LinkedIn Learning, formerly known as Lynda.com, is an online learning platform that offers a wide range of courses taught by industry experts. With thousands of courses covering business, creative, and technology topics, LinkedIn Learning aims to help professionals gain new skills and advance their careers. But what makes LinkedIn Learning more beneficial than other online learning platforms? Here are some of the key benefits of using LinkedIn Learning.
Access to High-Quality Courses
LinkedIn Learning curates courses that are taught by credible instructors who are active practitioners and experts in their respective fields. Before being selected to teach, instructors undergo a rigorous screening process to ensure they can create effective and engaging video courses. LinkedIn Learning also works with influencers, brands, and partners to develop content that focuses on in-demand skills. This results in highly informative and up-to-date courses that users can rely on to learn sought-after skills.
Covers a Wide Range of Topics
With over 16,000 courses spanning across business, creative, and technology categories, LinkedIn Learning has one of the most expansive course libraries among online learning platforms. Learners can explore courses within various domains such as:
- Programming languages like Python, Java, and Ruby
- Graphic design tools like Photoshop, Illustrator, and InDesign
- Productivity software like Excel, PowerPoint, and QuickBooks
- Web development frameworks like React, Angular, and Bootstrap
- Business topics such as project management, communication, and leadership
Having courses across diverse domains allows professionals to learn highly relevant skills no matter what their expertise area is.
Personalized Recommendations
LinkedIn Learning makes effective use of data and machine learning algorithms to provide tailored course recommendations to each learner. By analyzing profiles, interests, and skill goals, it suggests courses that can help users fill their skill gaps and meet learning objectives. The recommendation engine also factors in the courses that are popular among peers and in the user’s industry. This personalization ensures that learners can easily find the most suitable courses for their needs.
Bite-Sized Video Lessons
Courses on LinkedIn Learning are broken down into small video segments, usually between 3-10 minutes in length. These bite-sized lessons make it easy for learners to fit learning into small pockets of time during busy workdays. Short videos also aid information retention as focused content is easier to absorb. Learners have the flexibility to watch videos at their own pace – skipping topics they know well and rewatching ones they want to better understand.
Hands-on Learning
Most courses on LinkedIn Learning blend video lessons with hands-on exercises, coding challenges, design projects, and quizzes. Learning by doing helps reinforce concepts and gives learners the opportunity to apply skills in practical scenarios. Downloading exercise files allows learners to work alongside instructors to cement their understanding. Some courses feature coding playgrounds and built-in editors that provide an immersive learning experience.
Tracks for Guided Learning
For learners looking for a structured approach to mastering skills, LinkedIn Learning offers learning paths called Tracks. Tracks provide goal-oriented and sequential guidance through courses, creating a personalized learning plan. Users can follow tracks on topics ranging from digital marketing to IT administration to 3D animation. Tracking learning progress helps keep users motivated while ensuring they build skills methodically.
Up-to-Date Content
Instructors continuously update their courses to keep content current with the latest version of tools, techniques, and industry practices. Courses are refreshed when new in-demand skills emerge. LinkedIn Learning also regularly adds new courses on trending topics to their library. This emphasis on maintaining relevance ensures learners acquire knowledge that is applicable in real-world scenarios.
Optimized Mobile Viewing Experience
LinkedIn Learning’s apps for iOS and Android allow learners to view courses and videos seamlessly on mobile devices. The apps make it convenient to continue learning while traveling or taking a break. Key features like downloadable videos, playback speed control, and bookmarks aid uninterrupted learning on the go. Learners can get notifications about newly available courses and recently watched content for quick access.
Offers Various Ways to Learn
LinkedIn Learning caters to different learning styles and needs by providing courses in the following formats:
- Video courses – The core learning format consisting of expert-led video lessons.
- Learning paths – Structured sequences of courses to master a skill.
- Audio courses – Learn by listening while multitasking.
- Skill assessments – Assess current skill levels through quizzes.
- Course transcripts – Useful for referring back to key learnings.
Having varied course formats ensures an engaging and well-rounded learning experience.
Social Learning
Leveraging its LinkedIn integration, LinkedIn Learning facilitates connecting and networking with other learners. Users can post course-related questions and comments, follow influencers publishing content, join groups focused on skills and topics, and share completed courses on their LinkedIn profile. Enabling social interactions beyond courses enhances the learning experience.
Measurable Skills Development
LinkedIn Learning’s dashboard provides visibility into learning progress with features like:
- Course completion status and progress
- Skills covered in completed courses
- Learning hours logged
- Course completion certificates
Tracking learning helps identify skill gaps and quantify progress toward goals. Certificates serve as verifiable credentials when applying for jobs or projects.
Reasonable Pricing
For individuals, LinkedIn Learning offers monthly and annual subscription plans which translate to an affordable per-course price. Bulk discounts are available for enterprise plans. When compared to the cost of in-person training and seminars, LinkedIn Learning presents a budget-friendly way to build new skills and expand professional capabilities.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I sign up for LinkedIn Learning?
You can sign up for a LinkedIn Learning individual subscription on the LinkedIn Learning website. Click on the “Try for free” button and follow the prompts to complete sign up using your email ID or LinkedIn profile. You can try LinkedIn Learning for free for one month before purchasing a paid monthly or annual subscription plan.
What skills can I learn on LinkedIn Learning?
LinkedIn Learning offers courses to develop both hard skills and soft skills across diverse domains. Some of the most popular skill categories include:
- Programming languages like Python, JavaScript, Java
- Creative tools like Photoshop, InDesign, AutoCAD
- Business software like Excel, Tableau, QuickBooks
- Web development skills like HTML, CSS, React
- Leadership, communication, time management
- Project management, analytical skills, critical thinking
New courses are continually added based on emerging skill needs.
How do LinkedIn Learning courses work?
LinkedIn Learning courses consist of bite-sized video lessons taught by industry experts. Courses integrate hands-on exercises, coding challenges, and quizzes to promote active learning. Most courses come with downloadable resources like starter files, templates, and datasets for working alongside instructors. Courses have flexible pacing, bookmarks, transcripts, and ratings.
Can I access LinkedIn Learning on my TV?
LinkedIn Learning courses can be streamed on smart TVs using the LinkedIn Learning app available on webOS, Tizen, and Android TVs. You can also screen mirror LinkedIn Learning from your smartphone or tablet to smart TVs that support casting.
Is LinkedIn Learning worth the money?
With its comprehensive and high-quality course library, personalized recommendations, downloadable resources, and expert instructors, LinkedIn Learning provides outstanding value for money. For individuals, it costs around $25-$30 a month, which is comparable to just one day of in-person training. LinkedIn Learning is a worthwhile investment for continuous skills development.
Conclusion
LinkedIn Learning is designed to cater to modern professionals looking to expand their skillsets in an ever-evolving job landscape. Its strengths include expert-led courses covering in-demand skills, personalized recommendations, flexible learning formats, and measurable skills development. By delivering practical and up-to-date learning experiences, LinkedIn Learning empowers professionals to reach their career goals and adapt to new roles and responsibilities. Whether you want to land a promotion, change careers, or pick up a new hobby skill, LinkedIn Learning has abundant courses to meet your needs.