20 Essential Internet Learning Resources for Adults

With 65 percent of the global population now using the internet, adults are increasingly turning to online platforms for learning and personal development. The internet offers a vast array of online education for adults across various fields. From enhancing professional skills to pursuing new hobbies, these digital tools empower adults to continue their education in flexible and accessible ways. 

Are you an adult learner? The following list of 20 essential internet learning resources is curated to inspire you to try something new or advance your learning. It presents high-quality, accessible, and varied platforms that cater to unique learning styles and goals. 

Not every resource will be for you. Look for the ones that you think will improve your life and spark your curiosity. 

Comparing Online Education Resources for Adults

PlatformCategoryBest ForStandout FeatureCostCourseraHigher EducationUniversity-level learning and certificatesUniversity partnerships with Yale, Johns HopkinsFree courses; paid certificatesedXHigher EducationGraduate-level specializationsMicroMasters programs from top universitiesFree courses; paid certificatesUdemySkill DevelopmentTechnical and creative skillsLifetime access to purchased coursesOne-time purchase per courseSkillshareCreative SkillsDesign, photography, and writingProject-based learning with peer feedbackMonthly subscriptionDuolingoLanguage LearningGamified language acquisition34 hours equals one university semesterFree with premium optionBabbelLanguage LearningReal-life conversation skillsSpeech recognition technologyMonthly subscriptionCodecademyTechnical SkillsInteractive coding lessonsHands-on coding challengesFree tier; paid premiumPluralsightIT ProfessionalAdvanced technical certificationsIT certification preparationMonthly subscriptionLinkedIn LearningProfessional DevelopmentCareer advancement and networkingLinkedIn profile integrationMonthly subscriptionMasterClassCreative/ProfessionalLearning from industry legendsCelebrity instructorsAnnual subscriptionKhan AcademyAcademicFree comprehensive educationCompletely free high-quality contentFreeJSTORAcademic ResearchScholarly articles and papersVast digital library accessInstitutional or paid accessAdobe Creative Cloud TutorialsCreative SkillsDesign software masteryOfficial software tutorialsIncluded with Creative CloudDomestikaCreative ArtsArt, craft, and design workshopsCourses by industry professionalsCourse purchaseInvestopedia AcademyFinancial LiteracyTrading and investment educationFinancial concept simplificationCourse purchaseHeadspaceWellnessMeditation and mindfulnessGuided meditation sessionsFree tier; paid premiumCalmWellnessSleep improvement and relaxationSleep stories and breathing exercisesFree tier; paid premiumAmerica's Test KitchenCulinary SkillsRecipe mastery and cooking scienceStep-by-step instructional videosSubscriptionMyFitnessPalHealth & NutritionCalorie tracking and fitnessComprehensive food databaseFree tier; paid premium

Coursera

Coursera is a leader in online education, offering a blend of university-level courses, certificates, and degree programs. Its collaborations with top universities have made higher education more accessible to adult learners. 

• Data Science: Learn essential skills like statistical analysis and machine learning with the Data Science Specialization from Johns Hopkins University. 
• Business: Enhance your understanding of marketing, management, and finance with the Business Foundations Specialization from the Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania. 
• Personal Development: Courses like Yale University’s The Science of Well-Being focus on improving life skills and mental well-being, which is beneficial for maintaining a healthy work-life balance. 

edX

edX is another renowned platform offering university-level courses across a wide range of disciplines. 

• MicroMasters Programs: These specialized, graduate-level courses provide in-depth knowledge. For example, UC Berkeley offers a MicroMasters program in data science. 
• Professional Certificates: Earn certifications that can open doors to new job opportunities. PMP-certified professionals earn an average salary of $120,000. 
• Wide Range of Disciplines: edX collaborates with institutions like Harvard, MIT, and Stanford to offer courses in business, technology, health, and humanities. 

Specialized Skill Development Platforms

Udemy

Udemy offers a wide array of courses covering technical, business, and creative skills. 

• Lifetime Access: When you purchase a course, you get lifetime access to the content, allowing you to revisit materials and updates anytime. 
• Constantly Updated Content: Courses like the Digital Marketing Masterclass are frequently updated to reflect the latest industry trends and tools. 
• Variety of Courses: With over 210,000 courses, Udemy covers a vast range of subjects, including niche topics like drone piloting. 

Skillshare

Skillshare focuses on creative skills like design, photography, and writing, using a practical, project-based approach. 

• Interactive Projects: Courses include real-world projects, allowing you to apply what you've learned. According to Skillshare's user statistics, it has over 12 million learners. 
• Peer Feedback: You can receive feedback from peers, which is especially helpful in creative fields. A study by Cornell University found that peer feedback enhances learning outcomes. 
• Collaborative Learning: Skillshare offers collaborative classes where learners can work together on projects, providing valuable networking opportunities. 

Language Learning Tools

Duolingo

Duolingo makes language learning fun and effective with its gamified approach, which is vital in a world where multilingualism is linked to better cognitive abilities. 

• Customized Learning Paths: Your learning journey is tailored to your speed and style. A study found that 34 hours on the app is equivalent to a full university semester of language education. 
• Immediate Feedback: Receive instant feedback on exercises to quickly correct mistakes. This feature has led to a 55 percent increase in user retention rates. 
• Engaging Content: The app uses a variety of exercises and mini games that makes learning enjoyable for its over 500 million+ active users. 

Babbel

Babbel focuses on real-life conversations to help you master a new language for travel, work, or personal enrichment. 

• Speech Recognition Technology: This feature helps you refine your pronunciation with instant feedback. Babbel reports that a majority of its users improved their oral proficiency within three months. 
• Real-Life Dialogue Examples: Learn how native speakers communicate in everyday situations, from ordering food to negotiating business deals. 
• Personalized Learning Plans: Babbel tailors your learning journey with personalized lesson plans to help you make steady progress toward fluency. 

Coding and Technical Skills

Codecademy

Codecademy offers interactive lessons that make complex coding concepts manageable, which is essential in a world where coding skills are increasingly indispensable. 

• Web Development: Learn HTML, CSS, JavaScript, and React to build websites and web applications. Web development roles are projected to grow by 16 percent from 2022 to 2032. 
• Data Science: Learn Python, SQL, and data visualization techniques by working with real datasets. Data scientists with Python skills earn an average salary of over $128,000. 
• Programming Languages: Comprehensive courses are available in popular languages like Python, Java, Ruby, and C++. Java developers can earn an average salary of over $109,000. 

Pluralsight

Pluralsight is designed for IT professionals who want to stay at the forefront of the technology industry. 

• Software Development: Enhance your coding skills with courses in Python, Java, and C#. The average salary for Python developers is now around $124,000, according to recent data. 
• IT Certifications: Prepare for certifications like CompTIA A+, AWS Certified Solutions Architect, and Cisco CCNA. In fact, 92 percent of Pluralsight users report that their certifications have positively impacted their careers. 
• Cybersecurity Training: Gain the skills needed to safeguard organizations against cyber threats. The demand for cybersecurity experts is expected to grow by 32 percent over the next decade. 

Professional Development and Career Enhancement

LinkedIn Learning

LinkedIn Learning integrates with your LinkedIn profile to help you with career development and networking. 

• Leadership: Improve your leadership and management skills with courses on team building and communication. 87 percent of users reported that LinkedIn Learning helped them achieve their career goals. 
• Project Management: Learn project management methodologies and tools. Certified project managers can earn an average salary of $95,660. 
• Digital Marketing: Master SEO, social media marketing, and content strategy. The digital marketing industry is projected to grow by 10 percent through 2031. 

MasterClass

MasterClass offers courses taught by celebrated industry leaders, providing unparalleled access to their expertise. 

• Writing by Margaret Atwood: The acclaimed author shares her insights into storytelling and the craft of writing. 
• Cooking by Gordon Ramsay: The world-famous chef teaches culinary techniques in his MasterClass. 
• Music Production by Hans Zimmer: The award-winning composer offers a deep dive into creating music for film and media in his MasterClass. 

Academic and Research Resources

Khan Academy

Khan Academy offers free, comprehensive resources for learners of all ages, making high-quality education accessible to everyone. 

• Math: Courses range from basic arithmetic to advanced calculus, like the Algebra I course, which helps build a strong foundation. 
• Science: Subjects include biology, chemistry, and physics. The High School Biology course is popular among adult learners. 
• Economics: Comprehensive courses like AP Macroeconomics provide theoretical and practical knowledge. 

JSTOR

JSTOR is a digital library essential for academic research, offering access to a wealth of scholarly journals and papers. 

• Academic Research: Provides access to numerous scholarly articles across disciplines, helping you develop a well-informed thesis. 
• In-Depth Topic Exploration: Offers comprehensive material for deep dives into specific subjects, such as critical essays on Shakespeare's works. 
• Writing Literature Reviews: Its vast archive is crucial for examining existing research and formulating rigorous academic reviews. 

Creative and Artistic Exploration

Adobe Creative Cloud Tutorials

Adobe Creative Cloud Tutorials offer in-depth understanding of essential design software for creatives. 

• Photoshop Tutorials: Learn everything from basic photo adjustments to advanced compositing for photo editing and graphic design. 
• Illustrator Tutorials: Master vector graphic design to create logos, illustrations, and typography. 
• InDesign Tutorials: InDesign tutorials teach layout design for creating professional brochures, magazines, and eBooks. 

Domestika

Domestika is a vibrant platform for creative exploration, specializing in art, craft, and design, with courses taught by industry experts. 

• Workshops by Prominent Artists: Courses are led by industry professionals, providing insights into real-world creative processes. 
• Community Projects: Participate in projects and showcase your work to a supportive community for feedback and collaboration. 
• Diverse Course Range: Courses span from traditional painting to modern 3D design, catering to a wide spectrum of interests. 

Financial Literacy and Management

Investopedia Academy

Investopedia Academy is a premier resource for financial literacy, demystifying complex concepts for everyone. 

• Trading: Courses like Become a Day Trader teach trading techniques, risk management, and the psychology behind trading decisions. 
• Investing: Learn long-term wealth-building with courses like Investing for Beginners, covering stock market basics and portfolio management. 
• Financial Planning: Courses such as Personal Finance cover budgeting, saving, and retirement planning. 

Personal Development and Wellness

Headspace

Headspace is a pioneer in digital wellness, offering tools and resources for mental health through meditation. 

• Guided Meditation Sessions: Access guided meditations for stress reduction or improved sleep, like the popular 10-minute Daily Calm. 
• Articles on Wellness: Read informative articles on topics like How to Handle Stress at Work. 
• Sleep Stories and Music: Use features like Sleepcasts with soothing narratives to improve sleep quality. 

Calm

Calm is an acclaimed app focused on mental relaxation and sleep improvement. 

• Guided Meditation Sessions: The 7 Days of Calm program offers a structured approach to meditation for beginners. 
• Sleep Stories: Listen to narrative-driven audio experiences like The Lavender Valley to help you fall asleep. 
• Breathing Exercises: Use simple yet powerful tools like the Breathe Bubble to manage stress and anxiety. 

Culinary Skills and Healthy Eating

America's Test Kitchen Online Cooking School

America's Test Kitchen Online Cooking School teaches the science and techniques behind recipes, making cooking more intuitive. 

• Step-by-Step Instructional Videos: Detailed videos demonstrate cooking techniques and recipes, like how to properly use a knife. 
• Recipe Mastery: Courses focus on mastering specific recipes and understanding the science behind them, such as the intricacies of baking yeast breads. 
• Skill-Building Courses: Build fundamental cooking skills like sauce-making and baking basics to gain confidence in the kitchen. 

MyFitnessPal

MyFitnessPal is a pivotal tool for nutrition and physical health, blending calorie tracking with exercise logging and community support. 

• Calorie Tracking: Log your daily food intake for a detailed breakdown of calories and nutrients. 
• Exercise Logging: Record physical activities to estimate calories burned and get a holistic view of your health. 
• Community Support: Connect with others on similar health journeys through features like the 30-day step challenge. 

Learning Has No Age Limits

Education has never been more dynamic or accessible. These platforms offer unparalleled flexibility, allowing you to tailor your learning to your schedule and interests. Whether you are honing a professional skill or nurturing personal wellness, the digital world is your oyster for knowledge and growth. 

Embrace these tools as your allies in lifelong learning. Integrating them into your daily routine can be as simple as listening to a podcast during your commute or practicing a new recipe on the weekend. Remember, each step, no matter how small, contributes to your personal and professional enrichment. Keep exploring and keep learning! 

What Are the Best Free Online Education Resources for Adults?

If you're looking to start your learning journey without any upfront costs, several platforms offer excellent free options: 

• Khan Academy stands out as the most comprehensive free platform, offering courses in math, science, and economics without any cost barriers. 
• Coursera and edX provide free access to university-level courses from prestigious institutions. While certificates cost extra, you can audit most courses for free. 
• Duolingo offers effective language learning through its gamified approach, with basic features available at no cost. 
• YouTube (though not listed above) deserves mention as an informal but valuable free resource with tutorials on virtually any topic. 
• Codecademy provides free coding lessons, though advanced features require a premium subscription. 

How Do I Choose an Online Education Platform or Course?

Selecting the right platform depends on several key factors: 

• Define Your Goals: Are you looking for career advancement, personal enrichment, or academic credit? This will guide your platform choice. 
• Consider Your Learning Style: Do you prefer structured courses (Coursera, edX), interactive practice (Codecademy), or celebrity instruction (MasterClass)? 
• Evaluate Time Commitment: Some platforms offer bite-sized lessons (Duolingo), while others require substantial time investment (university courses). 
• Check Accreditation: If you need recognized credentials, prioritize platforms that partner with accredited institutions. 
• Test the Format: Many platforms offer free trials or sample lessons. Take advantage of these to see if the teaching style works for you. 
• Read Reviews: Look for feedback from other learners, especially those with similar backgrounds or goals. 
• Consider Your Budget: Factor in not just course costs but also any required materials or software.