18+ Best Online Learning Sites for You - The Covid 19 pandemic outbreak requires you to #stayhome for an undetermined amount of time. What do you want to do at home? Don't be confused, online learning can be a positive activity to fill free time at home during this pandemic. Online learning sites make it easy for us to learn anything, anywhere, with only a smartphone and an internet connection.
By taking online learning classes, you can develop yourself personally and professionally. Today, skills and knowledge are very important because the competition is so tight. So, taking the time to study online can be a solution to develop yourself! The good news is that there are lots of free online learning sites!
In this article, we will discuss what online learning websites can improve your skills and knowledge. Curious right?
What are the Best Free Online Learning Sites
Well, to make it easier for you to choose, we have divided this list of online learning sites into two categories:
- The first, for students and teachers. Many of them are Learning Management Systems (LMS). LMS is an online learning application that is used for electronic learning programs (e-learning programs),
- The second is for the public. The majority are Massive Online Open Source (MOOC). MOOC is an online learning system intended for anyone who wants to learn and participate without any restrictions.
Simply put, LMS is an online application for teaching and learning, while MOOC is an open and borderless learning system.
18+ Best Online Learning Sites for You
Let's start with 6 free online learning websites for students and teachers
1. Zenius
Zenius is a pioneer online learning website in Indonesia which was founded in 2007. This LMS provides educational materials for elementary to high school students. The material is available in the form of videos in Indonesian, and ebooks for a collection of National Examination questions.
Many users recommend this learning site specifically for science children. This is because Zenius' material for example in physics and mathematics is more in-depth. Zenius teaches derivation of formulas from basic formulas that are not discussed on other platforms and in schools as well.
There are two ways you can take Zenius online courses. First, you can access this online learning website at www.zenius.net. Or, you can also download the application on the Playstore. Just choose whichever is most comfortable for you.
Superiority:
- Economical. You can access and download 80,000 learning videos for free through the app.
- Equipped with discussions for all levels of education and curriculum.
- Save quota. You only need a quota of approximately 20MB to learn to use Zenius.
Lack:
- Not all materials have learning videos.
- The math practice questions are too basic.
- Video quality and visualizations are not as good as their competitors.
- There is not much practice on the History, Indonesian, and Biology subjects.
- Learning videos cannot be downloaded.
2. Ruangguru
Currently, Ruangguru is the largest online tutoring site in Indonesia. Just like Zenius, Ruangguru's free online learning website also provides educational materials for elementary to high school students.
Responding to the government's call for schooling at home during the Covid 19 pandemic, Ruangguru provides live teaching learning. Live learning every Monday to Friday from 8:00 to 12:00, starting March 16, 2020.
You can access it by downloading the Ruangguru online learning application on the Playstore, or opening the website.
Superiority:
- Dividing videos per material makes it easier for users to choose which material they want to learn first.
- Equipped with a quiz in the learning application. You don't need paper and pen to do quiz questions.
- Good quality graphics and visuals.
Lack:
- Doesn't include much formula derivation.
- A lot of the material is not discussed in depth.
- Takes up a lot of quota because of the good video and graphics quality.
- Not suitable for students who like conventional learning systems like at school.
3. Quipper School
Similar to Zenius and Ruangguru, Quipper School is a new online education service exclusively for middle and high school teachers and students. This Learning Management System was created to facilitate teachers and students in carrying out online learning and teaching activities.
Unlike Zenius, which is recommended by many users for IPA children, Quipper is more recommended for IPS children. Why? Because the social material on Quipper is more complete. Even so complete, some of the material has never been taught in offline schools.
The learning system is the same as in school. The teacher has a role as a facilitator. This means that he has the task of managing material, holding tests or exams, and monitoring student progress. As for students, they can study, do homework, and take online tests/exams.
Superiority:
- Equipped with several features such as Teacher Portal (QLink), Student Portal (QLearn), and Content creation Portal). This makes it easier for teachers and students to carry out their roles to the fullest.
Lack:
- There is not much discussion about the derivation of formulas in mathematics and physics.
- The length of the video is quite long.
- Spend a lot of internet quota.
4. Smart Class
This free learning website owned by PT Extramarks Education provides learning for grades 1 to 12. The learning materials are according to the curriculum and number of subjects.
In smart class, you can learn through animated videos, audio-visuals, and ebooks. Interactive learning methods will make learning activities easier. The learning method uses a total learning approach, namely learn, practice, and test. Not only that, you know, Smart Class also provides free access to any school that wants to use this online learning solution.
Superiority:
- Has a 'Ask' feature. This feature allows students to ask questions and get solutions to questions that arise when students study at home.
- Has an 'Assessment' feature. With this feature, teachers can interact like the teaching and learning process in schools.
Lack:
- After a free trial for 7 days, you need to pay per month to be able to use the learning application
- Many problems related to OTP (One-Time Password) code during registration.
5. Study House
By collaborating with several private companies providing online learning services, the Ministry of Education and Culture has developed an online learning portal, Rumah Belajar! Learning houses are learning portals that provide learning materials and facilities for students and educators from PAUD to SMA/SMK levels.
What is special about the Rumah Belajar website, you can find Electronic School Books (BSE). BSE is an alternative for students who do not have their physical books. Learning Home Learning materials are also presented interactively in the form of video, audio, images, and animations.
Superiority:
- Materials for a wider level of education (PAUD to SMA/SMK).
- Have a question bank that contains a collection of questions and student evaluation materials.
- Has a 'Maya Laboratory' feature. This feature contains a laboratory practicum simulation with an interactive practicum model. Equipped with student worksheets and practical theory.
Lack:
- Incomplete material.
- The number of experiments in the Maya Laboratory feature is still limited.
- The web feels a bit heavy.
- After a free trial for 7 days, you need to pay per month to be able to use the learning application
- Many problems related to OTP (One-Time Password) code during registration.
6. Brainly
Brainly is an LMS that offers a fun and interactive way of online learning!
What's the fun of it? This way, you can ask any questions about a particular field of study. Later your questions will be answered by students or users of this site from various parts of the world.
You can monitor all questions and answers in real time. Anytime and anywhere. So, besides being able to add insight, you can also add new friends.
Actually Brainly is not only an international online learning site, but also a national one. If you want to access the Brainly Indonesia online learning site, all you have to do is visit the site here or the application on the Play Store and App Store.
Superiority:
- For every answer given by the teacher, Brainly gives a reward in the form of points that can improve the reputation of the educator in the eyes of the community.
- Has Live chat features and private messages similar to features on social media.
Lack:
- The look of version 5.5.5 is confusing.
- User-written answers are often deleted without confirmation.
- The system is quite often problematic.
Now it's the turn of online learning websites that are open to the public. Here is the list for you
7. edX
If you want to access learning materials from the world's top institutions, edX is the answer. edX is one of the most popular MOOC in the world. This online learning website was developed by two world elite campuses, namely Harvard University and MIT in 2012. Of course, that way, you can access learning content that is not necessarily available in general classes.
However, to get a certificate on this online learning website, you have to pay some money. The amount depends on what course you take.
Pro Tip: Choose a course or subject that you are really interested in. Due to the intensive learning system, it takes about three months to complete the course. With 2 hours per day. Not only do you have to sit down and take the course, but also be asked to create assignments, and take tests. Like taking classes on campus or at school.
Superiority:
- Award certain certificates and degrees from reputable institutions and universities.
- Complete material, from pure sciences such as art, philosophy, science, geography. To applied sciences such as informatics, architecture, electronics.
- Free.
Lack:
- Some problems experienced by users when logging in.
- Less interesting class. There are no teachers to interact with.
- There is no formula that can help learn the material easily. For example, for Natural Science material.
8. Alison
Do you know? Alison's free learning website is one of the pioneers of online learning sites in the world. Through Alison, you can access more than 750 course materials in English. For example: Health, Science, IT, Humanism, Languages, Marketing, Lifestyle, Business, Software Engineering, and many more.
Alison's learning materials are divided into two categories, namely Diploma Courses and Certificate Courses. What's the difference?
The difference is that Diploma Courses provide a wider range of material on a subject. In this category, you can get around 4 certificates (though not always 4). The Diploma Course category allows you to master several topics within a field of study.
While the Certificate Course category provides materials as well as printed certificates for those of you who want to study a specific topic. So, it can be said, Certificate Course materials are more specific and less expensive than Diploma Courses.
Superiority:
- More flexible study and test times. According to the wishes of the user.
- All lessons and certificates are free!
Lack:
- Some of the course material looks like copy pasted from another course.
- Lack of support when customers experience problems.
- Some customers are asked to make a payment, when registering for certain course materials, even though it says it's free.
9. TEDEd
You may already be familiar with TED which stands for Technology, Entertainment, Design. Yup, TEDEd is one of TED's programs in the field of education.
TEDEd is an online learning site that facilitates teachers and students around the world in a quite special way. This MOOC focuses on producing a collection of educational videos in the form of animation, and helping students who want to improve their presentation skills and innovative leadership. This online learning site is perfect for children or students who find it difficult to learn with old-fashioned learning methods.
Superiority:
- Has three general interesting lessons including: TEDEd animations (learning materials use animation media), TED Talk Lessons (learning materials about public speaking and literature), and TEDEd Best of Web (learning materials created by users which are then reviewed by TEDEd staff. topics that have been discussed on YouTube and TEDEd Animation).
Lack:
- The different quality of non-video lesson content makes students confused when taking the course.
10. Udemy
Udemy is a Massive Online Open Source focused on technical learning and teaching materials. For example about IT, digital marketing, business, data science, and skills related to career improvement. This online learning site is open to those of you who are beginners, or intermediate, or even experienced.
For those of you who want to learn other skills outside of IT, business, and data science, you can too! Because Udemy also provides free online courses including those related to hobbies (such as lessons on playing electric guitar) and productivity topics (personal development). All of the courses and materials that Udemy provides are from a wide range of great authors and experts in their fields.
Superiority:
- Udemy offers over 1000 free online courses.
- Udemy helps instructors promote their class or market to their target audience.
- Have Customer Support service via telephone and online.
Lack:
- Udemy's learning materials on coding are not comprehensive. So that users can only get basic materials.
- It is difficult for novice presenters to get students because of the intense competition among fellow material givers.
- Share the results of class sales that are not profitable for the material giver.
11. Coursera
This online learning website is suitable for those of you who want to learn new skills. For example, such as business analysis, graphic design, or anything that can support professional life.
Not only that, you know, this MOOC also comes with a certificate or even a degree! Through Coursera, you can get certificates or degrees from various leading institutions and universities such as Stanford, Google, Illinois, IBM, and others.
From the jargon, "Take the world's best courses, online," you can judge. That this online learning website should be taken into account. Coursera's online classes are equipped with 8 instructional languages such as Turkish, Spanish, Russian, Portuguese, French, English, Chinese and traditional Chinese versions.
Unlike other online learning sites, Coursera allows you to connect with learners or participants from all over the world. So you can discuss or even collaborate with them.
Superiority:
- Interesting variety of learning.
- Flexible course. The duration of each course varies. It could be 4 weeks, 2 months, 3 months, or more.
- Quality teaching and materials from universities around the world.
- Comes with a certificate for those of you who successfully complete the course.
- Have a global discussion room
- In addition, there are also local communities in Indonesia.
Lack:
- Most of the courses are provided for beginners only.
- The teacher or instructor is only from the university.
- The course material is too focused on the popular.
12. Codecademy
Now, learning about coding (writing program code) is not a great thing. Anyone can, including you, as long as you have the will. If you want to take your professional skills to the next level, learning coding can be an option, you know!
Because Codecademy provides a lot of learning materials related to coding, so try to focus on one material that you want to learn first. For example do you want to learn data analysis? Or web development? Or computer science?
Don't be afraid of lack of experience or knowledge of coding. Because, Codecademy will guide you to learn to code according to your experience level.
Superiority:
- The code you create will be tested immediately, after you submit it. So you will know whether you did the right thing or not.
- Later you will also learn to work on real projects, to test the extent of your knowledge of coding.
Lack:
- Less flexible study time, 200 hours per month.
- The quality of teachers is not the same. Some are very competent, some are not.
- Students cannot access notes from teachers after leaving class.
13. Duolingo
For those of you who want to learn a new language, Duolingo can be the right choice. This free online learning website as well as a language learning application provides dozens of materials that can increase your language skills.
Starting the course is not complicated. You just need to register your email and select the language you want to learn. Apart from that, the visualization and learning system is really fun.
Tips from us, because learning a new language takes extra effort, so try to always make time every day. 32 hours of study at Duolingo is equivalent to 1 semester of university language classes.
Don't worry about missing the moment when you skip study for a day or two. Duolingo will always remind you to get back to studying, via email or notifications on your smartphone.
Superiority:
- Very easy way to use. All you have to do is create an account and choose the language you want to learn.
- Relaxed and fun learning method. The thrill of fun is similar to playing a game: virtual coins, unlock new levels, number of lives left, and so on.
Lack:
- There are no videos that give examples of what the correct pronunciation should be. Or how to have a conversation in that language.
14. Niagahoster Course (NiCo)
Niagahoster as a hosting service provider also has online courses about the online world. The material provided by NiCo focuses on topics about websites, SEO, and digital marketing. Everything is available for free and can be accessed anytime and anywhere via your smartphone.
Learning materials from NiCo have been tailored to the needs of those of you who want to succeed in the online world. Don't worry about disturbing your other activities, because the course time is free. So, if you need additional knowledge and skills about the online world to support your business, the Niagahoster Course can be an option.
Superiority:
- All materials are freely accessible.
- Flexible study time, depending on the ability and desire of the user.
- Materials that focus on IT, digital marketing, make it easier for users to choose which course is needed.
Lack:
- The material is not complete because it is continuously updated by Niagahoster.
15. HubSpot Academy
Even though you already have a certain educational degree, it never hurts to improve your professional skills by taking online classes. At Hubspot Academy you can learn a lot of material, especially those related to careers and business.
No need to pay, aka free! You can learn a lot about marketing, content and media strategy, writing, and more.
HubSpot has proven its credibility by continuously updating its platform technology and materials. Because the material is focused on the world of business and marketing, HubSpot Academy makes it easy for you to continuously improve your professional skills. Moreover, coupled with certification services for those of you who successfully complete the course and are declared to have passed the test. Not bad to complete your career resume.
Superiority:
- The material is available in the form of videos, slide shows, and original scripts.
- Provide a certificate, for those of you who successfully complete the test with a value in accordance with
- Flexible study time, depending on your abilities.
- Easy way to access courses.
Lack:
- The cost is quite expensive.
- Content Management System (CMS) is too complicated.
- CRM (Customer Relationship Management) functionality is limited to users.
16. Indonesian Montessori (IMC)
For you, modern parents who don't always want to be updated about parenting and other knowledge about taking care of children, you can try studying at IMC. Montessori is an educational method that aims to develop children's potential cognitively, emotionally, physically, and socially. The Montessori learning method is carried out through interaction rather than instruction.
At IMC's online learning site, you'll find a variety of ways to practice the Montessori method anywhere. Not only that, there are many useful articles on parenting that can help you raise your baby. As well as educational materials for children such as mathematics, geography, culture, science, language, which can be printed.
Superiority:
- IMC provides more than 500 activity sheets that can be downloaded for free. In response to the closure of several schools due to the Covid-19 pandemic.
Lack:
- Parenting science that is too focused on mothers.
- There is no video content on the website.
17. Canva Design
Are you interested in learning design? It is such a coincidence! Canva Design provides interactive online workshops, you know! No need to pay a lot of money to get various modules on design.
For those of you who are professionals, you can use Canva Pro to create customized templates, for business, for example. You only need an internet connection and a device that supports this online class.
Canva design will support your online learning activities with tips, articles, facts, and tutorials about design. That way, later you will have new skills in designing products, brands, infographics, creating marketing campaigns, and so on. Instead of spending money to hire people, it's better to teach yourself for free, right?
Superiority:
- It has more than 60 thousand templates, more than 2 million images, more than 800 thousand icons and illustrations, and more than 700 fonts.
- Integrated with Google Classroom.
Lack:
- The mobile application does not have the same features as the desktop version.
- The process of uploading an image is quite complicated: you can't insert an image directly into the design.
- Limited stock photo options.
18. Facebook Blueprint
You may be a Facebook user. But have you ever heard that this social media platform also has an e-learning program? His name is Facebook Blueprint! Facebook Blueprint is a free online learning platform that provides self-paced courses on Facebook and Instagram advertising.
Facebook Blueprint has over 90 courses on advertising on Facebook and Instagram. This online class is very practical for digital marketers who want to develop their portfolios and ad formats. As for beginners in the field of Facebook and Instagram marketing, there are 13 classes that you can take.
The course topics are divided into the following categories:
- Create Facebook Pages.
- Promote your business through Facebook Page.
- How to add rules (policies), creativity and targets for content.
Superiority:
- Has 90 online courses. Each course only takes about 15-50 minutes. You only need to log in to your Facebook account to be able to take the class.
- Facebook Blueprint is a handy way for businesses to stay at the top of Facebook's advertising portfolio.
- Can be used by beginners, as well as experienced marketers.
- Provides certificates and badges that can be added to your portfolio.
Lack:
- The exams are very strict and difficult.
- You have to pay USD 150 to take one exam.
- The certificate expires after one year.
- Also read: How to Create Facebook Ads from A-Z
Which Online Learning Sites Are Most Interesting to You
While at home and there is plenty of free time, it never hurts to take one or two of the free online courses above. The list of online learning sites is the best and has proven to have many users.
No need to be too confused to see the many lists of online learning websites available. Just adjust it according to your interests and available time. Come on, make the most of your time at home by studying online! Take care of your health and keep your spirits up!