When I first stumbled upon Skillshare in 2018, ready to transition from teaching to graphic design, the array of courses was a bit overwhelming. When I decided to upskill in graphic design, I sought out classes in Adobe Photoshop and Illustrator and Skillshare was the obvious choice due to its wide variety of creative classes. At first, the wide range of classes was a little daunting, but after spending some time on the platform, I found the best way to choose the perfect class whilst learning from home.
That’s why I’ve crafted my top 7 expert tips for selecting the right Skillshare class. These insights have been invaluable in guiding me for picking Skillshare courses. So, when you’re gearing up to choose your next Skillshare class, remember these tips. I hope you find them as beneficial as I did, and that they help you make the most informed choice.
Catherine CookeUpskillwise Advisor
1. Smart Filtering
Skillshare’s filtering feature is a real-time saver when navigating its vast library of creative content. When you dive into Skillshare looking for the perfect class, you can start by selecting a category — be it Animation, Graphic Design, Illustration, or something else. From there, you can fine-tune your search: choosing a subcategory, and sort classes by what’s trending or most popular. On top of that, you can select the duration of the class, this although you to really narrow down your search and find exactly what you’re looking for.
Although Skillshare may not have as many filter options as platforms like Coursera, it still does a pretty good job at steering you towards the right class. It’s an incredibly smooth way to cut through the clutter and zero in on what you want to learn.
2. Class Insight
The ‘About’ section on Skillshare acts like your personal class preview, offering a comprehensive glance before you commit. Scroll down past the video lessons, and you’ll find this segment packed with details. It outlines what you’ll learn, any prerequisites, and the resources you’ll need to download. Plus, it provides a clear outline of how the video lessons are structured, giving you a solid idea of what to expect – which I found particularly helpful.
3. Showcase Student Projects
In most Skillshare classes, you’re invited to roll up your sleeves and create a personal project that aligns with your class you’ve been following. This hands-on approach solidifies your learning but also allows you to showcase your work to the Skillshare community. Here’s the exciting part: you can share your project, receive likes, and exchange feedback with peers, enriching your learning experience. Engaging with others’ projects offers additional insights and inspiration, making the learning process a dynamic, interactive journey. I found this particularly helpful, especially before starting the class, as seeing the work of other learners sparked my creativity and offered ideas for my own creations.
4. Reviews Tell All
Skillshare’s review system provides a comprehensive breakdown of student opinions, allowing you to explore feedback based on learners expectations, such as the ‘Exceeded’, ‘Yes’, ‘Somewhat’ and so on rating. You can delve into reviews from other users, though keep in mind that Skillshare defaults to sorting them from best to worst. For a more balanced perspective, simply switch to the ‘Most Recent’ sorting option. Additionally, don’t miss out on the ‘Most Liked’ section, which highlights the aspects most valued by students, like helpful examples, instructor clarity, and class organization. This gives you an easy visual snapshot of what previous learners have thought of the class.
5. Meet Your Teacher
Delving into Skillshare teachers is like embarking on a journey to discover your perfect guide! Each instructor has their own page where they share who they are, their background, and what they aim to achieve with their teaching. It’s a great way to get a feel for their style. Plus, you can often find links to their website or social media for more info, on top of that, you can check out other classes they are teaching if you like their style.
6. Free Trial Offer
Get ready to dive into Skillshares generous 1-month free trial! With this offer, you’ll have a whole month to explore everything Skillshare has to offer, from its vast array of classes to its vibrant community. And here’s the best part: if you decide it’s not for you, you simply cancel, within the first month, and you won’t be charged a penny. It’s a risk-free way to embark on your learning journey and discover the platform. I want to add here its one of the most generous free trials from any online learning platform.
7. On-the-Move
Take your learning on the move with the Skillshare app! Whether you’re using a tablet or smartphone, the app gives you access to all Skillshare has to offer, even when you’re offline. Simply download your favorite classes in advance, and you’re ready to learn from anywhere. Plus, your progress syncs seamlessly across all your devices—whether it’s your computer, tablet, or phone—ensuring a smooth learning experience, no matter where you are. If you’re juggling a busy schedule or have a lengthy commute, the Skillshare app could be your solution. Available for both iOS (rated 4.8) and Android (rated 4.5), it’s your ticket to learning on the go.
