Skillshare was established in 2010 after so many other learning platforms were up and running.
Their intention was to primarily focus on creating practical skills and learning experiences for their students. So you see them teaching courses on photography, art, design, writing, and other creative fields.
Regardless, there have been a lot of thoughts and comparisons leading to this Skillshare review to help you understand it better and make informed decisions.
Here’s what we’ll cover in this Skillshare review:
Our Honest Skillshare Review Verdict
Skillshare operates with the intention of providing online courses and learning opportunities to users, but to be honest, YouTube does almost similar things and even more.
Notwithstanding, Skillshare is still an educational platform worth trying out because of its in-depth variety of courses, the cost and accessibility of these courses, and the nature of its learning style.
The community interaction Skillshare promotes is the reason you’d fall for the platform, which gives an entirely adaptable experience. There’s a chance of exhausting your subscription rate over that relaxed feeling you get there. The worst part is that you lose access to your courses when your subscription is over. And those subscription rates aren’t so cheap.
On a brighter note, you’d agree that it’s their way of keeping you focused so you can go through your courses with speed as they onboard committed teachers.
Skillshare has a strict policy for accepting trainers to the site. Eventually, they live up to the bargain by carrying their students along through detailed lessons and a series of projects.
Let’s go through some specific pros and cons needed for this Skillshare review.
Pros and Cons
Skillshare can actually be an excellent platform to develop their creative skills, but here are the pros and cons to take note of before getting started:
What we like about Skillshare
What we don’t like about Skillshare
Who Is Skillshare For?
Skillshare is primarily designed for individuals who are interested in creative and practical skill development, and that includes:
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Popular Programs and Courses
Skillshare offers a variety of courses focused on various industries, and some of them include:
Quality of Instructors
Skillshare prides itself on having a mix of instructors, including industry professionals, experienced artists, entrepreneurs, and educators. Many instructors are experts in their respective fields, providing valuable insights and knowledge.
These instructors often have profiles detailing their background, expertise, and the courses they offer, including others they’ve worked on that you may be interested in.
However, the quality of instructors and courses can vary, so it’s advisable to read reviews and preview course content before enrolling.
Specializations on Skillshare
Specializations on Skillshare are more about personalized learning paths you can create by selecting courses relevant to your goals. For instance, you can follow a series of courses on graphic design or digital marketing to develop specialized skills.
Skillshare is known for its project-based approach, where you apply what you’ve learned by working on practical projects. This can be a form of specialization as you build a portfolio of work in your chosen field.
How to Open a Skillshare Account
Here’s a simple step-by-step guide on how to open a Skillshare account and an overview of the dashboard layout:
1. Visit Skillshare Website:
Go to Skillshare’s website or download the app.
2. Sign Up:
Click on the “Sign Up” or “Join Now” button, usually located at the top right corner of the page.
You can sign up using your email address, Facebook account, Google account, or Apple ID.
3. Provide Personal Information:
If you choose to sign up with an email, you’ll need to provide your email address and create a password.
4. Choose a Membership Plan:
Select a membership plan that suits your needs. Skillshare offers both free and premium membership options.
5. Payment Information:
If you chose a premium membership, provide your payment details. Skillshare typically requires a credit card but other payment options may also be available.
6. Confirmation:
Confirm your email address by clicking on the verification link sent to your email inbox.
7. Personalize Your Account:
Choose your interests to get personalized class recommendations.
You can also follow specific teachers and join communities of learners with similar interests.
Dashboard Layout
Skillshare’s dashboard is designed to be user-friendly, with easy navigation to help you discover and manage courses, projects, and interactions with the community. It’s a clean and straightforward layout that prioritizes learning and engagement.
Learning Experience
While Skillshare encourages community interaction, the level of these interactions can vary with the instructor, with some responding promptly and others slower.
However, you’re still at liberty to collaborate with other learners, share ideas, and provide constructive criticism of their work. You can equally book direct communication with your instructor, even though it comes at a higher price.
Quality of Assignments
The quality and nature of assignments can vary widely based on the course content and the instructor’s approach. Some courses have well-structured and challenging assignments, while others may be more focused on exploration and creativity.
Skillshare often emphasizes project-based learning, where assignments involve creating real-world projects. The quality of your assignments largely depends on your effort and application of the concepts taught in the course. Then you can get feedback to enhance the quality of your work and help you improve your skills.
Real-World Applicability
This is the only aim Skillshare courses drive to achieve: to help you apply all that you’ve learned in the real world and get creative about it.
When you’re open to creativity, you’ll find multiple ways to showcase your skills to a potential client without the use of a certificate. You’re equally able to apply everything you’ve learned to your own business while helping other businesses develop strategies to scale theirs.
In essence, your creativity is the key to unlocking financial freedom, and so adopting Skillshare’s project-based approach means you learn by doing, which often leads to a higher level of real-world applicability compared to traditional lecture-style courses.
How to Find the Best Course on Skillshare
Finding the right courses on Skillshare can greatly enhance your learning experience. Here are some ways to help you discover courses that align with your interests and goals:
Use search filters:
- Start by entering keywords related to your interests in the search bar.
- Use the filters on the search results page to narrow down your options. You can filter by duration, skill level, and class type (project, workshop, etc.).
Read course descriptions:
- Pay attention to the course descriptions to understand what each course covers.
- Look for key information, such as the learning objectives, topics, and skills you’ll acquire.
Check ratings and reviews:
- Review the course ratings and read reviews from other learners. This can provide insights into the course quality and whether it meets expectations.
- Look for reviews that mention the instructor’s teaching style, engagement, and relevance of the content.
Preview Lessons:
Many Skillshare courses offer free preview lessons. Take advantage of these to get a sense of the instructor’s teaching style and the course content.
Follow Instructors:
If you find an instructor whose teaching style you like, consider following them. You’ll receive updates when they launch new courses.
Engage with the community:
Participate in discussions and forums within Skillshare’s community. Other learners may recommend courses that they’ve found valuable.
Look for project-based courses:
Courses that focus on projects and hands-on learning can be particularly engaging and practical. Consider courses that offer opportunities to create real-world projects.
Skillshare Pricing and Payment Options
Pricing Models
Skillshare offers the following pricing for their courses upon sign-up:
Financial Aid Options
Skillshare has a program called the Skillshare Scholarship, which provides financial assistance to eligible students. The scholarship program Skillshare provides a 50% discount on a one-year membership to college or university students who meet the following criteria:
If you meet the eligibility requirements, you will receive a 50% reduced rate on a one-year Skillshare membership. Scholarship awards are distributed during the first week of each month, and successful applicants will receive notification via email.
Refund Policy
Skillshare’s refund policy can vary depending on the specific circumstances and timing of your request.
Is Skillshare Accredited?
Courses on Skillshare aren’t accredited as a result of their teaching model which allows anyone in any creative field to teach. However, this doesn’t limit the amount of value they provide.
Is the Skillshare Certificate Recognized?
No, it isn’t recognized. From our Skillshare review so far, you’ll discover that they don’t issue certificates to their students as there is no strong educational background knowledge among the teachers.
Skillshare Alternatives
Is Skillshare Worth It? Our Detailed Rating
Here’s a more precise overview on what to expect from Skillshare to help in your decision-making.
| Criteria | Rating | Comment |
|---|---|---|
| Ease of Use | 4.5 | Skillshare makes it very easy for you to go through their courses by creating those suggestions when you state your interests. |
| Course Selection | 4 | Skillshare has their courses arranged in groups, so you can easily find your preference(s) with just a click. |
| Instructor Quality | 3.5 | Instructors are very experienced in their fields, but the depth of their knowledge can’t be determined. You’re limited to their scope of knowledge. |
| Learning Experience | 4.5 | The learning model allows you to take your course(s) at your own pace and enjoy the assistance of the community interactions you’re entitled to with other learners. |
| Cost and Value | 4 | The pricing is very affordable and worth the extent of the practical lessons being taught by the teachers. |
| Certification Value | 2 | You only get a “complete a class” badge after each lesson. |
| Support Services | 4.5 | There is a comprehensive list of answers to frequently asked questions and a live chat for extra support. |
| Mobile Experience | 4 | The mobile app helps you access the class easier and faster, so you can always learn wherever you are. Most importantly, you can download courses for offline viewing. |
| Community and networking | 4 | There’s a good level of student interaction through the community experience created by Skillshare to enhance learning and build the networking spirit. |
| Real-User Reviews | Varied | Generally, Skillshare reviews from students have been applauding, with a few complaints and recommendations on how to enhance the user experience. |
| Overall Rating | 4.5 | Skillshare offers a comprehensive online learning platform with a plethora of courses from experts in different creative fields. The considerate pricing, mobile accessibility, and valued assessments alongside community interactions make it a strong contender for individuals looking to enhance their skills online. However, the inability to issue certifications at the end of each course raises doubts about the validity of the platform. |
Conclusion
To enroll in a Skillshare program, you should consider making payments with an international credit card, as Skillshare declines Nigerian-based cards and prepaid cards from Chipper Cash.
But from our Skillshare review so far, you’ll discover this learning platform will allow you to improve your skill set if you are open-minded and trust that undertaking the practical processes will boost your creativity.
Your intent drives you to learn a prospective skill to the very end and develop yourself to a professional level where you can establish and monetize your skills.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What is Skillshare?
Skillshare is a practical-focused online learning platform that helps you develop skills that will make you stand out in any professional field through a series of courses, projects, and supportive community interactions.
Is Skillshare Worth It?
Skillshare is worth giving a shot, as their free trial period will give you an insight on what to expect and room to try out their classes and see if it’s best for you. Subsequently, their low-rate subscriptions will give you value for your time.
Does Skillshare Offer Any Free Classes?
Skillshare offers free classes for 7 days, after which you’ll be billed either monthly or for an annual subscription.
What Are Some of the Best Skillshare Classes to Take?
As a Nigerian, you can consider relatable courses like Photography and Videography, Writing and Publishing, Entrepreneurship and Business, Technology, and Web Development.
Is It Really Important for an Online School to Be Accredited?
It’s not really important, even though it’s a necessity, as some job applications require you to provide your certification before considering your application.
Does Skillshare Allow One-On-One Classes?
Yes. Skillshare primarily promotes group interactions but has an advanced feature that allows one-on-one classes with the teacher(s).
