Skillshare Review: Is It Worth Your Time and Money?

Wondering if Skillshare is worth your time and money?

This skillshare review examines the platform’s courses, user experience, costs, and community features.

Read on to see if Skillshare meets your learning goals. 📚

Key Takeaways

• Skillshare offers a diverse, hands-on learning experience with over 10,000 courses focused on creativity, lifestyle, and entrepreneurship, making it ideal for practical skill development.
• The platform’s subscription model provides cost-effective access to high-quality content, though users should be discerning about course quality due to its open teaching policy.
• Skillshare’s vibrant community and emphasis on project-based learning enhance engagement and collaboration, making it a valuable resource for those committed to improving their creative skills.

Introduction to Skillshare

Skillshare is an online learning community that was established by Michael Karnjanaprakorn and Malcolm Ong in 2010.

Since its start, it has grown to host over 10,000 courses, primarily focusing on creative topics, lifestyle, and entrepreneurship.

Whether you’re interested in UX design, graphic design, or web development, Skillshare offers a diverse range of subjects aimed at helping users develop practical skills.

Skillshare distinguishes itself with a practical learning approach. Unlike traditional academic settings, its courses are hands-on, ideal for beginners aiming to acquire new skills in creative fields. Most skillshare classes emphasize this practical application, which is a unique feature of skillshare classes we’re keen to evaluate in this skillshare course and skillshare courses. The skillshare cost is also an important factor to consider for anyone looking to become a skillshare instructor and skillshare instructors, as well as skillshare teachers.

Skillshare’s subscription model grants access to all courses at a relatively low monthly fee, making high-quality education accessible to many. However, does this affordability affect the quality of a skillshare subscription? We’ll explore this in detail.

Skillshare targets individuals passionate about creativity and entrepreneurship. Whether you’re a budding graphic designer, aspiring entrepreneur, or hobbyist, Skillshare offers resources to help you succeed. But can it cater to these diverse interests? Our detailed review will explore this.

Benefits of Skillshare

Skillshare stands out by offering unique perks and a strong focus on creative skills. Unlike many platforms, it provides discounts on services like Adobe Premiere Pro and Squarespace, which can result in significant savings for users working on creative projects.

In addition to its creative perks, Skillshare follows a community-driven approach that promotes collaborative learning and engagement among students. While the platform previously had a group feature, it has evolved to include Student Projects, enabling users to receive feedback on their work from peers and instructors. This community aspect fosters a supportive learning environment where students can grow and improve together.

Affordability is another significant advantage of Skillshare. The platform promotes itself as a cost-effective option, offering unlimited access to its extensive course library for a low monthly fee. For budget-conscious learners seeking high-quality content, this is a major benefit. However, we need to investigate if this affordability affects course quality.

Getting Started with Skillshare

Registering on Skillshare is straightforward and quick, taking less than a minute. This ease of sign-up is ideal for those eager to start learning immediately. Moreover, Skillshare offers a free 30-day trial for new users, allowing access to premium content without initial financial commitment. This trial period is an excellent way to explore the platform before subscribing.

After registration, users will find the Skillshare platform user-friendly and intuitive. The Skillshare app, available on both iOS and Android, ensures course access on the go.

This flexibility allows learning at your own pace, whether at home, on the train, or during a lunch break. The next section discusses the user experience in more detail.

The Experience

Skillshare’s user interface is one of its most praised features. The platform is modern, easy to use, and designed with the learner in mind. The homepage is inviting and straightforward, focusing on essential information without overwhelming the user. As soon as you log in, you’re greeted with a clean layout that makes it easy to find your next course, track your progress, and engage with the community.

Skillshare excels in course layout. Each course includes a video player and a list of lessons, making navigation easy. Users can comment on specific timestamps, allowing for an interactive learning experience where concepts can be discussed and clarified.

Overall, Skillshare’s simplicity and ease of use are commendable. Nevertheless, some users might find other platforms like Udemy easier to browse due to better filtering options. Despite this, Skillshare offers an engaging and user-friendly learning experience, making it a strong contender in the online learning space.

The Courses

Skillshare provides a wide variety of courses structured into video lessons with supplementary resources. Categories evolve over time, adapting to current trends and interests, ensuring there’s always something new to learn. Whether you’re interested in creative arts, business, technology, or personal development, Skillshare has a course for you.

Courses on Skillshare are organized into three main categories: create, build, and thrive, each with specific subcategories. This structured approach helps users find courses aligning with their learning goals. Additionally, curated ‘Learning Paths’ combine multiple courses into a cohesive curriculum, guiding users through their learning journey. This is particularly useful for beginners seeking clear direction.

Accessibility is another strong point of Skillshare. The platform is available on multiple devices, including mobile phones, TVs, laptops, and iPads, ensuring you can continue learning wherever you are. Dedicated iOS and Android apps make it even more convenient to learn on the go.

One area for improvement is the availability of multilingual options. Currently, there’s no information on whether courses are available in multiple languages, which could be a limitation for non-English speakers. However, English-speaking users will find a robust and diverse selection of courses.

The Quality

Skillshare presents a mixed bag in terms of course quality. The platform boasts approximately 700 original courses created in partnership with leading creators. These Skillshare Originals, developed by the platform’s internal content team, often focus on niche topics not covered elsewhere, providing a more structured and high-quality learning experience.

Instructors on Skillshare are often industry professionals, offering valuable insights and practical advice. However, the open teaching policy means no formal qualifications are required for instructors, resulting in varying teaching quality. While some courses are top-notch, others may not meet the same standard. Users should critically assess the suitability of a course before starting.

Skillshare features a ‘Staff Picks’ section to help users identify high-quality courses. This curated list can be a helpful starting point for new users. However, the lack of an instructor approval process means users must rely on reviews and ratings to gauge a course’s effectiveness. This allows for a diverse range of instructors but requires users to be discerning.

User reviews indicate that course detail and effectiveness vary significantly, often influenced by the instructor’s experience. While many courses are well-received, others might fall short of expectations. This variability underscores the importance of reading reviews and sampling a course before fully committing.

Overall, while Skillshare offers many high-quality courses, users should be prepared to research to find the best fit for their needs.

Community Engagement and Feedback

A core strength of Skillshare is its vibrant online learning community. The platform encourages collaboration and support, fostering an environment where students can share work and receive constructive feedback. This community-driven approach enhances learning through peer-to-peer interaction and growth opportunities.

Students can start conversations, ask questions, and share projects within the Skillshare community. Instructors actively engage, often providing personalized feedback and responding to comments in the Discussion section. This level of engagement helps clarify concepts and improve understanding, making the learning process more interactive and effective.

Skillshare’s dynamic learning environment is enriched by active conversations around popular courses. Students can gauge their progress and learn from peers through group learning initiatives. The Discussion section allows students to post questions and request feedback, enhancing engagement and learning. This strong community aspect sets Skillshare apart from other online learning platforms.

Practical Application and Projects

Skillshare emphasizes a hands-on approach, focusing on practical application and project-based courses. Each course includes a specific project for students to complete, allowing them to apply learned concepts in real-time. This method helps students retain information and develop practical skills effectively.

Skillshare’s primary learning method involves completing a project while viewing online video content. This hands-on approach ensures students are active participants in their learning journey. The online learning platform also features a section for Student Projects, where learners can showcase work and receive feedback from peers and instructors.

Creative and artistic projects dominate Skillshare, but the platform also offers courses in web development, data science, and other practical skills. This variety ensures something for everyone, regardless of interests or career goals. By encouraging project completion, Skillshare promotes a more engaging and effective learning experience.

Overall Value and Alternatives

Skillshare is a cost-effective option, especially for those exploring beginner-level courses. The subscription model is generally more affordable than traditional college education, making it accessible to a broader audience. This affordability, combined with an extensive range of courses, makes Skillshare attractive to many learners.

However, alternatives should be considered. Udemy, for instance, offers a wider course selection and often lower prices for individual classes compared to Skillshare’s subscription model. This benefits those who prefer a pay-per-course model.

Coursera provides access to online courses and online classes from top universities, focusing on academic and certification-driven content, making it a better option for those seeking formal qualifications.

LinkedIn Learning charges around $39.99 per month, higher than Skillshare’s subscription, but offers a professional-focused curriculum appealing to business professionals. MasterClass, though offering fewer courses, features renowned instructors, providing a unique learning experience. Each platform has its strengths, and the best choice depends on your specific learning needs and preferences.

Overall, Skillshare provides significant value for money, especially for those interested in creative and practical skills. Its affordability and extensive course library make it compelling, but considering alternatives is essential to find the best fit for your learning journey.

Is Skillshare Worth It?

Is Skillshare worth it? The answer depends on how you utilize the platform. Taking full advantage of available resources can make Skillshare a valuable investment. The service offers a one-month free trial, allowing potential users to evaluate the platform before committing financially. This trial period is an excellent opportunity to explore the courses and assess if they meet your expectations.

Features like transcripts for reading along enhance the learning experience on Skillshare. However, assessing the quality of Skillshare without a subscription can be tricky. The platform’s affordability and extensive course offerings make it a worthwhile consideration, especially for those passionate about creative and practical skills.

In conclusion, Skillshare is worth the investment if you’re committed to using the platform regularly. Its unique focus on practical, hands-on learning and its strong community support make it a valuable resource for lifelong learners. While it may not be perfect for everyone, those who find its offerings aligned with their interests will likely find it to be a worthwhile investment.

Summary

In summary, Skillshare stands out as an affordable and versatile online learning platform, particularly well-suited for those looking to develop creative and practical skills. Its user-friendly interface, extensive course library, and strong community engagement create a conducive environment for learning. While the quality of courses can vary, there are plenty of high-quality options available, especially among the Skillshare Originals. The hands-on, project-based approach and the collaborative community make Skillshare a valuable resource for learners. If you’re committed to leveraging its offerings, Skillshare can be a worthwhile investment in your personal and professional development.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the cost of a Skillshare subscription?

A Skillshare subscription is generally low-cost and offers a free 30-day trial for new users, so you can try it out before deciding if it’s right for you.

Are the courses on Skillshare high quality?

Yes, Skillshare courses can be high quality, especially those taught by industry professionals, but keep in mind that there’s a variety in standards due to their open instructor application process. So, it's worth checking reviews before diving in!

Can I access Skillshare on different devices?

Absolutely! You can access Skillshare on various devices like your phone, tablet, laptop, or even your TV, thanks to their dedicated apps for iOS and Android.

Does Skillshare offer any discounts or perks?

Yes, Skillshare offers additional perks like discounts on services such as Adobe Premiere Pro and Squarespace, helping users save money. These bonuses make it a great option for those looking to enhance their creative projects!

How does Skillshare compare to other online learning platforms?

Skillshare stands out for its affordability and emphasis on hands-on learning compared to platforms like LinkedIn Learning and MasterClass. However, if you're looking for formal qualifications, you might find more options with Udemy or Coursera.