Are you interested in gaining new skills without leaving your home? Shaw Academy could be an excellent option for you. This online learning platform offers a variety of courses in subjects like business, technology, and creative arts.
One of the most attractive things about Shaw Academy is that it provides flexible learning schedules, allowing you to learn at your own pace. Many students appreciate the high-quality, interactive classes and professional certification opportunities. These features make it a compelling choice for those looking to boost their education from anywhere.
Students have shared positive experiences about the platform’s knowledgeable instructors and comprehensive course materials. If you’re curious about online education and want to see if Shaw Academy fits your needs, this review will give you all the information you need.
Company Background
Shaw Academy, founded in 2013, is a Dublin-based company. They focus on providing online courses to students worldwide.
The company offers a wide range of courses. These cover subjects like business, technology, design, and wellness.
During the global pandemic, online learning saw a surge in demand. Shaw Academy served many who were adapting to new learning environments.
Their goal is to make education accessible to everyone. This vision guided them through years of growth and several challenges.
The company provides both free and paid courses. This allows students to try out classes before committing to full programs.
Shaw Academy uses a subscription model. This gives students access to multiple courses for one fee.
Courses are designed to be self-paced. Students can learn at their own speed without strict deadlines.
Many of their instructors are industry professionals. They bring real-world experience to their teaching.
The platform also offers certificates of completion. Students can use these to showcase their skills.
Course Offerings
Shaw Academy offers a broad range of courses that cater to various interests. These courses are designed to be beginner-friendly and cover both personal and professional skills.
Popular Courses
Shaw Academy’s most popular courses include those in photography, marketing, and business. The photography course covers fundamentals like camera settings and composition. The marketing course focuses on digital strategies and social media. The business course includes lessons on entrepreneurship, financial management, and leadership. These courses attract many students due to their practical applications and high demand in various fields.
Diversity of Subjects
Shaw Academy provides courses across a wide range of subjects. They offer classes in design, technology, language, music, beauty, and coding as well. This variety means that learners with different interests can find something relevant. For instance, the design course covers graphic and web design basics. The technology course introduces concepts like cybersecurity and app development. Language courses help with learning new languages while coding courses focus on programming languages like Python and JavaScript.
Course Structure
Shaw Academy’s courses are structured to be accessible and structured. Each course features live lessons, which are interactive and allow for real-time questions and answers. Recorded sessions are available for those who miss live classes. Additionally, assignments and quizzes are provided to test students’ knowledge, ensuring that they grasp the material effectively. This blend of live and recorded content caters to different learning styles and schedules.
Pricing and Subscription Model
Shaw Academy offers different pricing options that cater to a variety of users interested in online learning. Key areas to consider include the free trial, subscription costs, and additional certificate fees.
Free Trial
Shaw Academy provides a free trial period for new users. This allows potential students to explore the platform and sample courses. The trial often lasts for 28 days and grants access to various course materials without charge.
During the trial, users can decide if Shaw Academy’s offerings meet their educational needs. It’s a good opportunity to test the quality of the courses and teaching methods. However, access to some premium features might still be restricted.
Subscription Costs
After the trial, users need to subscribe to continue accessing courses. Shaw Academy has several subscription plans:
- Monthly Subscription: Approximately $69.99 per month.
- Quarterly Subscription: Around $39.99 per month, billed quarterly.
- Annual Subscription: Roughly $20 per month, billed annually.
These prices are subject to change and may vary depending on promotional rates or discounts. Shaw Academy occasionally offers special deals to make their courses more affordable.
Certificate Fees
Certificates are an additional cost. While some courses include a free certificate upon completion, others may require extra fees. These fees can range from $39 to $59 per certificate.
Certificates provided by Shaw Academy are accredited and can be printed or shared digitally. They serve as proof of completion and can be useful for enhancing resumes or portfolios.
User Experience and Accessibility
Shaw Academy offers students a range of ways to access education, with simple navigation and flexible scheduling being key features. The platform is designed to be user-friendly, with options to pause and rewind lessons as needed.
Platform Navigation
The Shaw Academy website provides a straightforward navigation experience. Students can easily find courses using a search bar that filters results efficiently. The homepage features clear menus and dropdowns, allowing users to quickly locate their desired course.
Each course page is well-organized, with sections for course content, progress tracking, and student feedback. Navigation menus are consistent across the platform, ensuring students can move between lessons without confusion. Interactive elements like clickable icons and breadcrumbs enhance the navigation experience, making it intuitive for users.
Learning Schedule
Shaw Academy’s learning platform offers students a flexible learning schedule. During the pandemic, this flexibility has been vital for many learners. Courses are available on-demand, meaning students can study at their own pace. They can start, pause, and rewind lessons as needed to fit their personal schedules.
The platform also provides scheduled live webinars that students can attend if they prefer a more structured learning approach. Notifications and calendar integrations help students keep track of their progress and upcoming sessions. This adaptability ensures students can balance their studies with other commitments, such as work or family.
Content Accessibility
Shaw Academy ensures that course content is accessible to a broad audience. Videos come with closed captions, making them usable for those with hearing impairments. The platform is also compatible with various screen readers, enhancing usability for visually impaired students.
Courses are designed with mobile-friendly interfaces, ensuring that content is accessible on smartphones and tablets. This means students can learn on-the-go, fitting education into their daily lives with ease. Additionally, downloadable resources provide offline access to course materials, ensuring consistent learning even without a stable internet connection.
Shaw Academy Reviews and Accreditations
Shaw Academy receives mixed feedback from students and third-party platforms. Additionally, their accreditations impact the perceived value of their courses.
Student Feedback
Student reviews of Shaw Academy are varied. Positive feedback often highlights the wide range of courses available and the flexibility of online learning. Many students appreciate the interactive classes and practical assignments.
Negative reviews frequently mention issues with customer service and billing practices. Some students report unexpected charges or difficulty in canceling subscriptions. Course quality and instructor expertise get mixed ratings, with some students praising content while others find it lacking in depth.
Third-Party Reviews
Trustpilot features thousands of Shaw Academy reviews. Positive reviews praise the course variety, user-friendly platform, and interactive sessions. Negative reviews commonly mention concerns about billing practices and customer support.
Many reviews express frustration over the autorenewal policy. Some users also question if Shaw Academy is legit or a scam. Review platforms like Sitejabber and Better Business Bureau (BBB) show similar mixed feedback.
Accreditation and Recognition
Shaw Academy claims various accreditations for its courses. Many of their certificates are accredited by Continuing Professional Development (CPD). CPD accreditation is recognized in many industries and adds value for professionals seeking ongoing education.
Shaw Academy also collaborates with Austin Peay State University for some courses. This partnership enhances the credibility of their certificates and diplomas. However, Shaw Academy is not always recognized by all employers or educational institutions, and some may require further verification of certificates.