The Great Courses Plus Overview: A Deep Dive into Lifelong Learning

The Great Courses Plus is a subscription-based online learning platform that provides a wide range of educational content for individuals looking to expand their knowledge and skills. Launched in 2015 as a digital extension of The Great Courses catalog, this platform features an extensive library of video and audio courses created by some of the world’s most renowned professors and experts. This article will delve into the features, benefits, and potential drawbacks of The Great Courses Plus to help you decide if it’s the right choice for your learning needs.

Features

1. Extensive Course Selection: The Great Courses Plus boasts an impressive library of over 11,000 video and audio lectures across various subjects, such as history, science, literature, philosophy, and more. This broad range ensures that learners of different interests and levels will find something suitable for their needs.
2. Renowned Instructors: One of the platform’s greatest strengths is its collaboration with highly qualified and experienced professors from top universities like Harvard, Yale, and Stanford. These experts bring their wealth of knowledge and teaching skills to create engaging and informative courses.
3. Flexibility: The Great Courses Plus allows you to learn at your own pace, with no deadlines or schedules to adhere to. The platform is accessible on multiple devices, including smartphones, tablets, and computers, making it convenient to learn on-the-go or at home.
4. Supplementary Material: Many courses come with additional resources, such as course guides, quizzes, and suggested reading lists to enhance your learning experience.
5. Continuous Updates: The platform regularly adds new courses and updates existing ones to ensure that the content stays relevant and engaging.

Benefits

1. Lifelong Learning: The Great Courses Plus offers an excellent opportunity for individuals to keep learning and growing throughout their lives. The platform caters to learners of all ages and backgrounds, providing an accessible way to continue education.
2. Personal and Professional Growth: The wide range of courses available can help users develop valuable skills and knowledge applicable to both their personal and professional lives.
3. Accessibility: The Great Courses Plus is available to users worldwide and is compatible with a variety of devices, making it easy for anyone to access quality education.
4. Satisfaction Guarantee: The platform offers a 14-day free trial, allowing potential subscribers to explore the content and determine if it meets their needs. If not satisfied, users can cancel their subscription without any hassle.

Potential Drawbacks

1. Cost: The Great Courses Plus operates on a subscription model, which may be a drawback for some users. While the platform offers a vast library of content, the monthly or annual subscription fees may not be suitable for everyone’s budget.
2. Limited Interaction: Unlike other online learning platforms that offer interactive elements, such as discussion forums and peer analysis, The Great Courses Plus primarily provides video and audio lectures. This means that users seeking a more interactive learning experience may find the platform lacking in this regard.
3. No Accreditation: Courses on The Great Courses Plus are not accredited, so users looking for college credit or professional certifications should consider other options.

Conclusion

The Great Courses Plus offers an extensive range of high-quality educational content for lifelong learners, with renowned instructors and flexibility in learning. However, it may not be the perfect choice for everyone, especially those looking for accredited courses or a more interactive learning experience. Overall, The Great Courses Plus is a valuable resource for individuals seeking to expand their knowledge and skills, and the 14-day free trial makes it easy for potential subscribers to decide if it’s the right fit for their needs.