Binge-Worthy Learning: How Video-Based Platforms Stack Up Against MOOCs
In a previous post, we explored the benefits and challenges of Massive Open Online Courses (MOOCs) and their role in making education more accessible. Now, we turn our attention to online video learning platforms, another powerful tool for higher education and professional development. Online video learning platforms provide learners with on-demand access to industry-relevant courses, offering an alternative to the structured approach of MOOCs. While both learning formats have their advantages, they differ in structure, accessibility, and career development value. In this post, we explore the benefits of online video learning platforms, compares them with MOOCs, and examines the impact of self-directed learning on professional growth.
The Rise of Online Video Learning in Education and Professional Development
Online video-based learning has gained prominence due to its flexibility, accessibility, and industry relevance. These platforms allow learners to upskill at their own pace, breaking traditional barriers of cost, location, and rigid academic schedules. In higher education, universities increasingly integrate online video platforms into their curricula, offering students supplementary materials, skill-building courses, and professional certification programs. For organizations, video-based learning provides cost-effective, scalable training solutions that enable employees to enhance competencies and stay competitive in the evolving job market. Some examples of online video platforms include LinkedIn Learning (formerly Lynda.com), Skillsoft Percipio, Go1, Skillshare, and Udemy.
Comparative Review: Online Video Learning Platforms vs. MOOCs
Both online video learning platforms and MOOCs offer valuable learning experiences, but they cater to different audiences and learning modalities. Below is a comparative overview based on accessibility, content, and career development value:
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Online Video Learning Platforms: Typically available through subscription-based access, offering on-demand videos and short courses that learners can complete at their own pace. This model is ideal for professionals who prefer flexible, on-the-go learning.
MOOCs: Often free or low-cost, provided by universities and institutions, but may require structured enrollment. Some courses have scheduled deadlines, making them more formal and academically rigorous.
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Online Video Learning Platforms: Focus on practical, industry-specific skills, such as business, leadership, software development, and creative design. Courses are often short (1-3 hours) and designed for immediate application.
MOOCs: Provide university-level courses that often include quizzes, assignments, and peer interaction. MOOCs offer more comprehensive learning paths, including full degrees and professional certificates.
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Online Video Learning Platforms: Designed for immediate skill application, offering certifications that can be showcased on professional profiles. These platforms align directly with career growth and employer recognition.
MOOCs: Better suited for formal education pathways, providing certifications from universities that may hold more academic weight for graduate programs and professional credentials.
The Impact of Self-Directed Learning Through Online Platforms
Self-directed learning has become an essential competency in the modern workforce, empowering individuals to take control of their career growth. Online learning platforms facilitate lifelong learning, allowing users to tailor their educational experiences to specific career goals and industry demands.
Personalized Learning Paths
With access to diverse content, learners can curate their own educational journey, choosing skills and topics relevant to their interests and career aspirations.
Increased Career Agility
In today’s rapidly evolving job market, employees must continually upskill. Online learning platforms help professionals adapt to industry shifts and mitigate risks by providing targeted, up-to-date training.
Boosting Employability and Professional Branding
Online certifications from both video-based learning platforms and MOOCs enhance professional credibility, making learners more attractive to employers. Completing courses and showcasing them on professional profiles can further strengthen personal branding.
While online video learning platforms provide convenient, skill-based education, they may fall short in areas such as depth, engagement, and credential recognition, making them less ideal for formal academic learning. To address these limitations, learners can supplement video-based courses with additional readings, hands-on projects, and peer discussions to deepen understanding. Moreover, combining video learning with MOOCs or accredited programs can help bridge the gap in credential recognition, thus ensure that learning efforts are both practical and formally acknowledged.
The Role of LinkedIn Learning in Higher Education and Professional Development
LinkedIn Learning has emerged as a leading online video learning platform that integrates professional development with career networking. Originally known as Lynda.com before being acquired by LinkedIn in 2015, the platform now offers thousands of courses across business, technology, and creative fields.
Many universities have incorporated LinkedIn Learning into their curricula as a blended learning tool to supplement traditional classroom education. Research suggests that embedding LinkedIn Learning into coursework enhances student engagement, improves research skills, and strengthens employability outcomes. As LinkedIn Learning prioritizes professional development, the platform provides industry-aligned courses taught by experts, with certifications that can be directly added to a LinkedIn profile. Studies have shown that students in higher education who use LinkedIn Learning demonstrate higher career preparedness, as the platform bridges the gap between academic knowledge and industry expectations. Anne-Marie Taylor’s Applications of LinkedIn Learning in Ontario's Post-Secondary Institutions (Open Library) is an excellent resource on integrating LinkedIn Learning into post-secondary education.
In addition to its usefulness in higher education, organizations use LinkedIn Learning for corporate and organizational training and workforce development, allowing employees to engage in self-directed learning to develop new skills. Research indicates that integrating LinkedIn Learning into employee development programs maximizes engagement and skill retention, making it a valuable tool for companies seeking to upskill their workforce. Overall, LinkedIn Learning is uniquely positioned at the intersection of higher education, career growth, and corporate learning, making it an effective tool for both students and professionals aiming to enhance their skills and employability.
Your Learning, Your Way: Which Format Fits You Best?
Online video learning platforms and MOOCs play a crucial role in higher education and professional development. While video-based platforms are ideal for professionals seeking quick, job-focused upskilling, MOOCs provide structured academic learning with recognized university credentials. The rise of self-directed learning through these platforms is reshaping how individuals engage with education, fostering continuous growth and career advancement.
Which learning format fits you best?
References:
Du, X. (2021). Embedding LinkedIn learning MOOCs to enhance students’ educational experience and employability. In European Conference on e-Learning.
Hazzam, J., Wilkins, S., Singh, B., & Ibrahim, B. (2024). The drivers and outcomes of postgraduate students’ adoption and use of LinkedIn learning. Innovations in Education and Teaching International, 1–16. https://doi.org/10.1080/14703297.2024.2346549
Levin, R. C. (2024). Online Learning & the Transformation of Global Higher Education. Dædalus, 153(2), 262-274.
Koller, D., Ng, A., Do, C., & Chen, Z. (2013). Retention and Intention in Massive Open Online Courses (MOOCs). EDUCAUSE Review.
Taylor, A. (2019, May 8). Applications of LinkedIn learning in Ontario’s Post-Secondary institutions. Open Library. Retrieved March 6, 2025, from https://ecampusontario.pressbooks.pub/applicationsoflinkedinlearning/