion rather than traditional lecture-based instruction. Subscribers gain access to over 30,000 courses, covering diverse subjects taught by industry leaders. These courses span various categories, including entrepreneurship, arts, design, and technology.
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Skillshare operates on the principle of self-paced learning, enabling users to acquire new skills at their convenience. The platform’s courses consist of video lessons, supplementary materials like readings and worksheets, and interactive online learning communities where students can engage with each other and discuss their projects.
While Skillshare’s primary focus revolves around creative disciplines, it also offers a wide range of subjects that can benefit your career or satisfy your personal interests. The platform’s user-friendly interface facilitates easy navigation, making it accessible to learners of all backgrounds and skill levels.
Skillshare offers a host of distinctive features that enhance the learning experience:
- Sharing of Learning Experiences: Skillshare fosters shared learning experiences, akin to a traditional classroom setting. Students can exchange viewpoints, share their experiences, and provide feedback based on the courses they have taken.
- Seamless Instructional Experience: For instructors, Skillshare streamlines the course creation process, providing guidance from class creation to promotion and compensation. Instructors can embed interactive elements directly into videos, allowing them to present information precisely as they intend.
- Technical Specifications: Skillshare is accessible on various platforms, including web browsers, Android, and iOS devices. An app is also available, making it convenient for both computer and smartphone users. Furthermore, Skillshare integrates with several technologies and companies, including Adobe, MailChimp, VS, Bigcartel, inVISION, Shapeways, and Quirky.
- Skill Tags: Skillshare employs a unique “skill tags” feature that allows instructors to categorize the skills they teach in their courses. This enables students to search for courses based on specific skills and discover classes tailored to their interests.
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Skillshare does not offer formal accreditation or certificates upon course completion. Instead, it focuses on skill development, practical knowledge acquisition, and personal growth. While Skillshare courses can help you acquire valuable skills for your career or personal endeavors, they do not provide traditional certifications.
However, if you complete a project during a course, you will receive a URL that can be included in your resume, portfolio, or other relevant documents to showcase your practical skills and accomplishments.
One of Skillshare’s strengths lies in its diverse pool of instructors. With thousands of teachers available, you have the opportunity to select the most suitable instructor for your learning preferences. Skillshare features both well-known industry experts and emerging talents, offering a rich blend of perspectives and teaching styles.
Some notable instructors on Skillshare include Guy Kawasaki (venture capitalist), Seth Godin (author and executive), Jessica Hische (illustrator and lettering expert), and Young Guru (music producer). The platform does not focus on celebrity instructors but instead prioritizes quality education delivered by experts in their respective fields.
Finding the right Skillshare class tailored to your needs involves navigating the platform effectively. Here are some tips to help you identify the ideal course:
- Utilize Filters: Skillshare’s interface allows you to filter courses based on various criteria, such as free vs. premium classes, course duration, popularity, or trending topics. This helps you narrow down your search to courses that align with your preferences.
- Explore Course Details: Each course has an “About this class” section that provides essential information about the course’s target audience, learning outcomes, difficulty level, and skills you will acquire. Additionally, you can read the instructor’s biography to understand their background and teaching style.
- Review Student Feedback: Skillshare employs a review system where previous students rate and provide feedback on courses. You can explore these reviews to gain insights into the course’s quality and effectiveness. Sorting reviews by “Most Recent” can offer a more balanced perspective.
- Examine Available Projects: Skillshare courses often include projects that students can complete as part of their learning experience. Reviewing the course’s project descriptions can help you determine if the practical aspects align with your goals.
- Research Instructors: Instructors often include links to their websites or social media accounts on their Skillshare profiles. Checking these external sources can provide further information about the instructor’s teaching approach and expertise.
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Skillshare caters to a diverse audience of lifelong learners, creative professionals, entrepreneurs, freelancers, and individuals looking to acquire new skills or enhance existing ones. It is particularly well-suited for those who prefer self-paced learning, project-based education, and a broad spectrum of course offerings.
Skillshare’s accessible platform welcomes learners from various backgrounds, making it suitable for both beginners and experienced individuals seeking to expand their knowledge and skillsets.
While Skillshare offers a plethora of advantages, it may not be the ideal choice for everyone. Skillshare might not be suitable for individuals seeking accredited or certificated courses that can lead to formal qualifications. If your educational goals involve traditional certifications, you may need to explore other platforms like Coursera or edX.
Additionally, Skillshare may not be the best fit for those looking for long-term, in-depth learning experiences. The platform excels in providing concise, practical courses, which may not align with individuals seeking extended, comprehensive education on a particular subject.
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Skillshare offers flexible pricing options to cater to different budgets and learning needs. Skillshare provides the following pricing plans:
- Free Trial: Skillshare offers a 7-day free trial period, allowing new users to explore the platform and access its premium content without any cost during this trial period.
- Skillshare Premium Annual: Skillshare offers an annual subscription plan, which can be a more cost-effective option for long-term learners. The annual plan costs $165 per year, providing unlimited access to all premium courses.
It’s important to note that Skillshare occasionally runs promotions and discounts, so the actual pricing may vary based on the timing of your subscription. Additionally, since pricing models can change over time, I recommend visiting the official Skillshare website to get the most up-to-date information on their subscription plans and pricing structure.
What are Customers Saying
Customer feedback on Skillshare is mixed but generally leans towards the positive side. Many users appreciate Skillshare for its accessibility, diverse course offerings, and project-based learning approach. Here are some key points from customer reviews:
Positive Feedback:
- Wide Range of Courses: Customers praise Skillshare for its extensive library of courses covering various topics, from creative arts to entrepreneurship and technology. They appreciate the diversity of options available.
- Affordability: Many users find Skillshare’s pricing reasonable, especially with the availability of a free trial and affordable premium subscription options. This affordability makes it accessible to a broad audience.
- Practical Learning: Skillshare’s focus on hands-on projects and practical skill development resonates with learners who value real-world application of knowledge.
- Community Engagement: Customers highlight the sense of community on Skillshare, with opportunities for interaction through discussions, project sharing, and peer feedback. This collaborative environment enhances the learning experience.
Negative Feedback:
- Course Quality: Some users have encountered courses of varying quality, with a few expressing dissatisfaction with certain instructors and content. Quality control can be a concern due to the open nature of the platform.
- Short Course Durations: The relatively short durations of Skillshare courses, often consisting of brief video lessons, may not suit those seeking in-depth, comprehensive learning experiences.
- Lack of Accreditation: Skillshare does not provide formal certificates or accreditation for course completion, which can be a drawback for individuals seeking recognized credentials.
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Skillshare is a legitimate online learning platform with a strong reputation in the industry. It has received numerous positive reviews and is known for its commitment to delivering quality educational content. While some negative reviews exist, they often revolve around issues like billing, rather than the quality of the courses themselves.
It’s important to note that Skillshare operates on a subscription-based model, and if you sign up for a free trial, you will be automatically charged if you do not cancel before the trial period ends. However, this billing practice is common among subscription services and does not indicate that Skillshare is a scam.
Skillshare offers several advantages for learners:
- Diverse Course Selection: With over 30,000 courses spanning various domains, Skillshare provides a wide range of options to cater to different interests and skill development needs.
- Affordability: Skillshare offers a free 7-day trial, as well as an affordable monthly and annual premium membership. This accessibility makes it an economical choice for learners.
- Community Interaction: Skillshare encourages student interaction through discussion areas, project sharing, and feedback exchange. This sense of community enhances the learning experience.
- Practical Skill Development: Skillshare’s focus on project-based learning ensures that students acquire practical skills that can be applied in real-life scenarios, which can be particularly beneficial for creative professionals and entrepreneurs.
- Learning from Experts: Many Skillshare instructors are industry experts or celebrities in their respective fields, offering learners the opportunity to gain insights from the best.
Skillshare has its limitations and drawbacks:
- Varied Course Quality: As Skillshare allows anyone to become an instructor, course quality can vary significantly. While many courses are excellent, some may fall short of expectations.
- Short Course Durations: Skillshare courses are typically short, often consisting of a series of 10-20 minute videos. This format may not be suitable for individuals seeking in-depth, long-form education.
- Lack of Accreditation: Skillshare does not provide formal accreditation or certificates for completing courses, which may be a drawback for those seeking recognized credentials.
- Limited Interaction with Instructors: Compared to traditional classroom settings, the level of interaction with instructors on Skillshare may be limited. While discussions are encouraged, direct access to instructors is not always guaranteed.
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In conclusion, Skillshare is a versatile online learning platform that offers a wealth of opportunities for skill development and knowledge acquisition. It stands out with its focus on project-based learning, affordability, and a diverse range of courses taught by industry experts. Skillshare is an excellent choice for individuals looking to acquire practical skills, explore creative disciplines, or enhance their professional capabilities.
However, it’s important to acknowledge its limitations, such as the lack of accreditation and variable course quality. Skillshare may not be the best fit for those seeking formal certifications or in-depth, lengthy courses.
Ultimately, whether Skillshare is the right choice for you depends on your specific learning goals and preferences. If you value practical skill development, affordability, and the flexibility to learn at your own pace, Skillshare is certainly worth considering as a valuable resource in your lifelong learning journey.