Once you have decided the area in which you want to learn more, you need to choose the best way to do it. There are many options.

Classroom education

Consider enrolling on a classroom course in a university or a vocational Institute. Facilities like laboratories and workshops etc. are available at these institutions. These will have an important role in your learning if some practical exercises and experiments are part of the learning process.  For such courses, working along with peers is also a major advantage for clarifying doubts and learning from each other.

Learning Online

Online learning has its convenience. The most important one is that you can set your own pace and learn at your own convenient time. Online learning courses also provide opportunities to interact with the instructor and sometimes with fellow students. This helps you to get more information and to remove your doubts.

Platforms like Coursera, Udemy, Khan Academy, and edX offer a wide range of courses on various subjects. Many companies provide online learning platforms to their employees. Many of these courses are offered free. Websites like OpenStax and MIT OpenCourseWare offer free access to educational materials. Websites like YouTube, Skillshare, and TED-Ed offer tutorials and videos on a wide range of topics, from academic subjects to practical skills.

Reading books, articles, blogs, and other forms of literature is another way to learn at your convenience. Webinars and podcasts have become a major source of self-directed learning.  All these expose you to new ideas, perspectives, and information.

I came across this interesting idea on learning faster and better Learn Anything Faster?! This Will Blow Your Mind – Andrew Huberman (youtube.com)

Seminars and conferences

Attend seminars, conferences, and workshops related to your interests or professional field. These events often feature expert speakers and provide opportunities for networking. Similarly, joining clubs, meetups, or professional organizations related to your interests can provide opportunities for learning from others and in groups.

Learn with a Mentor

Find someone who has expertise in your field of interest and is willing to share his/her knowledge and experience. A mentor can provide guidance, advice, and support as you pursue your learning goals.

Apply what you learn with hands-on projects, experiments, or real-world applications. This can help reinforce your understanding and deepen your knowledge.

Choice of the mode of learning should be based on your ability to devote the time and energy required to undertake it, and the money you can spend.  Remember that learning is a personal journey, so find the methods and resources that work best for you and your learning style.

Certifications and diplomas

If you are taking a course for professional growth, it is advisable to take one which gives you a degree, certificate or diploma at the end. You may not need this for courses that you take for personal growth.

Conclusion

You can choose any of the following 9 ways to learn something new:

1. Join a full time or part time course
2. Online courses
3. Read books, articles, blogs
4. Webinars, podcasts, Ted talks
5. Seminars, Conferences, Workshops
6. Groups: learning clubs or meetups
7. Search engines – Google, Bing. ChatGPT
8. Hands-on projects
9. Mentors

Cultivate a curious mindset and stay persistent in your pursuit of knowledge. Learning is a continuous process, so explore new subjects or revisit familiar ones to deepen your understanding over time.

Photo by Kenny Eliason on Unsplash