In today’s fast-paced world, online learning platforms have become indispensable tools for skill development. With so many options available, deciding which platform is best for you can be tough. This article compares two popular choices: Pluralsight and LinkedIn Learning and which is better, Pluralsight or LinkedIn Learning? We’ll delve into their history, key features, and pricing to help you make an informed decision.
Online Learning Platforms
Online learning platforms are websites or applications that provide educational content, such as courses, tutorials, and other resources, to help individuals learn new skills or improve existing ones. These platforms often include features such as video lectures, quizzes, and interactive exercises to make learning engaging and effective.
Importance of Online Learning in Skill Development
As the world becomes increasingly digital, it’s essential to continually develop new skills to stay competitive in the job market. Online learning platforms offer flexibility and accessibility, allowing users to learn at their own pace and on their own schedule. They also provide a wealth of resources and courses, covering a wide range of topics and industries, making acquiring new skills and knowledge easier than ever.
Introduction to Pluralsight and LinkedIn Learning
Pluralsight and LinkedIn Learning are two popular online learning platforms that offer a variety of courses and resources to help individuals develop new skills. Both platforms cater to professionals in various fields, with a focus on technology, design, and business.
This comparison aims to help you decide which platform, Pluralsight or LinkedIn Learning, is best suited for your needs and will effectively boost your skills to new heights. We’ll discuss each platform’s key features, pricing, and offerings to provide a comprehensive overview.
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An Overview of Pluralsight
Pluralsight, founded in 2004, started as a classroom training company before transitioning to an online learning platform. The company has since grown to become one of the leading technology skills development platforms, offering a wide range of courses and resources for professionals in the tech industry.
Key Features and Offerings:
- Course Catalog. Pluralsight boasts an extensive course catalog with over 7,500 courses, focusing primarily on technology, software development, and IT. The platform also offers courses in design, business, and creative disciplines.
- Learning Paths. To help users achieve their learning goals, Pluralsight offers learning paths, which are curated collections of courses designed to build specific skill sets. This feature ensures learners follow a structured and comprehensive learning plan to master their chosen skills.
- Skill Assessments. Pluralsight provides skill assessments that help users evaluate their proficiency in a particular subject. These assessments offer personalized recommendations for courses and learning paths based on the user’s current skill level.
- Mentoring and Support. Pluralsight offers live mentoring and support to its users, connecting them with industry experts who can provide guidance, answer questions, and offer project feedback.
- Pricing and Subscription Plans. Pluralsight offers a variety of subscription plans, including a monthly plan for $29 per month and an annual plan for $299 per year. They also offer premium plans with additional features, such as certification practice exams and interactive courses, starting at $449 annually.
Overview of LinkedIn Learning
History and Background (formerly Lynda.com)
LinkedIn Learning, formerly Lynda.com, is an online learning platform acquired by LinkedIn in 2015. Founded in 1995 by Lynda Weinman, the platform initially offered web design courses before expanding its course offerings to various other disciplines. Today, LinkedIn Learning is an extensive platform with thousands of courses for professionals across industries.
Key Features
- Course Catalog. LinkedIn Learning offers a vast course catalog with over 16,000 courses covering various topics, including technology, design, business, and more. The platform adds new courses every week, ensuring users have access to the latest industry trends and knowledge.
- Learning Paths. Similar to Pluralsight, LinkedIn Learning also offers learning paths, which are curated collections of courses designed to help users build specific skills or achieve professional goals.
- Personalized Recommendations LinkedIn Learning provides personalized course recommendations based on the user’s LinkedIn profile, browsing history, and learning preferences, helping users find the most relevant content for their career growth.
- Integration with LinkedIn Profile. One of the standout features of LinkedIn Learning is its seamless integration with users’ LinkedIn profiles. Completed courses can be easily added to users’ profiles, showcasing their new skills and accomplishments to potential employers and connections.
- Pricing and Subscription Plans. LinkedIn Learning offers a monthly subscription plan for $29.99 or $299.88 annually. Additionally, LinkedIn Learning is included with LinkedIn Premium subscriptions, which start at $29.99 per month.
Pluralsight vs. LinkedIn Learning: A Comparison.
Course Content:
- Quality of Content. Both Pluralsight and LinkedIn Learning offer high-quality content, with courses created by industry experts and professionals. However, the choice between the two may depend on your specific learning needs and the topics you’re interested in.
- The breadth of Topics Covered. While Pluralsight focuses mainly on technology and IT, LinkedIn Learning offers a broader range of topics, including business, creative disciplines, and soft skills. This makes LinkedIn Learning a more versatile option for users with diverse learning needs.
- Updates and New Course Additions. Both platforms regularly update their course offerings and add new courses to stay current with industry trends. However, LinkedIn Learning adds new courses more frequently, providing users with access to the latest knowledge and insights.
Learning Experience
- User Interface and Ease of Navigation. Both Pluralsight and LinkedIn Learning have intuitive user interfaces and are easy to navigate. Users can quickly find courses, access learning paths, and track their progress on both platforms.
- Video Quality and Instructor Expertise. The video quality on both platforms is generally high, and instructors are knowledgeable and experienced in their respective fields. Users can expect a professional and engaging learning experience on both Pluralsight and LinkedIn Learning.
- Hands-on Learning Opportunities. LinkedIn Learning offers more hands-on learning opportunities, with many courses, including quizzes, exercises, and downloadable resources. Pluralsight also offers some hands-on learning but is more limited than LinkedIn Learning.
- Additional Resources and Support. Pluralsight offers live mentoring and support, giving users access to industry experts for guidance and feedback. LinkedIn Learning does not have a similar offering, but its integration with LinkedIn profiles provides learners with additional networking opportunities and visibility.
Pricing and Value for Money
- Subscription Plans and Pricing. Pluralsight and LinkedIn Learning have similar pricing, with both platforms offering monthly and annual subscription plans. However, LinkedIn Learning also includes access to the platform with LinkedIn Premium subscriptions, providing additional benefits and features.
- Free Trial and Money-Back Guarantee. Both platforms offer a free trial, allowing users to explore the content and features before committing to a subscription. Pluralsight offers a 10-day free trial, while LinkedIn Learning offers a 1-month free trial.
- Discounts and Promotions. Both platforms occasionally offer discounts and promotions, making their subscription plans more affordable. Be sure to check their websites or subscribe to their newsletters to stay informed about any special offers.
- Business Plans and Team Access. Pluralsight and LinkedIn Learning offer business plans for organizations and teams, providing access to their platforms at discounted rates. These plans include additional features like team analytics, administrative tools, and dedicated customer support.
Pros and Cons
Pluralsight
Pros
- Extensive course catalog focused on technology and IT
- Skill assessments for personalized learning
- Learning Paths for structured skill development
- Live mentoring and support from industry experts
Cons
- Limited course offerings in non-technical areas
- Fewer hands-on learning opportunities compared to LinkedIn Learning
LinkedIn Learning
Pros
- Wide range of topics, including business, creative disciplines, and soft skills
- Personalized course recommendations based on LinkedIn profile
- Seamless integration with LinkedIn for networking and personal branding
- More frequent updates and new course additions
Cons
- No live mentoring or support like Pluralsight offers
- May not be as focused on technology and IT as Pluralsight
Use Cases: Which Platform is Best for You?
Individual Learners
LinkedIn Learning may be better suited for individual learners due to its broader range of topics and personalized course recommendations based on your LinkedIn profile.
IT Professionals
Pluralsight is an excellent choice for IT professionals because of its focus on technology and IT courses, skill assessments, and learning paths.
Developers and Engineers
For developers and engineers, Pluralsight offers a comprehensive catalog of courses in software development, programming languages, and other technical skills.
Business and Team Training
Both platforms provide business plans for team training, but LinkedIn Learning’s broader range of topics may be more suitable for diverse teams and business needs.
Networking and Personal Branding
LinkedIn Learning’s integration with LinkedIn profiles makes it an ideal platform for professionals looking to showcase their skills, network, and build their personal brand.
FAQs
1. What is Pluralsight known for?
Pluralsight is known for its extensive course catalog focused on technology, software development, and IT, as well as its skill assessments and learning paths for structured skill development.
2. What makes LinkedIn Learning unique?
LinkedIn Learning is unique for its personalized course recommendations based on users’ LinkedIn profiles, seamless integration with LinkedIn for networking and personal branding, and its broader range of topics, including business and creative disciplines.
3. How do Pluralsight and LinkedIn Learning differ in terms of pricing?
Both platforms offer similar pricing for individual subscriptions, but LinkedIn Learning also includes access to LinkedIn Premium subscriptions, providing additional benefits and features.
4. Can I access course materials offline on Pluralsight and LinkedIn Learning?
Yes, both Pluralsight and LinkedIn Learning allow users to download course materials for offline viewing on their mobile apps.
5. Do Pluralsight and LinkedIn Learning offer certifications upon course completion?
Both platforms offer certificates of completion for individual courses, which can be added to your LinkedIn profile or shared with employers.
Conclusion
In summary, both Pluralsight and LinkedIn Learning are powerful platforms for boosting your skills and achieving professional growth. Your choice will depend on your specific learning needs, preferred topics, and budget. Explore both platforms using their free trials to find the best fit for your personal and professional development journey. Remember, continuous learning and skills development are crucial for success in today’s fast-paced world, so start investing in yourself today.