The Great Courses was one of the first big names to enter the home learning business skills.
Offering users a chance to purchase high quality lecture series on VHS, it later expanded to a DVD and download service.
In 2015, The Great Courses entered the streaming market with the addition of The Great Courses Plus.
The Great Courses Plus subscription service, which was rebranded as Wondrium in 2021 to reflect its diverse learning offerings, reverted to its original name in June 2024.
This change means the Wondrium website and app are no longer available, but all courses previously offered on Wondrium are now accessible on The Great Courses Plus.
The Great Courses Plus is a subscription service that provides access to a library of over 4,000 courses on various topics. It is available on the web, as well as on mobile devices and tablets.
If you were a Wondrium subscriber, you can access your courses on The Great Courses Plus by logging in with your Wondrium credentials. This allows you to continue watching any courses you were in the middle of on Wondrium.
For those not subscribed to Wondrium, you can sign up for a free trial of The Great Courses Plus. The service costs $14.99 per month or $99.99 per year.
What Is Wondrium?
Wondrium was an online learning subscription service. Users signed up for a paid subscription and got access to the full range of online courses offered by the platform.
These courses range from lectures about applied mathematics to documentaries about world travel.
The document says that in June 2024, Wondrium will transform back into The Great Courses Plus. This suggests that the change from The Great Courses Plus to Wondrium was reversed.
What Is The Great Courses?
The Great Courses was launched in 1990 to offer video courses to home learners.
The courses of The Great Courses were recorded lectures from Harvard Law School professors, which could be purchased on VHS.
The company later expanded to include lecture series from other teachers, and in a wider range of subjects.
If you were interested in a lecture from The Great Courses, you could purchase a video à la carte. This would then be sent to your home for you to watch, enjoy, and learn.
As technology changed, The Great Courses offered a DVD service, and, later, digital downloads. Again, these were purchased on an à la carte basis.
In 2015, The Great Courses expanded with the release of The Great Courses Plus.
This was a streaming service, offering learners access to a range of audio and video lectures. Unlike the standard The Great Courses, Plus was a subscription-based service.
The Great Courses is still available (and still known as The Great Courses). It offers digital downloads and DVDs of lecture-style courses. These are one-off purchases, with no subscription service.
Is Wondrium The Same As The Great Courses?
Wondrium was originally a rebranding of The Great Courses Plus. If you enjoyed an original Great Courses course, there’s a good chance it’s still available on Wondrium. Fans of The Great Courses teaching method should definitely explore what Wondrium had to offer.
As of June 2024, Wondrium is no longer a separate platform. The Wondrium website now redirects to The Great Courses Plus, where users can access the subscription service and its extensive library of courses. The Great Courses Plus continues to be an offshoot of the original The Great Courses à la carte learning platform..
The Great Courses Plus vs The Great Courses: Which is Right for You?
Not sure which platform suits your learning style and budget? The Great Courses and The Great Courses Plus are both owned by The Teaching Company and offer a wealth of educational content, but their distinct features cater to different needs. This comparison will help you decide which one is the perfect fit for your learning journey.
Streaming vs. Downloads: Flexibility vs. Ownership
- The Great Courses: Offers individual courses as DVDs or digital downloads, providing lifetime access to the material upon purchase. This is ideal for in-depth study on a specific topic you want to own permanently.
- The Great Courses Plus (formerly Wondrium): A streaming platform offering a vast library of courses accessible online or via their app, even allowing offline viewing. This offers flexibility and variety for those who enjoy exploring different subjects.
Subscription vs. One-Off Payment: Budget and Commitment
- The Great Courses: Follows a traditional model with one-time payments for each course or bundle, making it a good option for those who prefer to invest in specific topics.
- The Great Courses Plus: Operates on a subscription model with monthly, quarterly, or annual plans, providing access to the entire catalog for a recurring fee. This is perfect for those who want unlimited access to a wide array of courses.
Course Types: Academic vs. Diverse Interests
- The Great Courses: Primarily focuses on traditional academic subjects, offering in-depth, university-level courses similar to video lectures. It’s a great choice for those seeking a structured, scholarly learning experience.
- The Great Courses Plus: Boasts a wider selection of courses, including not only traditional academic subjects but also practical skills, personal development, travel, and current events. This caters to a broader audience with diverse interests.
Who Each Platform Is Best For
- The Great Courses: Ideal for learners seeking in-depth, university-level courses on a specific subject and who prefer to own the material permanently.
- The Great Courses Plus: Perfect for casual learners who enjoy exploring various topics and value the flexibility of a streaming service with a wide range of content.
Take the Next Step
Still not sure? Both platforms offer free trials! Explore their course catalogs, watch sample lectures, and experience their unique features to determine which one aligns best with your learning style and goals.
Partnerships
The Great Courses Plus, previously known as Wondrium, has broadened its course offerings through partnerships with content providers like Kino Lorber, MagellanTV, and Craftsy. These collaborations introduced diverse subjects like independent films, documentaries, and crafting tutorials to the platform.
These partnerships continue to be a part of The Great Courses Plus, enriching the platform’s library with diverse and engaging content beyond traditional academic courses. This expanded selection caters to a wider audience and provides subscribers with a more comprehensive learning experience.
The Great Courses, on the other hand, remains focused on its original educational content and does not include the additional content from these external partners. It continues to be a platform for purchasing individual courses.
The Great Courses Plus Vs The Great Courses: Side by side
The Great Courses and The Great Courses Plus, both from The Teaching Company, offer distinct learning experiences tailored to different preferences.
The Great Courses: In-Depth and Permanent Learning
The Great Courses is designed for those who prefer a structured, traditional approach to learning. Courses are typically presented in a lecture format, with expert instructors guiding you through the material step-by-step. This platform is ideal for individuals seeking a deep dive into specific subjects and who value having permanent access to the course content.
Pros:
- In-depth, scholarly content
- Lifetime access to purchased courses
- Focused learning on specific topics
Cons:
- Requires individual purchases for each course
- Less flexible format compared to streaming
- The Great Courses Plus: Variety and Flexibility
The Great Courses Plus: Variety and Flexibility
The Great Courses Plus (formerly Wondrium) is perfect for learners who crave variety and flexibility. The platform offers a wide range of courses and documentaries, from traditional academic subjects to practical skills, hobbies, and current events. The streaming format allows for easy access on various devices, including smartphones and smart TVs, making it ideal for on-the-go learning.
Pros:
- Wide variety of topics and content formats
- Unlimited access with a subscription
- Flexible streaming and mobile app for on-the-go learning
Cons:
- No permanent ownership of course material
- Less in-depth focus on specific topics compared to The Great Courses
Which Platform is Right for You?
The best platform for you depends on your learning goals and preferences:
- If you prefer structured, in-depth learning on specific topics and want to own the material, The Great Courses is a great option.
- If you enjoy exploring a variety of subjects at your own pace and prefer the flexibility of streaming on various devices, The Great Courses Plus is the better choice.
Ultimately, both platforms offer high-quality educational content. The choice comes down to your individual learning style and priorities.
Is Wondrium, Now The Great Courses Plus Worth It?
The Great Courses Plus, previously known as Wondrium, is a growing platform with a rapidly expanding range of content. It boasts high-quality video production and offers competitive pricing for an online streaming service, especially when compared to similar platforms like
Though The Great Courses Plus may not have as many individual courses as some competitors, it offers a vast library of over 11,000 videos covering a broad and expanding range of subjects. The platform is constantly adding new content, ensuring there’s always something fresh to explore.
For those curious about trying The Great Courses Plus, there is a 14-day free trial available. This is a great way to sample the videos, see what the platform has to offer, and decide if it’s the right fit for your learning journey. Currently, the platform offers three subscription options:
- Monthly Plan: $20/month billed monthly
- Quarterly Plan: $15/month billed quarterly (total of $45 every three months)
- Annual Plan: $12.50/month billed annually (total of $150 per year)
Final Thoughts
In June 2024, Wondrium, the online learning platform known for its diverse content, reverted to its original name, The Great Courses Plus. This shift reflects a renewed focus on the platform’s core educational offerings and commitment to providing a wide array of high-quality courses.
While The Great Courses continues to offer individual courses for purchase, The Great Courses Plus provides a subscription-based model with access to an extensive library, including content from partners like Kino Lorber, MagellanTV, and Craftsy. Explore the expanded offerings of The Great Courses Plus here.
