According to a recent study, the US job market is facing a setback called the “Skill Gap”. A skill gap is defined as the disparity between the skills an employer expects and the actual skills a candidate has.
The scenario worsens as we move to the developing world, for instance, Pakistan. With the lack of digital and practical skills, finding the right candidate for the right job is becoming next to impossible. This, in turn, is causing an increase in the unemployment rate.
The world of freelancing is not immune to the challenge. Rather freelancers need to double their efforts for upskilling to stay ahead of the increasing competition. To help you get the best out of your freelancing career we have listed the top online learning platforms here.
The free online courses for personal growth and skill development offered by these top learning platforms can help you get a major career breakthrough. Let’s get started!
1. Upwork Academy
Upwork Academy is the most convenient learning platform for freelancers. It not only helps freelancers get familiar with the Upwork platform but also focuses on skill and career development. All the courses and learning pathways of the platform are free of cost and easily accessible making it one of the top online learning platforms.
Even more encouraging is the fact that freelancers who complete the pathways improve their chances of ranking on the platform.
To access the Upwork Academy, you need to log in to the Upwork Community. Click on the Academy page and you will find a series of pathways and courses. The specialized pathways start from the platform basic and cover advanced topics such as,
- Profile Title and Overview
- Portfolio Development
- Proposal and Cover letter writing
- Project Catalog
- Staying Safe on Upwork
Coursera is one of the top online learning platforms that offer both short courses and complete degree programs. The courses are from top universities such as the University of Pennsylvania, Standford, IBM, and the tech giant Google.
Coursera includes both free and paid courses. Most of the courses are certified but require payment for the certificate. Fortunately, the platform also has financial aid offers that help people take certified courses for free. The courses focus on practical learning with engaging quizzes and peer-graded assignments.
To enroll in a course you can create an account for free and scroll through the course catalog. You can go with an easy and self-set pace. All courses have an expected end date and daily reminders help you stay on track.
YouTube
The list of top online learning platforms can never be completed without YouTube. The platform is an all-in-one setup and can be used for a variety of purposes. YouTube offers courses from subject specialists with a visual environment. The graphic aspect of the platform increases the engagement and learning rate.
Learners can skim through channels and playlists related to their topics and learn from several instructors. To get the best experience, you can download, save, and share the videos. You can also interact with the instructor and other learners in the comment section.
Academic Earth
For many people learning from top universities makes all the difference. While physically attending a university might be difficult and costly, Academic Earth can make the dream come true.
Being one of the top online learning platforms, Academic Earth offers courses from top universities. The topics range from IT and Computer Sciences to Humanities and Philosophy.
To access the top-quality content, you need to signup to the online platform and browse through the course. You can select the course of your interest and start learning for free.
Academic Earth is also known for its useful tools such as video transcripts and discussion panels. The platform with its user-friendly interface provides the best learning environment.
Alison Learning Paths
Alison Online Learning has made its mark on the online learning market. It is now known as one of the best online learning platforms with its professional courses. The platform offers courses ranging from IT and Philosophy to Language and Career Development.
All the courses of Alison Learning Paths are free but require money for certification. The courses are available to the learners for a lifetime.
To access the courses you need to signup to the platform and choose a course based on your interest. The videos are easy to understand and comprehend, providing the best learning experience.
Conclusion
The top online learning platforms provide an opportunity for personal development and career advancement. Some of the best free online learning platforms include Upwork Academy, Coursera, YouTube, Academic Earth, and Alison Learning Paths.
Several other free online learning platforms are available that offer better learning experiences and opportunities. Sign up to a platform today and start your upskill journey.