Online Learning Platforms have come to stay and they form a big part of learning in this era.
Learning is an integral part of human life. It facilitates the discovery of new things, acquisition of new skills and updating of existing knowledge.
The usual form of learning has always been the traditional face-to-face learning. However, the advent of the Internet has revolutionised how learning is done. Thus, resulting in online learning platforms.
These online methods of learning has redefined the traditional face-to-face learning strategies.
Now, students can take courses or learn about different topics online via various digital platforms. Hence, making it easier for students to learn anytime, anywhere, with little or no barriers.
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Technology: A Tool for Learning
Technology has made online learning extremely popular. Additionally, the global COVID-19 pandemic changed everything, resulting in a growing demand for remote learning options.
Presently in Nigeria, there is a growing need to take online courses, acquire new skills, read e-books and use the internet for learning purposes.
Consequently, different online platforms has been created and/or modified to help students’ learning experience.
Top 12 Online Learning Platforms
Below are top Online Learning Platforms Nigerian students can leverage on (by author’s discretion):
1. Udemy
Udemy is an online learning platform that enable educators provide online courses on subjects they choose to teach. Teachers have the option to contribute instructional films and other resources.
Numerous subject areas are covered in each course. And so there are many courses to choose from, such as academics, business, music, and health and fitness.
Moreover, practical topics including Amazon Web Service (AWS) and Azure training, Excel software, and using an iPhone camera are covered in the majority of lectures.
Depending on the teacher, Udemy courses may be free or paid.
2. Coursera
Coursera is a global online learning platform that provides online courses and degrees from top institutions and businesses to anyone, anywhere.
More than 350 top institutions and businesses collaborate with Coursera to offer flexible, reasonably priced, and career-relevant online education to people and businesses across the globe.
From practical projects and classes to degree programs and credentials that are ready for the workforce, the platform provides a variety of learning options. There are premium and free options.
3. ULesson
ULesson is a free educational program for students in primary and secondary school. It also caters to candidates getting ready for national examinations including the WAEC, GCSE, A levels, BECE, GCE, NECO, JAMB, and others.
Nigerian students, as well as those from other West African countries, preparing to sit for the regional examinations will find this platform resourceful.
4. Unicaf
Unicaf is is an online learning platform that offers affordable, quality education to students. This is in conjunction with prominent universities in the UK, the US, Europe and Africa.
For the benefit of thousands of students in Africa and other continents, Unicaf collaborates with these institutions to provide high-quality undergraduate and graduate degrees online.
5. AfrilearnAfrilearn offers students the opportunity to study whenever and wherever they want with practice questions, educational videos, and a customised learning dashboard.
Among other things, they address the African University Curriculum, Professional Examinations, JAMB, NECO, and WAEC.
Additionally, they are collaborating with important African universities to provide more specialised information.
6. LinkedIn Learning
LinkedIn Learning offers a vast selection of professional courses aimed at improving job skills and career advancement.
Among other things, this platform provides courses in digital marketing, software development, and leadership. LinkedIn enhances employment opportunities by displaying certifications.
7. Alison
Alison is a free learning platform that provides a large selection of certificate and diploma programs. It offers over 4,000 free courses in subjects including IT, business, communication, and personal development.
Moreover, certificates and certifications are offered at affordable prices. Access to the majority of its courses is free, and it offers globally recognised certifications.
8. Skillshare
Skillshare is a well-known online learning platform that offers more than 30,000 course. They offer various subjects, including animation, creative writing, film and video, freelance and entrepreneurship, marketing, and productivity.
The platform’s potential for professional development and skill acquisition is highlighted by the large range of specialised and varied topics covered in Skillshare classes, such as professional product photography, SEO, web development, graphic design, creative writing, and Photoshop.
It enables qualified instructors to upload educational resources that will benefit students.
9. Edx
Professional certificates and top-notch courses are available via EdX, which partners with globally recognised universities like MIT and Harvard.
Access to the course materials is free, but the certificates are paid for.
Both professionals and students can benefit from EdX’s flexible and globally recognised, reasonably priced learning choices.
10. Khan Academy
Khan Academy is a non-profit learning website that provides students with absolutely free classes in a variety of areas.
Amongst other subjects, it provides mathematics, science, and economics courses. For students, the platform is perfect for foundational learning.
11. Duolingo
A platform for online language learning, Duolingo provides classes in more than 40 languages. It can be accessed using desktop and mobile devices for free.
The platform focuses on making language learning enjoyable and interesting. It is made to be accessible to users of all ages and backgrounds.
Students in Nigeria who want to learn a foreign language can do so by using this platform.
12. Harvard Online Learning
Harvard Online Learning is a learning platform for students by Harvard University. It provides both free and paid courses with instructors from Harvard University.
It facilitates students’ access to top-notch instructional materials and the acquisition of respected and recognised certificates.
Final Thoughts
The listed online learning platforms, as well as others not listed here, are highly beneficial to Nigerian students. Nigerian students can use these platforms to acquire new skills and certifications, and to improve on their existing skills.
Read more: Online Learning Versus Classroom Learning: Which Works Best?
