The phrase “possibilities are endless” can reflect the learning environment of the Web. Each of us learns differently, so what I find as a great resource may not be something you like. Money may be an issue in that you opt for free avenues instead of paid ones. The adage “get what you pay for” is also true. It doesn’t mean you can’t find a deal or a way to access content differently.
This three-part series will deal with various ways you might choose to learn. Today’s post deals with ways I learn online. I hope you find a few that you can use.
Podcasts
Podcasts are audio content. You can listen to them while you’re working out, taking a walk or commuting to your job. They are free content and often niche-specific. Podcasts I currently listen to include:
- Mind Your Business Podcast / Entrepreneurship and Spirituality
- Create and Thrive Podcast / Entrepreneurship and Crafting
- Self-Publishing Podcast / Entrepreneurship and Writing
Video
YouTube, Vimeo and other video sites allow you to digest free content in a visual manner. You can subscribe to channels that you find helpful. My own collection is a hodge-podge of crafting and hobby how-tos, software tutorials and more. You need to connect with someone who you feel comfortable watching.
Webinars
Introductory webinars are often free to entice you to purchase a more in-depth course. Some are content light and selling heavy. I tend to tune those out. If someone is willing to give me information I can work with, that moves my own knowledge further down the path I want to take, I am more willing to purchase courses from them. People I’ve followed through this route include:
- Tony Laidig / Public Domain and Creative Publishing
- Kristen Joy / Writing and Self-Publishing
- Daniel Hall / Business
You’ll find that once you find someone you feel comfortable with, you can learn about the people they partner with or follow and expand your options. I stumbled upon Tony from Jay Boyer and Tony’s the one who led me to Kristen and Daniel.
Online Learning Portals
Sites where many teachers congregate give you not only a variety of people to check out, but also reviews from others who have taken the courses. Read the comments to see what issues might have arisen. Some are designed so you pay for each course, some are a monthly or yearly fee that cover as many courses as you want to take. The one’s I’ve tried include:
- Udemy.com / Pay per course, sign up and watch for the specials to save a lot of money, variety of subjects
- Coursera.com / Free but it’s a lot of work with homework and discussions you must complete (reminds me of traditional education)
- Lynda.com / Monthly fees and focused on software, graphic design, etc.
- Skillshare.com / Yearly or monthly fees with a wide variety of subjects
- Curious.com / Yearly fees, I tried this before they went pay and a lot of the videos came from YouTube
Summits
Summits are a great way to learn a lot about a subject in a short period of time. These feature presentations given by a variety of speakers on the same topic.
For example, Chandler Bolt has done a self-publishing summit for the past two years. There’s an average of 4 speakers a day for 10 days. If you can keep up, you can do it for free. You have to watch the replays within a certain time. Otherwise, you can pay a fee and have access when you want.
What kind of learning are you interested in trying?
Pick one to start. I would recommend podcasts or videos. Find people you like and see where they lead.
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