It’s September. Your kids are off to school or college and you realize that you miss learning new things. Maybe you don’t miss teachers who slammed their pointers on your desk to wake you up or called on you when you didn’t have your hand raised. (No? Just me?) But you do miss learning new thing and studying subjects that interest you and that aren’t a requirement. What do you want to learn?
No matter the subject, there are a lot of ways that you can learn new things. Most towns and cities offer continuing education classes through their local high schools, YMCA’s or even their Park and Rec departments. I’ve seen everything from yoga to French, to ballroom dancing, to Accounting, to Fencing and so many others offered through these options.
There are also a lot of online learning options available. If you’re interested in taking college classes and even doing a degree program, you can look into Coursera. You can take college classes from teachers at some of the top universities and colleges in the world. Many are free, but there are also degree and certificate options.
Most of the Coursera classes run on a timeline just like a brick-and-mortar college. If you’d rather take a course that you can complete at your own pace, there are plenty of options for that as well. My two favorites are MasterClass and SkillShare which have yearly subscriptions that give you access to all the classes. MasterClass also offers a per-course option. I do a yearly subscription with both.
SkillShare
SkillShare offers a variety of classes in subjects as diverse as iPhone photography skills to animating characters to public speaking and even project management. There is even UI/UX design, interior designing, and creative writing.
There are over 22,000 classes so you’re sure to find something that you like. SkillShare even offers you an opportunity to become a teacher and share your knowledge.
There’s a monthly plan for 15.00 or a Premium plan that ends up being only 8.25 per month when it’s billed for the year at 99.00. New users can get their first month with SkillShare for free. SkillShare also has a business or Team plan that is available.
MasterClass
I love everything about MasterClass. The teachers, the pricing, the production value, and the level of learning that you gain. As the name implies, you are learning from the masters in their field.
Learn directing and filmmaking from the likes of Ron Howard, Spike Lee, Jodie Foster, Ken Burns or even Martin Scorsese. Learn writing from Shonda Rimes, Joyce Carol Oates, Judy Blume, Dan Brown, Malcolm Gladwell, or even Margaret Atwood.
If you want to cook, there are classes from Gorden Ramsey, Wolfgang Puck, Alice Waters, and more. You can learn from Serena Willams, Simone Biles, Steph Curry in sports, Carlos Santana, Herbie Hancock, and even Christina Aguilera in the music category. And so many more.
As you can tell, I’m a huge advocate of MasterClass. Both my husband and I are enjoying the classes. Some we participate in fully. Some we just audit. But the best part of MasterClass is the community it creates. There are opportunities to share your work, ask questions, and even collaborate with others.
With MasterClass, you can do a yearly subscription at $180.00. That one subscription price gives you access to all of the classes–over 180 classes!
I’m sure between any of these options you will find a class or two or a dozen that you want to take. What do you want to learn?
I haven’t tried these class subscriptions, but I am intrigued. I consider myself a life-long learner and am always looking to learn. I read a lot and watch a lot of videos and listen to podcasts. I’ve also bought courses. I like the idea than in a subscription I could try different things and not be quite as committed as if I have paid hundreds of dollars.
That’s the best thing about the subscription classes. If you want to learn something there are usually a dozen or more classes by different teachers. If you don’t like the first teacher, then you can try a different class without losing money.
Nice post. One day I’d love to take Annie Leibovitz’ master class. One day!
My husband is currently taking it. He says hers is set up like an interview (instead of the other classes where the star is directly teaching.) In Annie’s case, someone is interviewing her and bringing out all the information. He says he’s learning a lot and it’s already making him rethink how he’s looking at shots.
Hi Jennifer. I think I’d like to take some sculpting lessons to further my skills. Those Master classes sound really interesting too. Sharing to FB.
Thanks for stopping by, Christina. I think sculpting lessons would be awesome to try.
I did click on MasterClass – thanks for sharing!
I hope you liked what you saw!
I’m learning all about Amazon algorithms in order to market my fiction more effetively. I’m a bit believer in never stopping the learning process. Life is way too interesting. #MLSTL
Glad you’re continuing to learn new things. I think learning new things (and laughing while doing it) are the keys to long life! That and some good friends to laugh with about your studies!
These are two wonderful learning options, Jennifer! I had heard of both but didn’t know the details. Thanks for helping us learn how to learn. 🙂 Sharing on SM. #MLSTL
I haven’t done anything like this before Jennifer so it was good to read of your experiences. Thanks for sharing and I’ve shared for #mlstl
These all sound quite intriguing Jennifer – I haven’t found anything I’m interesting in studying yet, but when I decide on an area of interest this will be a great reminder of where to start looking for resources.
Thanks for linking up with us at MLSTL and I’ve pinned it for later. 🙂
I’ve seen promoted posts on Facebook about MasterClass and was intrigued. Thanks for sharing the details. I’m definitely intrigued.
Both are great options. I like Masterclass because you’re learning from a pro. It’s great if you are into the creative arts.
Yes, and the quality of MasterClass excellent. Higher priced, but well worth it.