EdX is an online learning platform that offers a wide range of courses and programs from universities and institutions around the world. It was founded in 2012 by Harvard University and the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) with the goal of providing high-quality education to anyone with an internet connection.

EdX provides courses in various disciplines, including computer science, data science, business, the humanities, social sciences, engineering, and more. The courses are developed and taught by professors and experts from renowned universities and institutions, ensuring the quality and academic rigor of the content.

One of the distinguishing features of EdX is that it offers both free and paid courses. Learners can access the course material, watch lectures, and participate in discussions for free, but if they want to obtain a certificate of completion, they need to pay a fee. This allows learners to gain knowledge and skills at their own pace and budget.

EdX offers courses in a flexible online format where learners can access the content from anywhere and at any time, making it convenient for individuals with busy schedules or those who prefer self-paced learning. The platform also includes interactive features, such as quizzes, assignments, and discussion forums, which facilitate engagement and active learning.

In addition to individual courses, EdX also offers professional certificate programs and MicroMasters programs, which consist of a series of courses focused on specific skills or areas of study. These programs often provide more comprehensive learning experiences and can be used to enhance one's professional credentials.

Pros:

• Verified Certificates
• Partnerships
• 14-day Refund Policy
• Free Course Audit Option
• Learn At Your Own Pace

Cons:

• Limited Topics
• No Course Structure

Cost: Free

Best Courses: Computer Science, Biology

Website: https://www.edx.org/

Brainscape is one of the best study websites for students because it uses adaptive flashcards to help users study and retain information more effectively. It was founded in 2008 with the aim of applying cognitive science principles to optimize the learning process.

The core feature of Brainscape is its adaptive flashcards. Instead of presenting users with a static set of flashcards, the platform uses an algorithm to determine the optimal frequency and order of presenting the flashcards based on the user's individual learning needs. This adaptive learning approach helps users focus on the concepts they struggle with the most, optimizing their study time and enhancing retention.

Users can create their own flashcards or choose from a wide range of pre-made flashcard decks available on the platform, covering various subjects and topics. Brainscape also offers collaborative features, allowing users to share and study flashcards with others.

The platform tracks users' progress and provides feedback on their learning performance, helping them identify areas for improvement and stay motivated. It also offers additional study resources, such as multimedia content and explanations, to enhance understanding and reinforce learning.

Brainscape is accessible through its website and mobile apps, enabling users to study anytime and anywhere. The platform supports both individual learning and classroom settings, making it suitable for students, professionals, and anyone who wants to acquire new knowledge or improve their skills.

Pros:

• Generally can use for absolutely free.
• Easy to use and the interface is very clean and user-friendly.
• Create, share, and study from flashcards.

Cons:

• Limited learning ability (vocab only).
• No audio in free version.
• The app won’t lead you to fluency in a language

Cost: Free (With an option for premium)

Best Courses: Medical and Nursing

Website: https://www.brainscape.com/

Academic Earth is an online platform that provides free access to educational videos and lectures from leading universities and institutions worldwide. It was founded in 2009 with the goal of making high-quality educational content accessible to a global audience.

The platform features a wide range of courses and lectures in various disciplines, including science, mathematics, the humanities, social sciences, engineering, and more. These videos are sourced from prestigious universities such as Harvard, MIT, Stanford, Yale, and others. Users can browse through the course catalog and watch videos on topics of interest.

Academic Earth offers both individual lectures and complete courses, allowing learners to explore specific concepts or engage in more comprehensive study. The content is presented in a user-friendly format, making it easy to navigate and follow along.

One of the notable features of Academic Earth is its emphasis on providing content from renowned professors and experts in their respective fields. This ensures the quality and expertise of the educational material available on the platform.

In addition to the video lectures, Academic Earth also provides supplementary resources like reading materials, quizzes, and assignments to further enhance the learning experience. While the platform does not offer formal degrees or certifications, it serves as a valuable resource for self-directed learning and personal enrichment.

Academic Earth is accessible for free, and users can access the educational content without any registration or subscription fees. The platform is designed to be accessible to a global audience, and its content is available to anyone with an internet connection.

Pros:

• Vast collection of educational content
• High-quality content
• Flexibility and self-paced learning
• Diverse topics and perspectives
• Free access

Cons:

• Limited interactivity
• Lack of certification
• Not all subjects or courses may be available
• Reliance on video format
  

Cost: Free

Best Courses: Economics of Education, Educational Software

Website: https://academicearth.org/

The Internet Archive is a nonprofit digital library that aims to provide universal access to knowledge and cultural artifacts. It was founded in 1996 by Brewster Kahle and is located in San Francisco, California.

The Wayback Machine is the most well-known feature of the Internet Archive. It is a digital archive of the World Wide Web, capturing snapshots of web pages at different points in time. Users can access and browse billions of web pages from the past through the Wayback Machine.

The Texts section of the Internet Archive contains a vast collection of digitized books, articles, and other written materials. It includes a wide range of subjects and genres, including fiction, non-fiction, academic texts, historical documents, and more.

The Video section of the Internet Archive offers a diverse range of video content, including movies, TV shows, documentaries, news broadcasts, and user-generated videos. Many of these videos are in the public domain or have been contributed by users.

The Internet Archive also provides access to a collection of historical software, including classic video games, operating systems, productivity tools, and educational programs. Users can emulate and use this software directly through their web browsers.

Pros:

• Extensive collection of resources
  
• Historical and archival content
• Free access to public domain materials

Cons:

• Incomplete or missing content
  
• Lack of interactive features

Cost: Free
Best Courses: Geologic History
Website: https://archive.org/

Big Think is a multimedia platform that provides a forum for experts from various fields to share their knowledge and ideas through articles, interviews, and videos. It aims to explore significant ideas and concepts that impact society and promote critical thinking and intellectual curiosity.

Big Think features a diverse range of topics, including science, philosophy, technology, psychology, politics, and more. It covers a wide array of subjects such as the future of artificial intelligence, the implications of climate change, the nature of consciousness, the role of ethics in decision-making, and many other thought-provoking themes.

The platform invites renowned experts, scholars, scientists, entrepreneurs, and thought leaders to contribute their insights and perspectives. It aims to foster intelligent and engaging discussions around important topics, encouraging viewers and readers to challenge their existing beliefs and broaden their understanding of the world.

Through its content, Big Think seeks to inspire people to think critically, question assumptions, and explore new ideas. It serves as a platform for intellectual exploration, providing access to valuable knowledge and encouraging a deeper understanding of complex issues in an accessible manner.

Pros:

• Diverse and thought-provoking content
  
• Accessible and engaging format
  

Cons:

• Lack of depth and breadth
• Potential for oversimplification
• Varied quality of contributors

Website: https://bigthink.com/

Coursera is an online learning platform that offers a wide range of courses and educational programs from top universities and institutions worldwide. It provides opportunities for learners to access high-quality education and develop new skills in various fields.

On Coursera, you can find courses on subjects like computer science, business, data science, language learning, psychology, and more. These courses are created and taught by professors and experts from renowned universities and institutions, ensuring the content's credibility and relevance.

Coursera offers both free and paid courses, allowing learners to choose the learning experience that suits their needs. The platform provides a flexible learning environment, enabling students to study at their own pace and access course materials from anywhere at any time.

In addition to individual courses, Coursera also offers specialized programs, professional certificates, and online degrees. Specializations consist of a series of related courses that delve deeper into a specific topic. Professional certificates are credentials that demonstrate mastery in a particular skill set, and online degrees are comprehensive programs that provide a full curriculum for earning a degree.

Coursera's learning platform incorporates various multimedia elements, such as video lectures, quizzes, assignments, and discussion forums. These interactive features enhance the learning experience and facilitate knowledge retention.

Pros:

• Partnered Universities & Organizations
• Affordable Courses & Degrees
• Free Courses
• Learn Offline

Cons:

• Confusing Pricing
• Prior Knowledge
• Heavy Workload

Cost: Professional certificate costs $39-$99 per month

Best Courses: IBM Data Science, Google IT Support

Website: https://www.coursera.org/

Brightstorm is an online educational platform that offers video-based lessons and study resources for high school students. It provides academic support in subjects such as math, science, English, and social studies.

Brightstorm's video lessons are designed to help students understand complex concepts and improve their knowledge and skills in various subjects. The lessons are presented by experienced teachers who explain the topics in a clear and engaging manner, making it easier for students to grasp the content.

The platform covers a wide range of high school subjects, including algebra, geometry, calculus, biology, chemistry, physics, literature, and history. Each subject is divided into specific topics, and students can access videos related to the specific concepts they need help with.

In addition to video lessons, Brightstorm offers practice problems and quizzes to reinforce learning and assess students' understanding. The platform also provides study guides, worksheets, and other supplementary materials to support students in their academic pursuits.

Brightstorm aims to make learning enjoyable and accessible by using multimedia elements and interactive features. The platform allows students to learn at their own pace, review lessons as needed, and access the materials from anywhere with an internet connection.

Pros:

• Lessons are great for after-school review
• The teachers really know their stuff
  

Cons:

• Lectures may not be dynamic enough for kids who are truly struggling
• The site's tone is pretty negative about teachers

Cost: Free

Best Courses: Math and Science

Website: brightstorm.com

Howcast is an online platform that provides instructional videos on a wide range of topics. It offers a diverse collection of how-to videos, tutorials, and guides on subjects such as cooking, DIY projects, fitness, beauty, technology, and more.

The platform features videos created by experts and enthusiasts who share their knowledge and expertise in a step-by-step format. Howcast's goal is to make learning and acquiring new skills accessible and enjoyable for users of all backgrounds.

Whether you want to learn a new recipe, fix something around the house, master a musical instrument, or explore various hobbies, Howcast offers a vast library of instructional videos to help you get started. The videos are typically concise and straightforward, providing clear instructions and demonstrations to guide viewers through the learning process.

Howcast is available for free, and its content can be accessed through its website or mobile app. Users can search for specific topics or browse through different categories to find the videos that match their interests or learning goals.

Pros:

• library of instructional videos
• videos created by experts and enthusiasts

Cons:

• Varied quality of contributors

Cost: Free

Best Courses: Adobe

Website: howcast.com

Khan Academy is a non-profit educational organization that provides a free online learning platform. It offers a vast collection of educational resources, including video lessons, practice exercises, and quizzes, covering various subjects such as math, science, the humanities, computer programming, and more.

The platform was founded in 2008 by Salman Khan with the mission to provide a free, world-class education to anyone, anywhere. Khan Academy's content is designed to be accessible and self-paced, allowing learners of all ages and backgrounds to acquire knowledge and skills at their own pace.

The video lessons on Khan Academy cover a wide range of topics, with each lesson typically lasting a few minutes. The lessons are presented in a conversational and easy-to-understand manner, often using visuals and diagrams to enhance comprehension.

In addition to the video lessons, Khan Academy offers practice exercises and quizzes to reinforce learning and assess understanding. These interactive exercises provide immediate feedback, helping learners identify areas where they may need more practice or support.

Khan Academy also offers personalized learning features. Users can create an account and track their progress as they complete lessons and exercises. The platform provides recommendations for additional content based on individual strengths and areas that may need improvement.

Khan Academy has expanded its offerings beyond core academic subjects and now includes resources for test preparation (such as the SAT and GMAT), computer science, coding, personal finance, and more. The platform has also partnered with schools and organizations to integrate Khan Academy's resources into classroom settings.

Pros:

• It is free and accessible
• There are a wide variety of subjects available
• You can learn and work at your own pace
• Incredible amount of math problems for a variety of grade levels

Cons:

• Less interactive than having a face-to-face teacher or tutor
• You are only exposed to one teaching style

Cost: Free
Best Courses: Computer Programming, Microeconomics
Website: khanacademy.org

Mental Floss is a media company and website that focuses on delivering engaging and informative content across a wide range of topics. It covers trivia, interesting facts, history, science, pop culture, and other intriguing subjects.

The website features articles, lists, quizzes, and videos that aim to entertain and educate readers. Mental Floss presents information in a fun and accessible manner, making it a popular destination for those seeking entertaining and thought-provoking content.

The content on Mental Floss covers a diverse array of subjects, including but not limited to historical events, scientific discoveries, linguistic quirks, famous personalities, movie trivia, and unusual phenomena. It often highlights lesser-known facts and behind-the-scenes stories to provide readers with unique insights and knowledge.

In addition to its website, Mental Floss has expanded its reach through various media channels, including social media platforms, podcasts, and a magazine. These different formats allow audiences to engage with the content in a way that suits their preferences.

Mental Floss is known for its ability to blend entertainment with education, creating an enjoyable and informative experience for its readers. Its content appeals to curious minds and individuals looking for interesting tidbits of information across a wide range of subjects.

Pros:

• Presents information in a fun and accessible manner
• Not limited to historical events, scientific discoveries, linguistic quirks
• Various media channels

Cons:

• Incomplete or missing content
• Lack of interactive features

Cost: Free

Best Courses: Science

Website: https://mentalfloss.com/

Photomath is a mobile application that helps users solve math problems by using their device's camera. It utilizes optical character recognition (OCR) technology to recognize and process handwritten or printed math equations and provides step-by-step solutions.

The app allows users to point their device's camera at a math problem, and Photomath will scan and analyze the equation. It then displays the solution along with a detailed explanation of the steps involved. This can be helpful for students who want to check their work or understand how to solve a particular math problem.

Photomath supports a wide range of math topics, including arithmetic, algebra, trigonometry, calculus, and more. The app's interface is user-friendly, and it provides additional features like the ability to save and review past problems, access to a built-in calculator, and options for handwriting recognition.

While Photomath can be a valuable tool for learning and understanding math concepts, it's important to note that it is not intended to replace the process of actively engaging with and learning math. It is best used as a supplementary tool to aid in problem-solving and concept comprehension.

Pros:

• Offers a unique, tech-savvy approach to showing solutions to math equations

Cons:

• Kids will be tempted to use the app for quick and easy answers to problems
• No opportunity for in-depth learning.

Cost: Free

Best Courses: Math

Website: https://photomath.com/en/

Quizlet is an online learning platform that provides a variety of tools and resources to help students study and master different subjects. It offers a range of study materials, including flashcards, practice quizzes, and study games.

Users can create their own study sets or explore and use sets created by other Quizlet users. Study sets typically consist of terms or concepts on one side and their corresponding definitions or explanations on the other side. Flashcards allow users to review and test their knowledge, while practice quizzes help assess understanding and reinforce learning.

In addition to flashcards and quizzes, Quizlet offers interactive study games that make learning more engaging and enjoyable. These games can be played individually or with others, providing a fun way to review and reinforce knowledge.

Quizlet also provides features for collaborative learning. Users can join study groups, share study sets with classmates, and even contribute to a shared set, allowing for collaborative creation and learning.

Furthermore, Quizlet offers various study modes, including the "Learn" mode, which utilizes a spaced repetition algorithm to help users memorize and retain information effectively. The platform also supports audio and image uploads, allowing users to incorporate auditory and visual learning elements into their study materials.

Pros:

• Allow students to memorize facts or words.
• Allow students to create their own study material.
• Help to learn new information.

Cons:

• Ads can be very distracting for students, which disturbs the learning process.
• It can be potentially used by students to cheat on their assessments.
• Most of Quizlet answers can be found online (by googling).

Cost: 7 days free trial, $48 per year

Best Courses: Scientific Management

Website: quizlet.com