Where to Find the Best Online Tech Courses, Classes, and Training

With most businesses and people relying on some form of technology, it is no surprise that the tech industry produces a variety of well-paying and high-demand careers. If you’re interested in getting into the field of technology, you can learn in-demand technology skills through online tech courses, classes, and training.  

As the tech industry continues to grow, you’ll want to capitalize on the hot job market. The best way to seize these career opportunities is by making sure you have the right skills and experience. To that end, we’ve compiled the best online tech courses and other resources to help you get started in your tech career.

What Is Technology?

Technology, or tech for short, is the use of scientific knowledge, systems, and devices for practical purposes. Technology helps us to extend our abilities, stretch our resources, and perform everyday tasks with greater efficiency. It’s a wide concept that can refer to a process, industry, sector, product, or a set of skills.

Why Online Tech Courses Are Important for Professional Development

The world of technology evolves rapidly. Programming languages, platforms, and tools quickly become outdated. Many businesses adapt to the latest technological trends to stay relevant. As such, the need for tech workers to upskill and reskill has never been more urgent. Online tech courses help these professionals boost their profiles and keep up with the changes. 

Should You Attend a Coding Bootcamp to Learn Tech?

If you want a faster way to jumpstart your career in technology or learn new tech skills, you should consider attending a coding bootcamp. A tech bootcamp is an excellent alternative to a traditional college because they are more affordable and take only a few months to complete. Their intensive training programs focus on the practical skills that employers require.   

Overview: The Best Online Tech Courses, Classes, or Training

If you want to break into the tech industry and land a good job, you must learn the critical skills that employers are looking for in a prospective employee. The best way to do this is to enroll in the top online programs that focus on tech subjects. You can choose from a wide range of skills and learning paths based on your career goals.     

To make the search easier for you, we’ve compiled a list of the best online tech courses. 

In Detail: The Best Online Tech Classes, Courses, or Training

Data Analytics Course | BrainStation 

• Learning Format: Part-time, instructor-led course with hands-on learning
• Level: Beginner
• Subjects Covered: Data analytics foundations, database operations, advanced data analytics, data visualization, communicating data insights  

This online course is taught by industry experts, so you can be confident that you’ll be learning from the best. By enrolling in this program, you will gain in-demand data analysis skills. You will learn how to prepare data, develop a problem-solving network, perform data analysis, use visualization techniques, and more.

Key Takeaway: This interactive, project-based learning path shows you the latest data technologies and teaches you skills used by data analysts.

Software Development Part-Time Flex | Coding Dojo 

• Learning Format: Part-time, flexible course
• Level: Beginner
• Subjects Covered: HTML, CSS, JavaScript, Python, object oriented programming, SQL, relational databases, MVC frameworks, design patterns

This 28-week software development course will help you become a developer at a casual pace. In the first eight weeks, you’ll learn all about the basics of front end development, including HTML, CSS, and JavaScript. You will also build your first set of user interfaces and learn about website animation. The remaining weeks will focus on Python, SQL, and APIs. 

Key Takeaway: This bootcamp program offers the same benefits as a full-time software development program with a more manageable weekly time commitment. Coding Dojo costs may be high compared to other providers in this article, but that’s because the education offered by this school is top-notch.

Learn PHP from Scratch | Educative 

• Learning Format: Self-paced course
• Level: Beginner
• Subjects Covered: PHP 

If you’re looking to delve into the fundamentals of PHP, check out Educative’s Learn PHP from Scratch. This highly interactive online program includes 71 lessons, 15 quizzes, 15 challenges, and 102 playgrounds. It’s perfect for aspiring programmers who want to learn PHP, one of the world’s most popular coding languages.

Key Takeaway: Unlike other tech courses on the list, this program by Educative is free and features unique interactive learning exercises.

JavaScript Development Course | General Assembly 

• Learning Format: Instructor-led, part-time course
• Level: Beginner
• Subjects Covered: JavaScript, object oriented programming, jQuery, DOM, APIs, Firebase

If you want to become a web developer, a JavaScript course is a great place to start. Through this course, you will leverage JavaScript’s diverse features to build interactive apps and websites. With world-class practitioners as your instructors, you will get hands-on experience with JavaScript and jQuery and learn how to use APIs.

Key Takeaway: It includes real-world portfolio projects and individualized instructor support to help you meet your career goals.

Algorithms and Data Structures | Hack Reactor

• Learning Format: Live, part-time course
• Level: Intermediate
• Subjects Covered: Algorithms, Big-O notation, heuristics, sorting and searching, trees, graphs, and dynamic programming

Programmers and developers who want to write better code should upskill and learn about algorithms and data structures. This Hack Reactor course focuses on the theory and applicability of various algorithms. By the end of the program, you’ll be able to integrate Big-O analysis into your programming and solve problems based on relationships and associations.  

Key Takeaway: For best results in this intermediate course, students should know how to use a third-generation programming language proficiently.

Front End Developer Course with JavaScript | Lighthouse Labs 

• Learning Format: Part-time course
• Level: Beginner
• Subjects Covered: HTML, CSS, JavaScript, jQuery

This online bootcamp course will give you an introduction to the world of web development. It’s designed for people who are new to coding and want to learn how to build and style websites. During the six-week session, you will learn the intricacies of coding, the core principles and concepts of design, and how to leverage JavaScript to build a website from scratch.

Key Takeaway: This introductory course is great preparation for a web development bootcamp.

Learning Python | LinkedIn Learning 

• Learning Format: Self-paced class
• Level: Beginner
• Subjects Covered: Python

Whether you’re new to the world of programming or an experienced developer, learning this popular and highly readable OOP language is a must. This self-paced course will walk you through the fundamentals of Python. 

The course covers basic features like variables, functions, conditional structures, loops, classes, and modules. You will also learn how to construct and run a Python program and work with dates and times, files, and web data.

Key Takeaway: You can access all the course content for free after signing up on LinkedIn Learning.

Designing and Building AI Products and Services | MIT xPRO

• Learning Format: Part-time course
• Level: Intermediate to advanced 
• Subjects Covered: Artificial intelligence, machine learning, deep learning, human-computer interaction

This eight-week online course is designed for technology professionals working in the field of artificial intelligence. It will introduce you to AI-based product design and its applications across various industries. Moreover, you will learn about various machine learning algorithms, the basics of deep learning, and the advantages and disadvantages of AI technology.

Key Takeaway: Students in this course get real-world experience researching and developing an AI product that can solve organizational issues.

Full Stack Web and Mobile Development | Nucamp 

• Learning Format: Full-time bootcamp program
• Level: Advanced
• Subjects Covered: Bootstrap, React, React Native, Node.js, databases, web application architecture, Visual Studio Code, packaging and compiling, Git and GitHub

This 22-week course will help prospective job candidates impress employers with their robust knowledge of both backend and front end development. You will learn a wide range of technologies and their applications, including MongoDB and Node.js. 

This four-part immersive course covers front end UI frameworks, JavaScript libraries, multiplatform mobile app development, and server-side development. It’s a blend of six to 14 hours of weekly online lessons and four hours of weekly instructor-led workshops and assignments.

"Career Karma entered my life when I needed it most and quickly helped me match with a bootcamp. Two months after graduating, I found my dream job that aligned with my values and goals in life!"

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Key Takeaway: By the end of all your lessons, you will be able to build apps from start to finish.

Cloud Engineering Bootcamp | QuickStart

• Learning Format: Self-paced bootcamp program with hands-on training
• Level: Intermediate
• Subjects Covered: Azure design, Azure architecture, Azure fundamentals, AWS fundamentals, CompTIA Network+, CompTIA A+, CompTIA Cloud+

This program is for IT professionals who want to launch their career in cloud engineering and gain in-demand cloud computing skills. In 17 weeks, you will learn the techniques, methods, and best practices of cloud engineering. This course will also prepare you for the CompTIA A+, CompTIA Network+, CompTIA Cloud+, and Azure Fundamentals certifications.

Key Takeaway: Online students can choose between an immersive or standard learning option.

Introduction to Cyber Security | Simplilearn 

• Learning Format: Self-paced class
• Level: Beginner
• Subjects Covered: Cyber security fundamentals, security policies, secure architecture, wireless networks, network security controls, risk management, and more.

This two-hour class will give you a comprehensive overview of the concepts and principles of cyber security. Aside from that, you will also learn about cyber security risks and the challenges of designing a security program. It will equip you with the necessary skills to design and manage an information security program for your company.  

Key Takeaway: By enrolling in this class, you’ll get an industry-recognized course completion certificate and lifetime access to self-paced learning. 

Introduction to Design | Springboard 

• Learning Format: Part-time course
• Level: Beginner
• Subjects Covered: UI and UX design

Other in-demand technology skills you should consider learning are UI and UX design. This four-week Springboard course is created to give you a good introduction or a refresher on both concepts and several technical skills that you will need in future design projects. 

The course includes lessons on competitive research, sketching techniques, design tools, low-fidelity design, and high-fidelity design. Moreover, you’ll have a chance to build your first end-to-end design project to gain hands-on practice.   

Key Takeaway: In addition to the lessons, you’ll have weekly one-on-one sessions with an industry mentor. 

Android Basics: User Interface | Udacity 

• Learning Format: Self-paced class
• Level: Beginner
• Subjects Covered: Android basics, Java programming

If you’re aiming for a career as a front end mobile developer, this course can put you on the right path. In two weeks, you will learn how to build Android apps with sleek user interfaces. The course starts with lessons on how to create the layout of an app. After finishing the lessons, you will build a birthday card application to practice your new skills.  

Key Takeaway: You can learn Android straight from the source with this Google-designed course. 

Machine Learning A-Z: Hands-On Python and R in Data Science | Udemy 

• Learning Format: Self-paced course
• Level: Beginner
• Subjects Covered: Machine learning, Python, R

Created by two data science experts, this self-paced online course will walk you through the world of machine learning. It includes lessons about data processing, regression model selection in Python and R, natural language processing, deep learning, and dimensionality reduction. It’s a great resource for learning how to make robust machine learning models.   

Key Takeaway: If you want to get a job in machine learning, this online course is packed with practical exercises that will give you hands-on experience with real-life examples.

XR Foundations: Developer | XR Terra 

• Learning Format: Part-time course with hands-on learning
• Level: Beginner
• Subjects Covered: C#, Visual Studio Code, Unity, extended reality

Extended reality, or XR, is an umbrella term that covers virtual reality, augmented reality, mixed reality, and other immersive technologies. If you’re interested in learning about what you need to start developing in XR, then this course is for you. 

You’ll learn C# programming, Visual Studio Code, and industry standards for version control. Students will also learn about the Unity framework and how to solve problems like a Unity developer. Before the four weeks of classes end, you’ll have hands-on experience creating Unity projects and bringing them to life. 

Key Takeaway: This intro course will prepare you for XR Terra’s augmented and virtual reality bootcamps. 

Online Tech Classes, Training, or Courses: Which Is the Right Option?

Although most of the online programs listed above are much cheaper and faster than full degree programs, you’ll still have to invest some of your time and money. So before you enroll in any of these online learning options, you must be aware of the differences between courses, classes, and training. That way, you can choose one that fits your situation, needs, and goals.

Online courses are made up of multiple lessons, and they often include both conceptual learning and hands-on training. It’s an ideal option for those who can make a time commitment of several weeks to a few months. Meanwhile, a class is a particular section of a course and it can also be a standalone lesson.

You should take a class if you only have a few hours or a day to learn about a specific tech topic. If you’re looking for a more hands-on experience that teaches you about practical tech knowledge or a specific skill, then choose a training program. This option also lasts for a few weeks to months, so it’s also best for those who can invest more time.     

How to Choose the Right Online Tech Course, Class, or Training Program

First Factor: Topic and Content

Before choosing from the list of online tech courses, think about the career path you wish to take. Look into the skills that employers look for and choose a course, class, or training program that offers them. You should also check the content of the course to ensure it covers everything you need to know about the topic.

Second Factor: Length of the Program

Some of the online programs can take several weeks to a few months, while others can be completed within a few hours to a day. It’s important to consider the duration of the courses, especially if you’re going to study while working or taking care of your family. If you can’t afford to invest most of your time, consider choosing a shorter, self-paced, or flexible program.    

Third Factor: Certificate of Completion 

A certificate is proof of your newfound skill and knowledge, so it’s best to choose a course that offers one. Obtaining one can increase your confidence and even improve your chances of landing a job in your chosen field. Although it doesn’t hold as much value as a certification or license, it signals to employers that you’re job-ready and have the skills they require.

Tech Course Certificates vs Certifications

Although they may sound the same, a tech course certificate is not the same thing as a certification. The first one is provided by online learning platforms to students who complete a course. In short, online certificate programs are a specific form of education, and a certificate shows that you’ve completed the program. 

Tech certifications, on the other hand, are typically issued by national organizations and professional associations. These credentials are awarded after you have passed an exam to meet specific industry standards.   

Importance of Tech Certifications

Tech certifications can help you achieve an advantage over other job candidates. In some tech fields, having a professional certification is often recommended and even required. IT certifications like CompTIA Security+, for example, can establish your credibility as a cyber security expert. Moreover, it can help you stay relevant to your field.   

Why You Should Take Online Tech Courses or Classes

The world of technology is changing and growing rapidly. Many businesses, big and small, are spending unprecedented resources to keep up with the latest trends and adopt better systems. The tech industry is also extremely competitive.

If you want to improve your employment opportunities, stay relevant in your field, and advance your career, taking online courses or classes to learn new skills is important. You don’t have to spend years of your time going to school. These online tech courses can build up your resume and establish your expertise and credibility much faster than courses from universities.