What is Skillshare? An Overview of the Online Learning Platform
Skillshare is an online learning community that offers thousands of creative classes for individuals who want to learn new skills or improve existing ones. Founded in 2010, Skillshare has grown to become one of the most popular e-learning platforms, with over 30,000 classes in various categories such as design, photography, business, technology, and more.
Understanding Skillshare is essential for anyone who wants to take advantage of its vast resources. The platform offers a variety of membership options, including a free membership and a premium membership that unlocks unlimited access to all classes. In addition, Skillshare allows users to create and teach their own classes, making it a unique platform for both learners and creators.
Membership and access are key components of Skillshare, but the quality of the courses and content is what sets it apart. Skillshare partners with industry experts and successful professionals to create engaging and informative classes that cover a wide range of topics. Whether you’re a beginner or an advanced learner, there is something for everyone on Skillshare.
Key Takeaways
- Skillshare is an online learning community that offers thousands of creative classes.
- Membership options include free and premium memberships with unlimited access to all classes.
- Skillshare partners with industry experts to provide high-quality courses and content.
Understanding Skillshare
Skillshare is an online learning community that offers thousands of classes in various subjects, including design, business, technology, and more. The platform aims to provide a space where people can learn new skills, connect with like-minded individuals, and grow both personally and professionally.
Online Learning Community
At its core, Skillshare is an online learning community where members can access a vast library of courses taught by experts in their respective fields. The courses are designed to be interactive and engaging, with a focus on hands-on learning and practical applications.
Members can participate in discussions, ask questions, and provide feedback to their peers, creating a collaborative learning environment. The community aspect of Skillshare is what sets it apart from other online learning platforms, as it allows members to connect with others who share their interests and passions.
Skillshare Originals
Skillshare Originals are exclusive classes produced by the platform’s team of experts. These classes are designed to be high-quality, engaging, and informative, with a focus on cutting-edge topics and emerging trends.
Skillshare Originals cover a wide range of subjects, from creative writing to social media marketing, and are constantly being updated to reflect the latest industry developments. Members can access Skillshare Originals as part of their membership, and they are a great way to stay up-to-date with the latest trends and techniques in their field.
Open Platform
Skillshare is an open platform, meaning that anyone can create and publish a course on the platform. This creates a diverse and constantly evolving library of courses, with new classes being added every day.
The open platform also allows for a wide range of teaching styles and approaches, ensuring that members can find a course that suits their learning style and preferences. Additionally, the open platform allows for feedback and collaboration between instructors and students, creating a dynamic and engaging learning experience.
In summary, Skillshare is an online learning community that offers a wide range of courses, a collaborative learning environment, and an open platform for instructors to create and publish their courses. With its focus on practical skills and hands-on learning, Skillshare is an excellent resource for anyone looking to learn, grow, and connect with others in their field.
Membership and Access
Skillshare offers a variety of membership options to suit different needs. Members can access thousands of online classes and workshops, taught by expert instructors in various fields. Here are some key details about Skillshare membership and access.
Free Trial and Subscription
Skillshare offers a free trial period for new users, which allows them to explore the platform and try out some classes before committing to a subscription. During the trial period, users can access all classes and features available to paid subscribers. After the trial period ends, users can choose to sign up for a paid subscription or continue using the platform with limited access.
Skillshare Membership Benefits
Paid Skillshare members enjoy a variety of benefits, including access to all classes and workshops on the platform, the ability to download class materials, and the option to participate in projects and challenges. Members also receive personalized recommendations based on their interests and skill levels, as well as access to exclusive content and discounts on partner products and services.
Unlimited Access
Skillshare’s unlimited access policy means that members can take as many classes as they want, without any additional fees or restrictions. This allows members to explore different topics and skills, and to learn at their own pace. Members can also access their account and classes from any device, making it easy to learn on-the-go.
In summary, Skillshare membership provides access to thousands of online classes and workshops, with a variety of subscription options to suit different needs. The platform offers a free trial period for new users, and paid members enjoy a range of benefits including unlimited access to all classes, personalized recommendations, and exclusive content.
Courses and Content
Skillshare offers a vast range of courses and content, with over 30,000 classes available on the platform. These courses cover a diverse range of topics, from creative writing and graphic design to business and technology.
Diverse Topics
Skillshare classes are designed to cater to a broad audience, with topics ranging from traditional subjects like art and music to more contemporary topics like social media marketing and web development. The platform also offers classes in niche subjects like calligraphy, embroidery, and woodworking, making it an excellent resource for those looking to learn a new skill or hobby.
Project-Based Learning
One of the unique features of Skillshare is its focus on project-based learning. Each class includes a project that students are encouraged to complete, allowing them to apply the skills they have learned in a real-world context. This approach not only reinforces learning but also helps students build a portfolio of work that they can showcase to potential clients or employers.
Curated Staff Picks
Skillshare’s team of experts curates a selection of staff picks, highlighting the best courses on the platform. These picks cover a range of topics and skill levels, making it easy for students to find courses that suit their interests and needs. Additionally, Skillshare regularly updates its staff picks, ensuring that students have access to the latest and most relevant courses.
Overall, Skillshare’s courses and content are designed to help students learn new skills and improve their existing ones. With a broad range of topics, a focus on project-based learning, and expertly curated staff picks, Skillshare is an excellent resource for anyone looking to expand their knowledge and skills.
Teaching and Creating
Becoming a Teacher
Skillshare is a platform that allows anyone to become a teacher and share their knowledge with others. Becoming a teacher on Skillshare is a simple process that involves creating a profile, outlining your skills and expertise, and creating a class. Skillshare provides resources and support to help teachers create high-quality classes that engage and educate students.
Teachers on Skillshare come from a variety of backgrounds and have a range of skills and expertise. Whether you are an artist, a writer, a marketer, or a programmer, there is a place for you on Skillshare. By becoming a teacher, you can share your skills and knowledge with a global community of learners.
Creating a Class
Creating a class on Skillshare is a straightforward process. Teachers can create classes on any topic that they are knowledgeable about, from creative writing to web development. Skillshare provides resources and guidance to help teachers create engaging and informative classes that will appeal to students.
Classes on Skillshare are typically video-based, with teachers recording themselves teaching a particular skill or concept. Teachers can also include written materials, such as class notes or assignments, to supplement their videos. Skillshare provides tools for teachers to edit and enhance their videos, ensuring that their classes are of the highest quality.
Providing Feedback
Feedback is an essential part of the learning process, and Skillshare provides tools for teachers to give and receive feedback on their classes. Teachers can view feedback from students and use it to improve their classes and teaching style. Skillshare also provides resources and support to help teachers create engaging and informative classes that will appeal to students.
In addition to receiving feedback from students, teachers on Skillshare can also participate in the community by providing feedback on other teachers’ classes. This helps to create a supportive and collaborative learning environment, where teachers can learn from each other and improve their teaching skills.
Overall, Skillshare provides a platform for teachers to share their skills and knowledge with a global community of learners. By becoming a teacher on Skillshare, you can create engaging and informative classes that will help students learn new skills and advance their careers.
User Experience
Skillshare offers a smooth and intuitive user experience that makes it easy for learners to navigate the platform. The platform’s user interface (UI) is designed to be user-friendly, with clear and concise menus and easy-to-use tools.
Navigating the Platform
The platform’s search function is powerful and allows users to search for classes by keyword, teacher, or category. Users can also browse through the various categories, such as design, photography, and writing, to find classes that interest them.
Once a user has found a class they want to take, they can enroll in the class and begin watching the videos right away. Skillshare also offers a progress tracker that allows users to keep track of how far they have progressed in a class.
Mobile App and Offline Viewing
Skillshare’s mobile app allows users to access classes on the go, making it easy to learn whenever and wherever they want. The app also offers offline viewing, which means users can download classes and watch them later without an internet connection.
Community Interaction
Skillshare encourages community interaction by allowing users to leave comments on classes and projects. This feature allows learners to ask questions and receive feedback from other learners and the teacher.
Overall, Skillshare offers a seamless and enjoyable learning experience that is accessible to everyone. With its powerful search function, easy-to-use tools, and community interaction features, Skillshare is a top choice for anyone looking to expand their knowledge and skills.
Skillshare for Teams
Skillshare offers a team plan for businesses and organizations looking to upskill their employees. The team plan provides access to over 30,000 online classes taught by industry professionals.
Corporate Training
The team plan allows businesses to provide their employees with corporate training that is tailored to their needs. The platform offers classes in a variety of topics such as marketing, design, technology, and entrepreneurship. The classes are taught by experts in their respective fields and are designed to be practical and hands-on.
Skillshare’s team plan offers businesses the ability to track employee progress and performance. The platform provides detailed analytics that allow managers to see which employees are completing classes and how they are performing in each course. This information can be used to identify areas where employees may need additional training or support.
Team Collaboration
Skillshare’s team plan also offers features that promote team collaboration. Businesses can create custom channels that allow employees to share and discuss class materials. This feature encourages employees to work together and share knowledge, which can lead to increased productivity and innovation.
The team plan also allows businesses to assign classes to specific employees or teams. This feature ensures that employees are taking classes that are relevant to their job roles and responsibilities.
Skillshare’s team plan is an ideal solution for businesses looking to provide their employees with high-quality, affordable training. The platform offers a wide range of classes taught by industry experts, as well as features that promote team collaboration and employee engagement.
Success Stories
Skillshare has helped many students and teachers achieve their goals. Here are a few success stories:
Student Achievements
Skillshare provides a platform for students to learn new skills and improve their careers. Many students have achieved success after taking courses on Skillshare. For example, a graphic designer named Sarah took a course on Skillshare and learned how to design logos. She was able to apply her new skills to her work and landed a job at a top design firm.
Another student, John, took a course on coding and was able to create his own app. He launched his app and it became an instant success, earning him a steady income and recognition in the tech industry.
Teacher Impact
Skillshare also provides a platform for experts to share their knowledge and impact the lives of their students. For example, a career coach named Lisa created a course on Skillshare about how to land your dream job. Her course was so successful that she was able to quit her full-time job and become a full-time Skillshare teacher.
Another expert, a photographer named Mike, created a course on Skillshare about how to take better photos. His course has helped many students improve their photography skills and even launch their own photography businesses.
Overall, Skillshare has helped many students and teachers achieve their goals and improve their careers. With a wide variety of courses taught by experts in their fields, Skillshare is a valuable resource for anyone looking to learn new skills and achieve success.
Skillshare and Professional Growth
Skillshare is an online learning platform that offers a wide range of courses, tutorials, and workshops on various topics. One of the main benefits of Skillshare is that it provides an opportunity for professional growth.
Career Development
Skillshare offers a plethora of courses that can help individuals develop their careers. The platform has courses on topics such as leadership, communication, and project management, which are essential skills for any professional. Additionally, Skillshare has courses on specific industries such as marketing, design, and technology, which can help individuals gain industry-specific knowledge and skills.
Skillshare’s courses are taught by industry experts, which means that individuals can learn from the best in the industry. This can be particularly beneficial for individuals who are looking to switch careers or industries and need to gain new skills and knowledge.
Entrepreneurship and Freelancing
Skillshare is also an excellent platform for individuals who are interested in entrepreneurship or freelancing. The platform has courses on topics such as starting a business, branding, and marketing, which can be helpful for individuals who are looking to start their own business or work as a freelancer.
Additionally, Skillshare has courses on specific skills such as graphic design, web development, and writing, which can be helpful for individuals who are looking to offer their services as a freelancer. The platform also has courses on how to find clients and market oneself as a freelancer, which can be helpful for individuals who are just starting out.
Overall, Skillshare is an excellent platform for individuals who are looking to develop their professional skills and knowledge. The platform offers a wide range of courses taught by industry experts, which can help individuals gain the skills and knowledge they need to succeed in their careers or as a freelancer.
Pricing and Value
Skillshare Cost Analysis
Skillshare offers two types of membership plans: Free and Premium. The free membership allows users to access some of the courses, but the premium membership offers full access to all courses, offline viewing, and the ability to download class materials. The Premium membership costs $19 per month or $99 per year, which is a significant discount compared to the monthly subscription fee.
Skillshare also offers a 7-day free trial for new users to try out the Premium membership before committing to a subscription.
Comparing to Other Platforms
When compared to other online learning platforms such as MasterClass, Skillshare’s pricing is more affordable. MasterClass charges $180 per year for access to their courses, which is almost double the cost of Skillshare’s annual subscription.
Skillshare’s value proposition is also strong, as users can access thousands of courses in a variety of subjects for a fraction of the cost of traditional education or other online learning platforms. Additionally, the platform offers a community aspect where users can interact with each other and receive feedback on their work, which adds to the overall value of the platform.
In conclusion, Skillshare offers competitive pricing and a strong value proposition for those looking to expand their knowledge and skills in a variety of subjects.
Skillshare in the Creative Industry
Skillshare is an online learning platform that offers a variety of courses for creatives. From design to music, Skillshare has a wide range of courses to choose from. In this section, we will explore how Skillshare benefits those in the creative industry.
For Artists and Designers
Skillshare offers a plethora of courses for artists and designers. Whether you are interested in graphic design, illustration, interior design, or painting, Skillshare has something for you. Skillshare’s courses are taught by industry professionals, so you can be confident that you are learning from the best.
One of the benefits of Skillshare is that it allows artists and designers to learn at their own pace. You can take a course whenever you have free time, and you can go back and review the material as many times as you need. Skillshare also offers a community aspect, where you can connect with other artists and designers and receive feedback on your work.
Music and Photography Courses
Skillshare also offers courses in music and photography. Whether you are an aspiring musician or a professional photographer, Skillshare has courses that can help you improve your skills. Skillshare’s music courses cover topics such as music production, songwriting, and music theory. Their photography courses cover topics such as editing, lighting, and composition.
Like with their art and design courses, Skillshare’s music and photography courses are taught by industry professionals. This means that you are learning from people who have real-world experience in their respective fields.
In conclusion, Skillshare is an excellent resource for creatives. Whether you are an artist, designer, musician, or photographer, Skillshare has courses that can help you improve your skills. With its flexible learning options and community aspect, Skillshare is a valuable tool for anyone looking to grow their creative abilities.
Community and Support
Skillshare’s community and support system are some of the key features that set it apart from other online learning platforms. With a strong emphasis on collaboration and feedback, Skillshare provides a supportive environment for learners to grow and develop their skills.
Discussion Boards and Forums
One of the ways that Skillshare fosters community is through its discussion boards and forums. These areas provide learners with a space to ask questions, share ideas, and connect with other students. Whether you’re looking for feedback on a project or just want to chat with like-minded individuals, Skillshare’s discussion boards and forums are a great place to start.
Customer Support
In addition to its robust community features, Skillshare also offers excellent customer support. If you ever have a question or run into an issue, Skillshare’s support team is available to help you out. You can reach out to them via email or through the platform’s live chat feature, and they’ll be happy to assist you.
Overall, Skillshare’s community and support system are top-notch. Whether you’re looking for help with a specific problem or just want to connect with other learners, Skillshare has you covered.
Marketing and Partnerships
Skillshare and Social Media
Skillshare has a strong social media presence with active accounts on platforms like Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. Through these channels, Skillshare promotes their courses, shares student success stories, and engages with their community. They use social media to provide exclusive discounts and offers to their followers, increasing engagement and attracting new users.
Skillshare also encourages their instructors to promote their courses on their own social media accounts, which helps to increase the visibility of the courses and the platform as a whole.
Collaborations with Brands
Skillshare has collaborated with several brands to offer exclusive courses and discounts to their customers. For example, Skillshare partnered with Apple to offer a free 2-month trial of Skillshare Premium to all new Apple users. This collaboration increased Skillshare’s visibility among Apple users and helped to attract new users to the platform.
Skillshare has also collaborated with brands like Squarespace, Adobe, and Mailchimp to offer exclusive courses and discounts to their customers. These collaborations help to expand Skillshare’s reach to new audiences and provide added value to their existing users.
Through these marketing and partnership efforts, Skillshare has been able to attract a large and diverse user base, making it one of the most popular online learning platforms available today.
Analytics and Performance
Skillshare provides a range of analytics and performance tools to help teachers and students track their progress and engagement. This section will explore two of the most important tools available on Skillshare: Tracking Student Engagement and Teacher Analytics Tools.
Tracking Student Engagement
Skillshare allows teachers to track student engagement through a variety of metrics, including the number of views, likes, and comments on their classes. Teachers can also see how long students spend on each lesson, which can help them identify areas where students are struggling and adjust their teaching approach accordingly.
In addition, Skillshare provides teachers with a dashboard that displays detailed information about their students, including their demographics, learning goals, and progress through the course. This information can be used to tailor the course content to the needs of individual students and ensure that everyone is making progress.
Teacher Analytics Tools
Skillshare also provides teachers with a range of analytics tools to help them track their own performance. Teachers can use these tools to see how many students are enrolled in their classes, how much time students are spending on their lessons, and how much money they are making from their courses.
In addition, Skillshare provides teachers with detailed feedback on their classes, including ratings and reviews from students. This feedback can be used to improve the quality of the course content and ensure that students are getting the most out of the class.
Overall, Skillshare’s analytics and performance tools are an essential part of the platform, allowing teachers and students to track their progress and engagement and ensure that they are getting the most out of the learning experience.
Frequently Asked Questions
What types of courses are available on Skillshare?
Skillshare offers a wide range of courses covering various topics such as creative arts, design, business, technology, lifestyle, and more. The courses are taught by industry experts and professionals who share their knowledge and experience with learners. The courses are designed to be engaging, interactive, and practical, allowing learners to gain new skills and apply them in real-world situations.
Are there any free courses offered on Skillshare?
Yes, Skillshare offers thousands of free courses, which can be accessed by anyone with a Skillshare account. These courses cover a variety of topics and are a great way to explore new subjects or skills without committing to a paid membership.
How does Skillshare compare to Udemy?
Both Skillshare and Udemy offer online courses taught by experts in their respective fields. However, Skillshare focuses on creative and practical skills, while Udemy covers a wider range of topics, including academic subjects and professional development. Skillshare also offers a more community-based learning experience, with opportunities to collaborate with other learners and receive feedback on projects.
What are the benefits of a paid Skillshare membership?
A paid Skillshare membership provides access to thousands of premium courses, offline viewing, and the ability to download class materials. Members also receive exclusive discounts on partner products and services, as well as access to Skillshare’s online community of learners and instructors.
How does the pricing for Skillshare work?
Skillshare offers two pricing options: a free membership and a paid membership. The paid membership costs $19 per month or $99 per year, with discounts available for students and teams. The paid membership provides access to all premium courses and features, while the free membership offers limited access to some courses and features.
Can Skillshare be used for professional development?
Yes, Skillshare can be used for professional development, as many of the courses cover topics relevant to various industries and professions. Skillshare also offers a range of business and entrepreneurship courses, which can help learners develop skills in marketing, branding, and more. Additionally, the platform provides opportunities to network with other professionals and receive feedback on projects.
