It’s that time of year – schools are opening their doors all over the world. But who needs school? You may if you need the certificate they provide or if you need someone to help guide your learning process. But if not, the good news is that it is easier than ever to learn the things you’re interested in.
It used to be that a college education was the key to staying ahead in the job market. Access to thousands of free online courses has set a new standard. Now savvy recruiters look at your attitude toward learning. They ask the question, “are you a lifelong learner?”
Becoming one makes you more interesting, better equipped, and more productive among other things.
How do you become one?
The sum total of human knowledge now doubles every year. And even that rate is accelerating. We need strategies for learning. Here are four:
1. Foster curiosity. Ask questions. Explore new avenues of thought. The world is full of opportunities to learn – seize the ones you come across.
2. Read more. Youtube may be easier, but books give you greater depth and control over the scope of your learning.
3. Redefine learning. It’s not what a teacher delivers, but what a student grasps and masters. Take charge of your learning process.
4. Use your time productively. We have 16 hours in a day. Schedule your days and set learning goals. Isaac Asimov is a good example of what’s possible – he wrote over 500 books about history, science fiction, physics, chemistry and multiple other subjects.
What resources are available?
So many resources available! The following websites are just a few of the bigger ones. Spend some time checking them out – see if it doesn’t spur your curiosity.
Blinkist Non-fiction book notes
Code Academy Free coder training
Coursera Top universities offer free classes
CreativeLive Live stream courses for free or pay later to view later
Duolingo Learn a foreign language
Freebooks Free digital books
edX Ivy League level courses for free
iTunes U Free podcast lectures taught by top best professors
Lynda Over 6,000 courses on just about everything
Khan Academy More than 4,000 free videos
Mays Book Summaries David Mays summarized top books
Brainly Ask and answer any question
Sparknotes Book notes
TED Experts sharing their stuff in less than 18 minutes
Udacity Free college courses
YouTube EDU Thousands of free videos
This is excellent, thank you for sharing these resources!
THIS is amazing. Seth , you never cease to amaze me and all the body of Christ. You are a true blessing.
Thanks, Sandy.
Seth thank you for this….I have a deep desire to learn more and do more, but not about college classes or conventional learning. This last year, while my daughter was on the World Race, I have learned so much about walking with the Lord and so much about prayer and what a relationship with the Lord looks like. I have found myself reading book after book about how to go deeper and how to stay the course even when its hard. I dove into blog after blog to gain so much from racers. There is always so much to learn about the bible and about God and I can’t wait to see what’s next for not only my daughter, but for my husband and I. Thank you
It’s a joy to watch you grow, Sissy!
I’m working on a course on the topic of “Pain and the Kingdom of God” – I should be able to present it in a week or so on this blog. I’d love to get your perspective and help with it.
That’s great, Katie!
Thank you so much for all the wonderful resources! I’m older and don’t want to go back to school, but love to learn!!
I used to be afraid to ask questions because it meant admitting I didn’t know something. Being in environments where we’re all learning new things every day and where we’re not expected to know everything has helped me get rid of that shame and taught me to ask better questions.