Everything You Need to Know About Online Classes and Learning Platforms

Online classes provide flexibility and convenience for students worldwide, and their popularity continues to rise each year. In 2024 alone, more than 26 million learners registered on Coursera, reflecting the growing demand for accessible, high-quality curricula that are accessible from anywhere in the world. Since the global shift to online learning during the COVID-19 pandemic, many colleges and universities have continued to offer online courses as part of their academic programs.

Read on to learn more about online classes, why they are popular, and the top online learning platforms available in 2025.

What Is an Online Class?

An online class is a program or course of study that is delivered and accessed primarily through the internet rather than in a traditional physical classroom setting. An online class is conducted via a combination of live classes, recorded lectures, and downloadable reading materials, and students are assessed through interactive evaluations, online tests, and assignments. Online classes provide students more flexibility and control over how they want to approach learning in terms of pace and time while staying connected with classmates and instructors through digital platforms.

Massive Open Online Courses (MOOCs), like those offered by Coursera and edX, are increasingly popular. Many universities and colleges now partner with these platforms to deliver academic content, making them accessible to almost anyone in the world with an internet connection.

When Did E-Learning Start Growing Among Students?

The rise of online learning accelerated during the COVID-19 pandemic as universities temporarily closed their campuses to prevent the spread of the virus. Students and instructors adapted by shifting to virtual classrooms, and online user registrations on Coursera saw a threefold increase compared to 2016 with course enrollments nearly doubling from 2019 to 2020. In 2021 alone, enrollments rose by 32%, reaching 189 million. By 2024, enrollments on the platform reached more than 343 million, signaling continued interest in online education.

The 8 Best Online Learning Platforms in 2025

There are many e-learning platforms that are easily accessible to students anywhere in the world. Here are eight highly rated online platforms available in 2025.

1. Udemy

Udemy offers a wide variety of online courses across numerous categories. Courses are self-paced and typically do not require a big time commitment. Learners can purchase individual courses or opt for a monthly subscription, giving them access to more than 26,000 courses. Udemy course prices typically range from $12.99 to $199.99 when not on sale, but frequent promotions and discounts can significantly lower these prices.

2. Coursera

Coursera offers 10,000+ courses, certificates, and programs from leading organizations such as Google, IBM, Microsoft, and top-ranking universities such as the University of Pennsylvania, the University of Colorado Boulder, the University of Michigan, Johns Hopkins University, and many more. Students can subscribe to Coursera monthly, with subscriptions from $49 to $79 per month, or annually for $399 per year.

Students taking classes on Coursera can enjoy access to university-style assignments, group projects, and instructor feedback.

3. LinkedIn Learning

LinkedIn Learning is a professional skill-building platform that enables users to enroll in a variety of courses to learn creative, tech, and other in-demand skills that will enhance their employability. Monthly subscriptions start at $39.99 per month; however, prices can vary depending on your location. Students who subscribe to LinkedIn Premium will also receive access to LinkedIn Premium services, such as advanced search filters, interview preparation tools, and job insights, which can help professionals looking for jobs and organizations looking to hire.

4. Harvard University Courses

Harvard University provides more than 340 courses online, with asynchronous courses where students can learn at their own pace or live courses where students join classes at designated times to learn in real time. Students can study a variety of subject areas, including business, computer science, data science, mathematics, science, and more. Many courses are free, with paid options also available for those seeking certificates.

5. Skillshare

Skillshare is an online class platform designed for creative learners. Learn about photography, content creation, animation, illustration, film, video production, and more from over 9,000 instructors including Youtuber and influencer Marques Brownlee, illustrator Alicia Souza, and productivity expert Ali Abdaal. Students interested in connecting and speaking with a professional in the creative industry can book one-on-one sessions and get all their questions answered. Skillshare subscriptions cost $14 a month or $168 per year, giving you the choice to pick up courses when you have time or to commit to an entire year of learning. 

6. edX

Founded by Harvard and the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), edX started as a project to make high-quality online education accessible to all. Today, edX has more than 260 content partners including Google, the University of California, Berkeley, IBM, HP, Microsoft, the World Bank, and many other reputable organizations. Most of the 4,600+ courses can be audited for free, with certificates starting at $50 and up. Students can also follow a complete master’s degree program on edX from leading universities. Annual subscriptions are available for $349 per year.

7. MasterClass

MasterClass is an online learning platform that provides video courses taught by well-known experts, celebrities, and industry leaders. It offers a wide range of classes across various fields, including arts, writing, sports, business, and more, aiming to deliver high-quality, engaging educational content. Students can subscribe to MasterClass at $10 per month, which provides access to more than 200 classes.

8. Khan Academy

Khan Academy is a nonprofit platform that provides free educational resources including practice exercises, instructional videos, and personalized learning dashboards, covering a wide range of subjects from math and science to history and the humanities. Programs available at Khan Academy are catered towards providing foundational knowledge to all ages from kindergarten to college, with preparation courses for international standardized tests like the SAT, LSAT, and MCAT. 

Benefits of Online Classes

Online classes have much to offer students looking for flexible and affordable ways to study. Here is a closer look at the benefits of online classes:

• Location Independence — Students can access online classes from anywhere they have an internet connection, eliminating the need for physical commutes and expanding access to education regardless of location.

• Flexibility — Online classes often allow students to study at their own pace, accommodating various schedules and commitments such as work, family, or other studies. Because classes are often pre-recorded, there’s no need to attend classes at a predetermined time.

• Cost-efficient — Online classes reduce costs associated with commuting, accommodation, and the requirement for printed materials, reducing the overall cost of your education. 

• 24/7 access — Online courses often provide access to course materials, recordings, and discussions at any time, allowing for convenient lesson instruction and review.

• Personalized learning experience — Many platforms offer adaptive content based on individual learning styles and preferences.

Now that we have described what online classes are and the benefits of taking online classes, let’s look at different ways online classes are administered.

What Is a Digital Classroom and a Virtual Classroom?

As online learning continues to grow in popularity, understanding the different types of online learning environments can help you choose the option that best fits your needs. Two common types of learning environments are digital classrooms and virtual classrooms, and while they may sound similar, they serve different purposes in how learning is delivered.

A digital classroom typically refers to a physical or hybrid learning environment where technology is fully integrated into teaching and learning. This includes digital devices like laptops and tablets, online platforms for assignments and communication, and multimedia content used during lessons. Digital classrooms are designed to support learning through both in-person and online experiences, blending face-to-face teaching with online tools to enhance the learning experience.

While a virtual classroom is a fully online learning environment that relies on network technology and virtual reality technology to achieve real-time interaction between teachers and students, it is often done through video conferencing software like Zoom or Google Meet. Students interact live with instructors and peers, attend scheduled sessions, and participate in discussions or group activities online, from any location.

Here are several key differences between a digital classroom and a virtual classroom.

Each format offers unique benefits. Virtual classrooms are ideal for students who live in remote locations; other students who prefer in-person interaction may enjoy digital classrooms. 

Whether you are exploring online learning options or deciding between digital and virtual classrooms, Shorelight advisors are here to help. From selecting the right course to navigating application requirements, we provide personalized guidance every step of the way.

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