What is Lynda?

Lynda, now known as LinkedIn Learning, is a premier online learning platform that provides users with access to a vast library of courses designed to help individuals develop skills that are essential for career advancement. The platform is informed by insights from the world's largest talent marketplace, making it uniquely positioned to offer relevant and timely content that aligns with industry demands. Lynda offers a comprehensive approach to learning, empowering users to explore a wide range of topics from business and technology to creative skills.

Features

Lynda boasts an extensive array of features designed to enhance the learning experience. Here are some of the key features:

Extensive Course Library

• 24,600 Courses: Users can choose from a diverse selection of over 24,600 courses covering various subjects, including business, technology, and creative disciplines.
• 1,300+ Learning Pathways: Curated pathways guide users through a structured learning experience tailored to specific roles and skill levels.

Personalized Learning

• Skill Evaluations: Users can assess their current skill levels and receive personalized recommendations for courses that align with their career goals.
• Role Guides: Explore detailed guides for over 35 different roles, helping users understand the skills required for advancement in their chosen field.

Multi-Language Support

• 20+ Languages for Subtitles: Lynda offers courses with subtitles in over 20 languages, making it accessible to a global audience.
• 7 Native Language Libraries: Users can explore content in their native languages, enhancing comprehension and learning outcomes.

Hands-On Practice

• Quiz Questions and Exercise Files: With over 300,000 quiz questions and 10,000 exercise files, users can reinforce their learning through practical application.
• Virtual Coding Environments: Users can engage in hands-on coding practice using platforms like GitHub Codespaces.

Flexible Learning Formats

• Diverse Content Formats: Lynda offers a mix of long-form video, audio, and text-based learning formats to cater to different learning styles.
• Nano Tips: Over 450 short videos provide quick, actionable learning tips for busy professionals.

Credentials and Certifications

• Professional Certificates: Lynda partners with trusted providers such as Microsoft and Zendesk to offer professional certificates that users can showcase to potential employers.
• Preparation for External Credentials: Users can prepare for over 120 off-platform credentials, including certifications and academic credits.

Community and Support

• Expert Instructors: Learn from industry experts and thought leaders who share their insights and knowledge through engaging courses.
• Community Engagement: Users can engage with a community of learners and professionals, fostering collaboration and networking opportunities.

Use Cases

Lynda is versatile and can be utilized in various contexts. Here are some common use cases:

Individual Learning

• Career Advancement: Professionals seeking to enhance their skills for promotions or new job opportunities can leverage Lynda’s extensive course offerings.
• Skill Development: Individuals looking to acquire new skills or transition into different fields can find relevant courses tailored to their needs.

Corporate Training

• Employee Development: Companies can utilize Lynda to provide training and development resources for their employees, fostering a culture of continuous learning.
• Customized Learning Paths: Organizations can create tailored learning paths to address specific skill gaps within their workforce.

Higher Education

• Supplementary Learning: Students can use Lynda as a supplementary resource to enhance their understanding of course material and gain practical skills.
• Professional Development: Educators can recommend Lynda courses to students for skill development beyond the traditional classroom setting.

Team Collaboration

• Team Learning Initiatives: Teams can engage in collaborative learning by selecting courses to complete together, enhancing teamwork and communication skills.
• Performance Tracking: Managers can track employee progress and skill development through the platform’s analytics and reporting features.

Pricing

Lynda offers flexible pricing options to cater to different users:

Individual Plans

• Free Month Trial: New users can start with a free month to explore the course offerings and features.
• Monthly Subscription: After the trial, users can subscribe on a monthly basis for a fee, gaining unlimited access to the entire course library.

Team Plans

• Team Subscriptions: Organizations can purchase team subscriptions that provide access for multiple users, allowing for scalable learning solutions.
• Custom Pricing: Pricing may vary based on the number of users and specific organizational needs, making it a customizable solution for businesses.

Educational Institutions

• Institutional Licensing: Colleges and universities can obtain licensing agreements to provide students and faculty with access to Lynda’s resources.

Comparison with Other Tools

When comparing Lynda to other online learning platforms, several unique selling points set it apart:

Course Variety

• Extensive Library: With over 24,600 courses, Lynda offers a broader range of topics compared to many competitors, allowing users to find courses that suit their specific interests and career goals.

Industry-Relevant Content

• Informed by Talent Marketplace: Lynda’s content is developed based on insights from the job market, ensuring that courses are relevant to current industry trends and demands.

Personalized Learning Experience

• Skill Evaluations and Role Guides: The platform’s personalized learning features, such as skill evaluations and role guides, provide users with tailored recommendations that enhance their learning journey.

Professional Credentials

• Partnerships with Trusted Providers: Lynda’s collaboration with recognized organizations for professional certification sets it apart from other platforms that may not offer similar credentials.

Community and Networking Opportunities

• Engagement with Experts: Lynda fosters a sense of community by connecting users with industry experts, allowing for knowledge sharing and networking that many other platforms may lack.

FAQ

Is Lynda suitable for beginners?

Yes, Lynda offers a wide range of courses catering to all skill levels, including beginners. Users can start with foundational courses and progress to more advanced topics.

Can I access Lynda on mobile devices?

Yes, Lynda is accessible on various devices, including smartphones and tablets, allowing users to learn on-the-go.

Are there any prerequisites for courses?

Most courses do not have prerequisites, but some advanced topics may recommend prior knowledge or experience in related areas.

How often are new courses added?

Lynda regularly updates its course library, adding dozens of new courses each week to ensure users have access to the latest content.

Can I cancel my subscription at any time?

Yes, users can cancel their subscription at any time without penalties. The cancellation will take effect at the end of the current billing cycle.

Is there a certificate of completion for courses?

Yes, users receive a certificate of completion for each course they finish, which can be shared on LinkedIn or included in resumes.

How do I track my learning progress?

Lynda provides users with tracking tools to monitor their progress, including completed courses, earned certificates, and personalized recommendations based on learning activities.

In summary, Lynda (LinkedIn Learning) is a powerful tool for individuals and organizations seeking to enhance their skills and knowledge in a flexible, accessible manner. With its extensive course library, personalized learning features, and professional credentials, Lynda stands out as a leading online learning platform that caters to diverse learning needs.